Chelsea vs Man City

Sports Mole previews Thursday's Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

[Click here](https://sporita.com/?utm_source=sportsmole&utm_campaign=156898)to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data [Chelsea](/football/chelsea/) and [Manchester City](/football/man-city/) sees the Blues welcome the English champions to Stamford Bridge for Thursday's Premier League battle. [Edouard Mendy](/people/edouard-mendy/), meanwhile, remains a doubt with his shoulder issue. [Aymeric Laporte](/people/aymeric-laporte/) (back) and [Ruben Dias](/people/ruben-dias/) (hamstring), but the former's issue is not expected to keep him out for an extended period of time. [Wesley Fofana](/people/wesley-fofana/) is unlikely to make the cut here either, but there is optimism over [Ruben Loftus-Cheek](/people/ruben-loftus-cheek/) - who has now returned to training from a calf injury - and [Ben Chilwell](/people/ben-chilwell/), although the latter may have to wait until the trip to Fulham next week. [Andros Townsend](/people/andros-townsend/) in 2018-19 - and Everton's [Demarai Gray](/people/demarai-gray/) put his name in the hat for the personal accolade to further dent Man City's hopes of a third successive Premier League title.

Graham Potter can secure a huge boost in Chelsea's bid to revive their season with victory over Manchester City this week.

Chelsea vs Manchester City match odds Chelsea vs Manchester City prediction Chelsea vs Manchester City team news

Chelsea take on Manchester City in back-to-back games as they look to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Will likely only start of Cucurella is shift into a back three, though there are calls for him to make an appearance in midfield given Chelsea's struggles after he featured there during the World Cup. The 23-year-old brings a level of pace that is lacking in the combination of Koulibaly and Silva and may be favoured against City. The veteran seems certain to start regardless of formation, with a rest much more likely for the FA Cup outing. Having played both games since the restart of the league, he may be handed a rest but Thiago Silva is in the same situation. Chelsea's last outing against the Premier League champions saw Potter make use of three central defenders in the form of Trevoh Chalobah, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella, with Lewis Hall and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the flanks. [ inability to score at the other end](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-nottingham-forest-potter-havertz-25875031).

Both sides have a long rivalry and are accomplished Premier League clubs. While Chelsea boasts two Champions League titles to City's zero.

Mourinho is the only manager to have spent a significant amount of time at Stamford Bridge. And despite Tuchle guiding the Blues to Champions League success, he was ousted following a string of dismal losses. In Europe, [Chelsea](https://khelnow.com/tag/chelsea-fc/) boasts two [Champions League](https://khelnow.com/football/category/uefa-champions-league) titles to [City](https://khelnow.com/tag/manchester-city/)‘s zero.

Chelsea face Manchester City in the first of their two meetings this week with both clubs looking to secure their first wins of 2023.The Blues can rev.

- Manchester City have won their first Premier League game in each of the last 10 calendar years, since a 1-0 loss at Sunderland in 2012. - Manchester City have only lost one of their last 25 away Premier League matches (W18 D6), losing 1-0 to Liverpool in October. £10) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. - Man City boss Pep Guardiola has suffered eight defeats against Chelsea as a manager in all competitions, his joint-most against an opponent (also eight vs Liverpool). Get up to £25 in free bets on selected events + 25 Free Spins on D10S Maradona slot. - Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling scored 91 goals in 225 Premier League appearances for Manchester City between 2015 and 2022. - Erling Haaland has seven goals in his six away Premier League appearances for Man City, netting twice in London in August against West Ham. They don’t look like they are going to hurt you. That’s what they look like. because I think he’s miles off it. They look like Brighton. They don’t really look like they are going to cut you open.

Graham Potter has a chance to kickstart the revival of Chelsea's lacklustre season when they host Manchester City in the Premier League on Thursday.

Plus, if there is ever a fitting time to take all three points off Chelsea, it is now seeing the avalanche of issues within the Blues team as they languish in ninth position on the table, an indisputable testament to their season so far. After a disappointing draw with Everton on the weekend, Pep Guardiola’s side cannot afford to drop any more points in their quest to wrestle an ‘unusual’ Arsenal off the top position on the table. The defending Premier League champions have slipped up on a number of occasions and have an eight-point deficit to make up in their challenge with Arsenal.

