Mahrez on target as City strike

Manchester City came from behind to keep themselves within nine points of Liverpool with a hard-fought win.

All the goals in an open contest at the Etihad Stadium came in the first half as the champions responded to N’Golo Kante’s early strike with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez.

Raheem Sterling thought he had added a late third for City, but his strike was ruled out for offside in a very tight VAR call.

Sergio Aguero hit the woodwork before the break, but the game ended with concern for City’s record goalscorer after he hobbled off 13 minutes from time.

The match was an entertaining one with both sides keen to attack. City had a good early chance when Aguero played in De Bruyne, but the Belgian drove his shot across goal.

Chelsea also went close after Tammy Abraham broke clear from a poor Mahrez pass and teed up Willian, but the Brazilian fired past the far post.

The visitors enjoyed a spell in the ascendancy and were rewarded for their positivity when they claimed the lead after 21 minutes. Mateo Kovacic picked out Kante with a wellweighted ball over the top and the Frenchman took a touch before poking a shot under the advancing Ederson.

That prompted a strong response from the hosts and they were level within eight minutes as De Bruyne struck from the edge of the area.

De Bruyne wrong-footed two defenders with a nice touch, but was then fortunate as his shot took two deflections to deceive Kepa Arrizabalaga.