City must swat Bees to sting title rivals

AFTER peppering Djordje Petrovic's goal with 31 shots in Saturday's teatime kickoff at the Etihad Stadium, only City's players will know how they didn't extend their winning run to 12 matches.

- GEORGE SMITH

Despite falling behind to Raheem Sterling's opener shortly before half-time, City spurned a series of great chances to draw level before eventually breaching Chelsea's rearguard with less than 10 minutes remaining. Unfortunately for Pep Guardiola, Rodri's deflected drive came too late in the day.

Having already seen Liverpool cruise past Brentford and Arsenal crush Burnley earlier in the day, City knew they had to respond with a victory of their own. A win would have seen them draw level on points with Arsenal and sit just two behind Liverpool.

Instead, Guardiola's side are four points behind the leaders and two shy of Arsenal.

City must issue a firm response when they face Brentford for the second time in three weeks tomorrow night.

Regardless of the outcome of their clash with the Bees in midweek, City have two problems they cannot control: Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka.