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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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.
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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
34 mins: SUB: Morata is limping slightly on the half way line and he's clutching his hamstring. He heads off and goes straight down the tunnel. Willian on in his place. Big blow for Chelsea.
42 mins: De Bruyne dinks one over the top with Jesus and Sane rushing into the back post. The Brazilian can only get a nick on it with the top of his head, which sends it wide and takes it out of his teammate's path.
45 mins: Corner for City as De Bruyne's deep cross is cleared behind. He whips it in and WHAT A SAVE from Courtois! Fernandinho was perhaps seven or eight yards out and his header flashed towards goal. Brilliant reflexes from the goalkeeper.
45+2 mins: Hazard plays a brilliant square ball out to Willian... but the move breaks down. That was the first we've really seen from the Belgian.
HALF-TIME!
Manchester City have enjoyed the better of what has been an entertaining 45 minutes of football. Pep Guardiola will be slightly disappointed the scores are still 0-0 however.
Chelsea have been pinned back in their own half for large periods and will be worrying about that hamstring injury to Alvaro Morata. With Willian coming on his place, Chelsea are effectively playing a 5-5-0 formation, with the Brazilian and a fairly anonymous Eden Hazard as the two most advanced of their midfielders. Will Antonio Conte look to switch things up at the break?
48 mins: Corner for City... and another... but hoofed clear by Alonso.
51 mins: Jesus goes down under pressure from Christensen but the ref waves away shouts for a penalty.
53 mins: Walker and Alonso both go down after clashing in the air but look fine to continue.
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