The most exciting game of the Premier League's Matchday 19 is set to take place on Thursday, when Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

If you're tuning in from the USA, then Peacock has you covered for the big match. - Premier League.

Graham Potter will be hoping for a response from his players when Chelsea take on Manchester City tomorrow evening at Stamford Bridge.

There is certainly from my perspective to him because he is a fantastic person but also because of what he has achieved as a football and coach. But after it is nice to speak and talk about the game.” And because you’re a human being and you don’t do everything perfectly – and there is always room to improve – it’s not like the people criticising you are 100% wrong. “We still need to wait for the clearances and all those formalities. "I think if you did the research on football – and not just Pep, other people in the game who’ve played against my teams and watched the work I’ve done – there is a general level of respect. We will try in every window to improve, but January is a complicated one because it's the middle of the season. Is that a sign of the relationship and respect Pep has for you? "As much as we want to win – and I don’t want to sound like it’s acceptable to lose, it’s not – but unfortunately part of the game is dropping points, is not succeeding, you’ve got to suffer and get better. They are a top team but we can cause them a problem, we can be ourselves and try to play well and put them under pressure. They are a top team but we have to think about ourselves, how we can do better, how we can take steps forward in our game. So it’s not thinking of it as a kickstart, we focus on the next match, try to improve and try to get better.” It will be a different game from the one we faced [on New Year’s Day] but it will be complicated and tough.

Chelsea hosts Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday as two Premier League heavyweights collide hoping to get back on track.

Pep Guardiola knows his team will take a little while to get back up to speed as so many played at the World Cup and this trip to Chelsea will be a great opportunity to get back to their best and prove they are more than capable of chasing down league-leaders Arsenal. USMNT star Christian Pulisic is playing well, while Chelsea need Marc Cucurella and Cesar Azpilicueta to step up amid their slew of full back injuries. Manchester City were held at home by Everton and this was the kind of result which happens to them once or twice a season. Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, and Wesley Fofana remain out, while Edouard Mendy (shoulder) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (calf) are working their way back. Man City’s Erling Haaland continues to score goals at an alarming rate as he has 21 so far in the Premier League. 12 for a PL match while City goes to Southampton in the League Cup. Chelsea’s owners and everyone connected with the west London club will have to be patient and give Potter time. Chelsea are struggling under new boss Graham Potter and even though some of their fans seem to be getting anxious, this was always going to be a long-term project. Everton then broke and scored a beauty with their one effort on target. Man City hosts Chelsea on Sunday in the FA Cup. They continue to be linked with big money signings as Todd Boehly and Co. After almost two decades of a hire ’em and fire ’em mentality, Potter is being asked to build an attractive, consistent team and that will take time.

Our predictions for Chelsea v Man City in the Premier League, including who we think will win and predicted line-ups.

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article). [Best players of all time](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/best-football-players-all-time/) [Best players in the world](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/best-football-players-world/) Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. This is a crucial game for both sides. [TV Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/) or [Streaming Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/streaming-guide/), or visit our [Sport](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/) hub for all the latest news. [8/1](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255) at [bet365](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255)) [17/4](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255)) Draw ( [16/5](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255)) Man City ( [8/13](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255))* [Live football on TV today](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/football-live-on-tv-tonight/) [Premier League TV schedule](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/premier-league-2022-23-tv-schedule/) [live football on TV](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/football-live-on-tv-tonight/) guide for the latest times and information. [learn more](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/commercial-links-on-radiotimes-com/))

Manchester City are hoping to capitalise on Arsenal's slip against Newcastle to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table when they travel to ...

It might be scary seeing that he only has two goals this season so far in Premier League play but, if anyone on the team is due, it's the Germany midfielder. He's due for an assist, and this is a game he should thrive in. De Bruyne has scored a goal in four of his last five Premier League appearances against the Blues, adding an assist as well. He has failed to score in three of those. Haaland has played in 15 Premier League matches this season. What's worse is that Guardiola has owned both Chelsea and Graham Potter of late. The teams they have kept clean sheets against are West Ham, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Southampton and Leicester City. There are a host of injuries for Chelsea to work around. Full-back issues are especially limiting for Graham Potter, who looks to be going with Christian Pulisic and Marc Cucurella in wide roles against City. Despite the heavyweight nature of this match, it features quite a one-sided odds sheet – and for good reason. A result against Pep Guardiola's side could be the signature result needed, but it will likely require an excellent performance to achieve that – something Chelsea have arguably not produced since October. Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland could be Chelsea's grim reaper, running away with the Golden Boot race in record-setting fashion.

