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.
Denne historien er fra February 19, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra February 19, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Bruno sees red, Onana's latest howler and United are in freefall
WOLVES fans howled 'Who the f**k are Man United?' and 'You're not famous any more.'
Ruben's successor is axed by Sporting
SPORTING Lisbon have sacked Ruben Amorim's successor Joao Pereira after only eight games.
Amorim on two pivotal decisions that swung game away from United
UNITED head coach Ruben Amorim stopped short of claiming Andre Onana was fouled for Wolves playmaker Matheus Cunha's goal.
Pep can't hide his alarm as Haaland and City fluff their lines-again
BOXING Day comes once a year but City cannot escape Groundhog Day this season.
Ex-City coach joins Red Ruud at Foxes
FORMER City coach Brian Barry Murphy has been appointed the new assistant manager at Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester City. Barry-Murphy, 48, left City this summer after three years at the club.
PEP: WE MUST ADD NEW PLAYERS
CITY manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that he wants to add new players to his squad in the January transfer window - and has revealed even his players are asking about the club's plans amid their current struggling form.
Fresh wave of injuries adds to pain as boss looks to long game
PEP Guardiola will only target January signings for City who can contribute to the club for the long-term, despite seeing his side's injury crisis deepen over the festive period.
Family tree of festive favourites
For The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside
Spending wrangles in 2025 for Reeves
RACHEL Reeves will enter 2025 with the economy flatlining, inflation rising and a looming Whitehall spending review which experts warn will be 'difficult.
Mild weather for Boxing Day swims
BOXING Day swimmers and walkers saw a grey and mild day with some drizzle in places, the Met Office said.
