Manchester City beat Chelsea to close gap at top

Riyad Mahrez

Defending champions Manchester City beat injury-hit Chelsea 1-0 on Thursday to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just five points. Pep Guardiola's men were well below par in the first half but were transformed after the break, with substitutes Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez combining for the only goal, scored by the Algerian in the 63rd minute.

Graham Potter's Chelsea came into the game at Stamford Bridge languishing in 10th place in the table but they had the better of the opening 45 minutes. However, it was a different story in the second half as the visitors found their attacking rhythm, with Guardiola admitting they were "miles better in every department" after the break. "We struggled a lot in the first half -- it was sloppy and slow and without rhythm," the City boss told Sky Sports. "In the second half it was much, much better from minute one."

Also Read: EPL: Man City beats Chelsea 1-0, trims gap to Arsenal to 5 points

Pulisic suffers injury

Christian Pulisic joined Chelsea's long injury list after hurting his right knee while attempting a shot on goal in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City.

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