Chelsea vs Manchester City preview, line-ups, predictions ahead of Premier League clash live on BT TV.

Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo, left out in recent weeks, are two examples of 'Pep Roulette' and the Man City boss suggested their absences have not been a tactical decision. Chelsea on Thursday is a huge test. But at the time I was raging, fuming, all of that. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz and Armando Broja - before his serious injury - have all been played up front with little success. A genuine Premier League title race is a rollercoaster of emotions and Manchester City are in the thick of one at the moment. In midfield Potter chops and changes with Denis Zakaria, Mason Mount and Jorginho forming the three in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest since the Chelsea boss has reverted to four at the back. Four wins, three draws and four defeats in 11 Premier League games has made for a fairly disastrous start to life at Chelsea for Graham Potter. The England winger has scored just four in 14 Premier League games and is struggling for form at his new club. The 28-year-old left Man City after seven years at the Etihad after becoming frustrated with his lack of game time in Guardiola's constantly rotating system. Chelsea take on Manchester City this Thursday in the Premier League with both sides desperate for a result in west London. Raheem Sterling is poised to face off against his old employers for the first time in the Premier League this season after swapping light blue for royal blue in the summer. Chelsea vs Man City: Potter seeks a landmark victory in battle of the Blues at the Bridge

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest injury and suspension news ahead of Thursday's Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City.

MANCHESTER CITY](/football/premier-league/chelsea-vs-man-city_game_156898.html) [1-1 draw](/football/chelsea/result/chelsea-held-by-forest-in-lacklustre-display-at-the-city-ground_503226.html) against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, while [Pep Guardiola](/people/pep-guardiola/)'s side suffered an identical fate in a [two-goal stalemate](/football/man-city/result/man-city-dealt-title-blow-as-gray-rescues-point-for-everton_503163.html) with Everton, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs. [Ben Chilwell](/people/ben-chilwell/) (hamstring), [Ruben Loftus-Cheek](/people/ruben-loftus-cheek/) (calf)

Where to watch the Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester City on TV & live stream in the UK, India and U.S..

[Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDR](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports) [Sky GO](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports) N'Golo Kante, Armando Broja, Wesley Fofana and Reece James will miss Chelsea's big clash against City due to injuries. The Blues have managed to win just once in their last eight Premier League outings. They are second in the standings, chasing league leaders Arsenal. [Sky Sports](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports) and stream on [Sky GO](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports). A win on Thursday would reduce the gap at the top of the table to just five points.

Manchester City can chip away at Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League when they take on Chelsea on Thursday.

Both teams have scored in all of City's last five matches and there have been over 2.5 goals in four of those games. [9/1 (10.00)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807) with Raheem Sterling set at [11/1 (12.00)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807). [17/4 (5.25)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807) and the draw is set at [3/1 (4.00)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807). [12/5 (3.40)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807) while team-mate Julian Alvarez is available at [9/2 (5.50)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807). [8/13 (1.62)](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01105807) with bet365. Chelsea vs Manchester City latest odds

Where to watch the Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester City on TV & live stream in the UK, India and U.S..

[Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDR](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports) [Sky GO](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports) N'Golo Kante, Armando Broja, Wesley Fofana and Reece James will miss Chelsea's big clash against City due to injuries. The Blues have managed to win just once in their last eight Premier League outings. They are second in the standings, chasing league leaders Arsenal. [Sky Sports](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports) and stream on [Sky GO](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11005&awinaffid=918243&clickref=SEOMatchPreview&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Ftv%2Fsports). A win on Thursday would reduce the gap at the top of the table to just five points.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, and his Chelsea counterpart, Graham Potter, have confirmed the players that will miss both teams' Premier League.

Chelsea will on Thursday night host Manchester City in the Premier League tie at Stamford Bridge. On his part, Potter said goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who sustained a shoulder injury while representing Senegal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will not play against Guardiola’s side. Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, and his Chelsea counterpart, Graham Potter, have confirmed the players that will miss both teams’ Premier League tie on Thursday.

