Eden Hazard scored both Chelsea’s goals as the Premier League leaders moved a big step closer to the title.
It would have been an even bigger step had second-placed Tottenham not come from behind to win 3-1 with late goals at Swansea, but the Blues’ victory keeps them seven points clear of their London rivals and on course to be crowned champions.
Hazard opened the scoring in the 10th minute but a mistake by Thibaut Courtois presented Sergio Aguero with an equaliser.
Manchester City were then on top before Chelsea were handed a chance to regain the lead against the run of play when Fernandinho clumsily gave away a penalty by fouling Pedro 10 minutes before half-time.
Keeper Willy Caballero saved Hazard’s spot-kick but the Belgian scored from the rebound – his 13th goal of the season.
It proved to be enough to give Chelsea the points despite them having to absorb plenty of second-half pressure.
They made a slow start to the game but took advantage of some slack defending to take an early lead.
Cesar Azpilicueta pulled the ball back and Hazard’s shot took a deflection off Vincent Kompany, wrong-footing Caballero.
Cesc Fabregas’ deflected shot clipped the top of the City crossbar before Courtois’ error enabled the visitors to draw level.
The Blues stopper’s dreadful clearance fell straight to David Silva and although Courtois managed to keep out the Spaniard’s shot, the loose ball fell to Aguero, who tapped home.
However, Courtois atoned with a fine save to deny Leroy Sane shortly before Chelsea regained the lead.
City threatened after the break, with Kompany’s header from Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick hitting the top of the bar, Fernandinho blasting over after being teed up by Fabian Delph, and Aguero firing into the side netting.
Courtois came to his team’s rescue in the final stages, saving with his legs from Aguero after the striker had been set up by Nolito.
And in injury time, John Stones squandered a golden opportunity to equalise when he contrived to shoot over from four yards out.
This post was last modified on 06/04/2017