Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Chelsea on Thursday underscored the depth of their talent-rich squad which may prove to be a trump card in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal as they bid to retain the title.
City coach Pep Guardiola threw on Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez – both guaranteed starters for many other teams – in the 60th minute, replacing England winger Phil Foden and Portugal’s Bernardo Silva.
Within three minutes, Grealish sent in a pinpoint cross for Mahrez to win the match for City.
The victory at Stamford Bridge, against an injury-hit and out-of-form Chelsea, moved City to within five points of Arsenal, who failed to pierce Newcastle United’s defence on Tuesday in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
While Arsenal have put their faith in the relatively inexperienced Eddie Nketiah as the man to replace injured striker Gabriel Jesus, City can count on Argentine World Cup winner Julian Alvarez should they need a back-up for goal machine Erling Haaland.
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