3Manchester City will try to shorten distances to Premier League leaders Arsenal with a win when they visit London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea vs Manchester City preview How to watch Chelsea vs Manchester City When does Chelsea vs Manchester City kick off?

The wait for the first home game of 2023 is almost over, and it is a big game in the Blues' quest to climb the Premier League table…

As things stand, the Blues are one of just seven host clubs (24 per cent) to have tasted victory on home soil (by beating Bournemouth 2-0) in the 29 matches played since Boxing Day. Among the victories in that run was Man City’s visit to the Bridge on 25 June 2020, which ended in a 2-1 win for the hosts. The only previous teams to have managed that are Blackburn (1993-96) and Arsenal (2021-present). The Republic of Ireland international later compounded his miserable afternoon by skying a penalty, while also volleying a clearance into his own face. For three points at Stamford Bridge we have to go back to June of the Covid-affected 2019/20 season. In fact, since April 2018 the Blues have played 25 fixtures on this day of the week across all competitions, losing only once. That said, the Blues have lost each of the past three meetings with City since our Champions League final success against them in Porto almost two years ago. The summer signing’s first league goal since August was a major positive from Sunday’s draw, as were impressive first minutes back off the bench from [Mateo Kovacic](/en/teams/profile/mateo-kovacic) and from [Hakim Ziyech](/en/teams/profile/hakim-ziyech), who continued his World Cup form to create a potentially match-winning chance that tantalisingly eluded [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang](/en/teams/profile/pierre-emerick-aubameyang). Guardiola started with a 3-4-3 formation against the Toffees and was mildly critical of his players’ performance, suggesting he will look at ‘body language’ in training before selecting a starting 11. Equally, as a coach Pep Guardiola has not lost to any club more than he has the Londoners (eight times). In some of those games the champions misplaced their usual front-foot verve when attacking, and deep-defending Everton’s draw at the Etihad was surprisingly comfortable. Pep Guardiola’s side usually rise to the occasion against the Premier League’s best teams, winning 6-3 at home to cross-town rivals Man United.

Chelsea hosts Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday as two Premier League heavyweights collide hoping to get back on track.

The Gunners could be just two points clear of Man City at kickoff, but they could also have a chance to stretch their table advantage as high as eight. Spurs have not lost a home Premier League derby to Arsenal in eight-straight, with only two draws and the last one coming in March 2019. Chelsea has some work to do while surprising Fulham and Brighton are hanging around on the periphery and are having fine campaigns. As for City, they make eight changes to the team which lost at Southampton in midweek as Haaland and De Bruyne are tasked with unlocking this suddenly very stingy United defense. No big chances yet but City are dominating possession with United happy to sit back and play direct. His cross is blocked and then a cross is swung in but Ederson saves the header. 18, while Manchester City host Tottenham on Thursday, Jan. Manchester United travel to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Jan. Jack Grealish had put City ahead after jumping off the bench but late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford grabbed the win for United. Man City’s Erling Haaland continues to score goals at an alarming rate as he has 21 so far in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola knows his team will take a little while to get back up to speed as so many played at the World Cup and this trip to Chelsea will be a great opportunity to get back to their best and prove they are more than capable of chasing down league-leaders Arsenal. 12 for a PL match while City goes to Southampton in the League Cup.

Chelsea and Manchester City will go head to head twice this week, starting with tonight's Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City. It will also stream live on the broadcaster’s Sky Go app. Is Chelsea vs Man City on TV tonight?

Chelsea take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge and here are the betting tips for the game as Graham Potter look for a win over the champions.

At the beginning of this, I warned you that there wouldn’t be much optimism coming from my end, and I think my picks reflect that belief. It’s remarkable that both teams still boast top-four defenses in the English top flight, but there’s been very little evidence of that lately. Since that match, the forms of these teams have been moving in opposite directions as well. While I’ve been pretty negative toward our beloved Blues for the majority of this article, I’ll at least go neutral with a second potential play. Winning our bets and collecting money always helps to soften the blow of a devastating Blues’ defeat. The players’ collective lack of desire to push for a late winner was especially shocking.

Chelsea battle Manchester City in a huge Premier League showdown tonight.

[CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CHELSEA VS MANCHESTER CITY LIVE!](/sport/football/chelsea-fc-vs-man-city-live-stream-premier-league-2023-latest-score-result-watch-tv-team-news-b1051085.html) Chelsea vs Man City prediction [Erling Haaland](/topic/erling-haaland)’s superlative goalscoring form.

