Not often Chelsea lose 3-0 at the Bridge, only for the home fans to stroll out of the stadium with a skip in their step and barely concealed grins on their faces, writes Tim Harrison.
But after Arsenal unexpectedly caved at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, Sunday’s (12) visit from the Gunners' title rivals Man City to SW6 assumed new importance.
If the Blues can’t win the title, the reasoning goes, no point in handing bragging rights to a London competitor.
In truth, Chelsea never came close to beating City, with keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma only occasionally called into action.
Although it was still goalless at half-time, with Marc Cucurella’s netting ruled out for offside, Pep Guardiola’s team cranked up a gear for the second 45, and simply blew the Blues away.
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Nico O’Reilly headed the first, former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi met Raya Cherki’s cross to slot home the second, while Jeremy Doku – a right old handful on the wing – steered home a third after captain Moises Caicedo was caught in possession in front of goal.
It’s now three Premier League beatings in a row for Chelsea, who are slipping out of European contention… unless they can steady the ship next weekend when the other Manchester side visit.
I sat alongside Joe Cole in the press box, and he was adamant that Chelsea would never tamely lose a game even if it spoilt things for a London rival. But his phone was buzzing with messages from Arsenal mates right through the second half, indignantly complaining!
It was an entertaining, open game, but City’s superiority was evident for all to see. With the Gunners on the slide, few sides will be able to disrupt Guardiola’s gifted stars' march towards another title.
