Manchester City 2 Chelsea 1
Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez came off the bench to inspire his title-chasing side to a vital victory and consign Chelsea to a cruel first defeat under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Tevez, who had not played for six months after a much-publicised falling out with City boss Roberto Mancini, came on with his side trailing to Gary Cahill’s deflected strike.
And he teed up the winner for Samir Nasri with a delightful reverse pass after Sergio Aguero had levelled from the penalty spot.
The manner of the result was particularly tough on the Blues, who looked set to become the first side to win at Eastlands in 15 months.
But City showed commendable spirit and belief to claim a 20th consecutive Premier League win and move to within a point of pacesetters Manchester United.
Chelsea, already missing injured skipper John Terry, were soon to be without right-back Branislav Ivanovic who was unable to play through a leg injury that clearly affected him from the outset.
But the introduction of Jose Bosingwa, who has so often been criticised for his defensive shortcomings, did not disrupt Chelsea’s rearguard.
The Blues looked organised and played with considerable discipline at the back.
David Luiz and Cahill were exceptional and kept the home side’s free-scoring forwards at arm’s length for most of the game.
City’s biggest threat before the interval when Chelsea looked to commit men forward and were too often guilty of being lazy in possession in the centre of the pitch.
Chelsea’s sloppiness allowed the hosts to edge possession and create two glorious chances.
Nasri was supremely unfortunate to see his clever lofted attempt come back off the bar with Blues keeper Petr Cech stranded.
But Mario Balotelli should have scored when one on one with Cech after a dreadful mistake by Frank Lampard.
The England midfielder played a careless pass inside and Balotelli raced through on goal but his cross shot was diverted away for a corner by the big keeper.
David Silva also shot wastefully over the bar.
But Chelsea also had several decent openings, the best of which saw Juan Mata shoot over after being brilliantly set-up by the excellent Torres.
And after an impressive opening to the second period, Chelsea led when Cahill reacted first to shoot at goal following a half-cleared corner. The ball took a big deflection off Yaya Toure and gave keeper Joe Hart no chance.
Having held out until the final 12 minutes, Chelsea appeared well set to hold on.
But substitute Michael Essien was penalised for handball when the ball was smashed at him from close range and Aguero coolly netted from the spot.
And Tevez then teed up Nasri to break Chelsea hearts in the final five minutes.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 22/03/2012
