Chelsea vs Manchester City live: Kevin De Bruyne goal secures 1-0 victory as Alvaro Morata is forced off with injury
Follow the latest from the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City overcame the midweek losses of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Benjamin Mendy to injury with a brilliant 1-0 victory over Chelsea in a match that they dominated and imposed over the reigning Premier League champions.
The match was finely balanced when Chelsea lost Alvaro Morata to what appeared to be a hamstring injury midway through the first half, but rather than send on Michy Batshuayi, Antonio Conte elected to replace him with Willian.
It left Chelsea without a focal point up front, and City went on the attack after the break, leading to Kevin De Bruyne's winner against his former side that ensures City remain level on points at the top of the table with Manchester United.
Follow the live action below...
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What times does it start?
The game kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday 30 September at Stamford Bridge.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 – coverage starts at 5pm. Alternatively, follow all the build-up and action from our live blog.
It’s a big game for?
Gabriel Jesus. With Sergio Aguero out, the responsibility of leading the front line falls solely on the Brazilian’s young shoulders. Jesus has been a revelation since joining City at the start of the year. His youth, confidence and verve have made for a dangerously good player who has seemed unfazed by every challenge laid at his door. Against Chelsea he faces a well-drilled and hardened Conte side who will be looking to teach the youngster a lesson in Premier League life. No doubt he’s up for the task.
Player to watch?
Eden Hazard. The Belgian was simply sublime against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, taking charge as the Blues recorded a memorable European win in the Spanish capital. His mazy runs, quick feet and vision will be intrinsic to Chelsea’s game plan against City. If Guardiola’s men are to stand any chance against the hosts, they’ll need to keep Hazard under wraps.
Head-to-head:
Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1, Premier League, April 2017
Manchester City 1 Chelsea 3, Premier League, December 2016
Chelsea 0 Manchester City 3, Premier League, April 2016
Form:
Chelsea: WWWDW
Manchester City: WWWWW
Odds:
Chelsea to win: 6/4
Draw: 12/5
Manchester City to win: 9/5
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the day's final Premier League game of the day as reigning champions Chelsea host joint-leaders Manchester City in a mouth-watering tie at Stamford Bridge.
The players are out on the pitch, Liquidator blares out on the Stamford Bridge PA and we are very nearly ready for kick-off...
KICK-OFF: Visitors Manchester City, playing in all purple, get us under way...
2 mins: John Stones is penalised for a foul on Alvaro Morata. Cesc Fabregas takes it quickly and nearly puts Morata in on goal. City recover quickly enough and it's cleared.
3 mins: Lively start from Chelsea. Kante, playing in that more advanced role we saw him play in midweek, ventures down the right wing and clips it in for Morata who nods just over.
City break at the other end and earn a free kick about 30 yards out...
De Bruyne hits it but it's a regulation save for his compatriot Courtois.
6 mins: Both managers are right on the touchline barking instructions to their players. It's been a good start to the game, being played at a high tempo.
8 mins: Chelsea are allowing City to knock it around at the back and are playing quite a deep defensive line, looking to break on the visitors at pace if they win it back... which isn't happening much. City are enjoying lots of possession.
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