Kevin De Bruyne slays Chelsea, gives Manchester City 12th straight Premier League win

Manchester City has tightened its grip on the title race by winning a 12th straight match in the Premier League against a major foe.

The English champions defeated Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday to increase the gap over the London-based side to 13 points at the summit of the table.

A long-range strike by City star Kevin De Bruyne was all that separated the top two sides.

But the scoreline was flattering for Chelsea who struggled to mount any significant attack throughout the contest.

City was brilliant in the first half, smothering Chelsea and mounting pressure.

The home side had more than 60 per cent possession, while Chelsea could not manage a shot at goal for the entire 45 minutes.

On the contrary, City made several trips into Chelsea’s 18-yard box, firing five shots and being on target three times.

But for all its pressure the home side was unable to get onto the scoresheet.

City left-back John Stones fired a header towards goal from a corner straight to Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arrizabalaga was called on again in the 38th minute when City’s Jack Grealish was in on goal after Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić gave the ball away on the edge of his box.

Grealish fired on target but Arrizabalaga stuck his left leg out after rushing at the English international, deflecting the shot wide.

Chelsea started the second half more brightly, taking just two minutes to get its first shot on goal.

City keeper Ederson made a diving save to deny Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku from giving the away side an unlikely lead.

City resumed its pressure they continued to pressure the Chelsea goal.

The breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute when Kevin De Bruyne sent the home fans into raptures with a long-distance strike.

Receiving the ball just inside the opposition half, De Bruyne saw off the challenge of N’Golo Kanté before firing from outside the box.

He curled the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Arrizabalaga no chance of stopping it.

Liverpool is 14 points behind City, but has played two fewer games.