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Substituted in the 59th minute by Pep Guardiola, scored in the 63rd minute: Riyad Mahrez
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Defending champions Manchester City scored a major win in the Premier League championship race with a 1-0 win at Chelsea.
Three words were enough for Erling Haaland this time.
"BIG.
THREE.
POINTS," wrote the Manchester City goalscorer on Twitter on Friday night.
Three big points - what was meant was the win on Thursday evening at FC Chelsea, the team of German national player Kai Havertz.
Without a hit by the 22-year-old Norwegian.
Instead, Riyad Mahrez ensured the victory in the 63rd minute.
His substitution was less than four minutes ago.
As well as that of preparer Jack Grealish.
Coach Pep Guardiola made the right choice after a disappointing first half for the English champions with the hosts at Stamford Bridge in London plagued by injuries.
"I'm a genius," he joked afterwards, because after the game against Everton (1-1) on New Year's Eve, he was asked why he hadn't made a substitution before the 81st minute.
"I thought of that today and made a few (substitutions)."
The away win brought Manchester City within five points of leaders Arsenal, who played 0-0 against Newcastle United in Tuesday's top game.
"It could be seven or ten or eight points, now the gap is five points," said Guardiola.
"We have to look at ourselves." But he also had to admit that Arsenal play the way they deserve to be there, Guardiola praised.
mfu/dpa