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As it happenedended1506797413

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

Evan Bartlett
Friday 29 September 2017 16:15 BST
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Alvaro Morata is forced off in the first half with what looked to be a hamstring injury
Alvaro Morata is forced off in the first half with what looked to be a hamstring injury (Getty)

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.

Follow the live action below...

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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.

Jesus can expect to lead the charge against Chelsea
Jesus can expect to lead the charge against Chelsea (Getty)

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.

Eden Hazard is finally back to full fitness and looking his best
Eden Hazard is finally back to full fitness and looking his best (AFP/Getty Images)

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

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11 mins: A searching run from Kyle Walker results in a short pass to David Silva who shoots from the left edge of the box but fires wide.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:42
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12 mins: CLOSE! Thibaut Courtois dwells on the ball for far too long and is charged down by Gabriel Jesus. As the keeper tries to clear the ball it fires into Jesus' leg and flies over the bar. That could have gone anywhere!

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:43
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15 mins: Alvaro Morata is flagged for offside there as he bears down on goal. Kyle Walker, who had dived in and missed the ball, will be a relieved man.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:45
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Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:45
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Martin Keown on commentary was lambasting Courtois for nearly letting in Jesus just now, but former Sunderland and Aberdeen keeper-turned-pundit David Preece has a different view...

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:47
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19 mins: Corner for City as Delph's volley is deflected behind... it comes to nothing.

But John Stones has gone down awkwardly after trying to win a header and it looks as though he has hurt his wrist.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:49
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23 mins: Stones is back on and looks to be okay. City have had the best of the opening quarter, having enjoyed most of the possession and chances. It will be interesting to see if Conte tweaks his formation slightly or is happy to keep it tight and try to nick one on the counter.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:53
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26 mins: A scramble in the City box sees Chelsea  win a corner. Azpilicueta's volley was seen late by Ederson but the Brazilian got down well to save. 

City then break to the other end immediately and Sterling's cross is inches away from both Jesus and Silva who were queuing up at the back post to nod it home.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 17:57
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29 mins: Silva unleashes a shot from the left of the box under pressure from Fabregas but Courtois saves again. Corner for City.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 18:01
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32 mins: City really are dominating this game but can they capitalise? Chelsea are playing increasingly deeper which is making Morata and Hazard, who we've hardly seen, look very isolated.

Evan Bartlett30 September 2017 18:03

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