Defending champs, Manchester City, shut out Chelsea 2-0 on goals from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez. The win allowed Manchester to make up some much needed points in the Premiere League title race.
Assisting in the team’s shutout was goalkeeper Joe Hart, who stole a penalty goal from Frank Lampard in the 52nd minute of play. The goal would have been the 200th for the Chelsea midfielder.
Eleven minutes after Lampard’s failed attempt, Toure delivered a 25 yard shot in the 85th.
After dropping three matches in a row, Manchester City was in desperate need of a win.
The defending champs are now 12 points behind Manchester United and seven points ahead of third-place Chelsea. The Chelsea loss also assists Tottenham and Arsenal in their bid for Champions League spots.
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech attempted to keep his team in the game, offering four brilliant saves against Toure, Matija Nastasic, and Jack Rodwell during early play.
The visitors were unfortunately soft on defense as captain John Terry started on the bench.
Chelsea’s best attempt at a goal came from Demba Ba, who jumped on a lofted pass from midfield but was denied as Hart dove just in time to claw the ball away.
City eventually regained its composure and followed up several missed opportunities by Chelsea for the win. Manchester focused much of its efforts on targeting the right side of Chelsea’s defense to free up Gael Clichy and David Silva on the overlap.
Manchester City’s win followed head coach Roberto Mancini’s public attack on his players. Earlier, the team’s coach faulted his players for sloppy play that has ultimately dropped Manchester City’s goal scoring total throughout the season.