Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race with an emphatic second-half performance to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, taking full advantage of Arsenal’s slip-up.
Pep Guardiola’s side scored three times after the break to move within six points of the leaders - with a game in hand - following Arsenal’s surprise defeat on Saturday.
City had been below their best in the first half, with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo both going close, but they emerged with renewed intent after the interval.
The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Cherki delivered a pinpoint cross for Nico O’Reilly to power home.
Just six minutes later, Cherki was involved again, threading a pass through for former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi to calmly slot into the far corner.
Chelsea’s resistance quickly crumbled, and Jeremy Doku sealed the win after capitalising on a costly error from Moises Caicedo, finishing clinically to wrap up a dominant display.
The result sets up a huge showdown next weekend when City host Arsenal in a potentially decisive clash in the title race.
Guardiola’s side once again showed their ability to hit top form at the business end of the season.
After a sluggish start, their second-half display was ruthless and controlled, highlighting why they remain such formidable title contenders.
Cherki was at the heart of everything, creating two goals and continuing his impressive campaign, while City’s clinical edge ensured there would be no repeat of recent dropped points.
With momentum on their side and a crucial game against Arsenal looming, City have firmly put themselves back in contention.
For Chelsea, the defeat deepens concerns over their late-season form.
It marked a third consecutive league loss and leaves them clinging to sixth place, with rivals closing in fast.
Despite a solid first half, Liam Rosenior’s side were overwhelmed after the break, exposing both defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge in attack.
Their struggles in front of goal and inability to keep clean sheets have become recurring issues, while off-field uncertainty and fan unrest continue to add pressure.
With European qualification now under threat, Chelsea face a critical period as they look to halt their alarming slump.
