Manchester Metropolis trimmed the hole to Premier League chief Arsenal to 5 factors by beating Chelsea 1-0 on Thursday after a double substitution by Pep Guardiola paid off instantly at Stamford Bridge.
Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish entered within the sixtieth minute and mixed for the one objective three minutes later, with Mahrez tapping in from shut vary after a superbly weighted cross by his fellow winger.
Metropolis solely got here to life within the second half after a curiously passive show earlier than halftime, maybe introduced on by a complicated staff choice by Guardiola that noticed quite a lot of gamers deployed in uncommon roles.
Recognized for his overthinking at instances, Guardiola accepted after the sport he received it incorrect. That is why he took off two full backs — Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker — at halftime and restored Rodri to heart midfield, with the Spaniard having additionally been in a hybrid position overlaying central protection, too.
All of the sudden, Metropolis was throughout Chelsea and creating possibilities, even when high scorer Erling Haaland was largely saved quiet and Kevin De Bruyne shone solely fleetingly.
“Within the second half, it was miles higher in all departments,” stated Guardiola, who reserved particular reward for halftime sub, the 18-year-old Rico Lewis, as a result of he “modified the sport.”
The objective got here after Guardiola’s second double change, although it might need been saved out had Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga stretched out to dam Grealish’s low cross from the left fairly than draw back his arm.
“I felt the keeper was going to get it at one level,” Grealish stated, “although possibly I ought to be praising my cross!”
Metropolis pulled 4 factors away from third-place Newcastle and closed in on Arsenal, which drew 0-0 at dwelling to Newcastle on Tuesday.
“We don’t deal with the desk … there is a lengthy technique to go,” Metropolis defender John Stones stated. “In earlier years we now have gone on lengthy unbeaten runs and we have to do it once more.”
Chelsea stayed in tenth place, 19 factors off the leaders. Graham Potter’s staff is as near the relegation zone as the highest 4.
Chelsea misplaced forwards Raheem Sterling, who joined from Metropolis within the offseason, and Christian Pulisic to accidents within the first half. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got here on for Sterling within the fifth minute and was substituted within the 68th.
One other of the substitutes, Carney Chukwuemeka, struck a shot in opposition to the put up on the finish of the primary half.
“When you think about the whole lot, shedding Raheem and Christian so early, the lads gave the whole lot,” Potter stated. “It was a spirited efficiency in opposition to a high staff, so aside from the consequence I’m happy with the gamers.
“It’s robust for the time being, I have to admit, and I really feel for the boys. We now have to stay collectively. It was disappointing to lose these guys however the gamers on the pitch and those that got here in gave the whole lot and that’s all you may ask for.”
The groups meet once more within the FA Cup on Sunday, with Metropolis internet hosting on that event.