Chelsea and Manchester City will play each other twice in the space of less than three days with their first fixture coming in the Premier League on January ...

India: Star Sports network has the rights to show Premier League matches in India. The rest of the matches are streamed on NBC platform Peacock for subscribers. "I’m the head coach so my responsibility is to the players that are here and then we’ll try to improve in every window. [fuboTV](https://www.fubo.tv/stream/ca/epl/?irad=1372819&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial) in Canada. [fuboTV](https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?bgvideo=EPL-Mornings.mp4&title=Watch%20Premier%20League%20matches%20on%20NBCSN&subinfo=Stream%20on%20your%20TV,%20Computer%20and%20other%20devices&priceline=See%20them%20live%20or%20record%20for%20later&irad=356365&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial), Peacock [Watch every Premier League match live with fuboTV in Canada](https://www.fubo.tv/stream/ca/epl/?irad=1372819&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial)

Manchester City will aim to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal when they travel to Chelsea, who are searching for form under Graham Potter.

1.73 - 2.00 1.73 - 1.89 1.73 - 2.10 The west Londoners will hope to pick at any remaining scars from that Porto reverse, especially with City not being at the top of their game. India: Star Sports network has the rights to show Premier League matches in India. Manchester City and how the teams might line up.

Chelsea have endured a difficult first season under the new ownership of Todd Boehly and ClearLake Capital which saw Graham Potter replace Thomas Tuchel as ...

Chelsea will pose a threat on the break, but they could be overwhelmed at the other end." [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64120810) column, Chris Sutton revealed he is a fan of Potter but feels that City will be out for revenge after dropping points against Everton. [recovering from a hamstring injury](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-injury-news-james-kovacic-25897574?int_source=nba) suffered back in November, with Ben Chilwell set to make a comeback from injury next week. "His side were lucky to escape with a point against Forest on Sunday but the result isn't the problem, it's more the manner they got it. Chelsea are set to face Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this evening as they aim end a poor run of form against Pep Guardiola's side. Chelsea spent close to £300million in the summer on eight new arrivals including former City star Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea and Manchester City will play each other twice in the space of less than three days with their first fixture coming in the Premier League on January ...

India: Star Sports network has the rights to show Premier League matches in India. The rest of the matches are streamed on NBC platform Peacock for subscribers. "I’m the head coach so my responsibility is to the players that are here and then we’ll try to improve in every window. [fuboTV](https://www.fubo.tv/stream/ca/epl/?irad=1372819&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial) in Canada. [fuboTV](https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?bgvideo=EPL-Mornings.mp4&title=Watch%20Premier%20League%20matches%20on%20NBCSN&subinfo=Stream%20on%20your%20TV,%20Computer%20and%20other%20devices&priceline=See%20them%20live%20or%20record%20for%20later&irad=356365&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial), Peacock [Watch every Premier League match live with fuboTV in Canada](https://www.fubo.tv/stream/ca/epl/?irad=1372819&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial)

Man City will cut the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just five points with victory over Chelsea.

He slips the ball over to Hall who touches the ball into the box then smokes his effort wide! The reigning champions cut the gap on league leaders Arsenal to five points after Riyad Mahrez tapped home Jack Grealish’s cross. FT Chelsea 0-1 Man City Chelsea 0-1 Man City If we perform like we did today I am sure we will have a fighting chance come the end of the season.” A few big moments with blocks and things we’ve done in defending in training and it came off today. How we especially played in the second half was brilliant. An argument can be made here how it’s inevitable that this grand Abu Dhabi project will start to overtake everyone when you can bring on £160m worth of talent in two subs - especially against an Arsenal who already look like they will have to push themselves to the limit. A quarter of an hour later, [Jack Grealish](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/jack-grealish) and [Riyad Mahrez](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/riyad-mahrez) were brought on, and the two combined to make it 1-0 and cut the gap to [Arsenal](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/arsenal) back to just five points. These are also the sort of hard-fought and hard-thought wins that change mentalities and change the moods of title races. [Kyle Walker](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/kyle-walker) and [Joao Cancelo](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/joao-cancelo) - of all players - were first hauled off. If that seems premature, or overstated, this is when the champions’ runs have generally started.