Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City: Torres snatches last-gasp win at the death The Spaniard scored in the 90th minute after a mix-up involving Joe Hart to earn the hosts a stunning late victory over their Premier League title rivals at Stamford Bridge Oct 27, 2013 6:51:00 PM Fernando Torres took advantage of a disastrous last- minute defensive mix- up to give Chelsea a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. The match had been heading towards a draw after Sergio Aguero cancelled out Andre Schurrle’s opener but the 90th- minute strike for the Spain striker, who had earlier hit the crossbar, means the Blues move up to second in the table. Ashley Cole returned to displace Cesar Azpilicueta in Jose Mourinhos only change to the Chelsea XI that beat Schalke 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek. Vincent Kompany’s continued injury absence with a thigh complaint meant that City boss Manuel Pellegrini handed Martin Demichelis a debut at centre-back and pushed Javi Garcia forward into a holding role to match Chelseas three-man central midfield. The reshaped heart of the visitors’ defence was found wanting in the third minute as a corner was partially cleared and Oscar found Cahill, who blazed over when unmarked at the back post. City proceeded to dominate possession in the first quarter of the match without fashioning a clear chance and they offered up another for the hosts in the 29th minute. For a second time, their backline was virtually non-existent as Torres ghosted onto Ramires pass, only to fire over with the goal at his mercy. The striker atoned for his error three minutes later, though, with an electric burst of pace to beat Gael Clichy and cross for Schurrle to enjoy a simple finish. A seemingly rejuvenated Torres subsequently tormented Citys other full-back, Pablo Zabaleta - cutting in past the Argentina international and his countryman Demichelis to rattle Joe Harts crossbar with a superb curling effort. Petr Cech then beat away a rasping shot on the turn from Aguero in the 42nd minute as City pressed for a way back into the game. But Cech could do nothing four minutes after the break when the in-form Aguero made light of an acute angle to drill Samir Nasris through-ball into the top corner -it was the Argentines sixth goal in four outings and 10th of the season. Chelsea were suddenly reeling and Cech gratefully grasped Garcias free header from David Silvas free-kick after Ramires had become the fourth player into referee Howard Webbs notebook for hauling down Nasri. From similar situations at the other end, Torres and John Terry passed up opportunities from Frank Lampard deliveries and, by the time Cechs left boot had denied Silva in the 65th minute, the contest was wide open. Aguero searched for another inspired intervention as he lobbed over the far corner following a lightning-quick break involving Silva and substitute Jesus Navas, but it was Torres - and the unfortunate Hart - who were to have the final say. Pellegrinis team had appeared the most likely winners heading into the closing stages, but as they pressed, Chelsea substitute Willian launched a hopeful ball forward that caused a horrific moment for City defender Matija Nastasic and goalkeeper Joe Hart. Nastasic headed back towards his own goal, only to see the on-rushing Hart miss the ball to leave Torres with a simple finish for the winner.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 19:03:36 +0000
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