Manchester City became the first side to take anything away from Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this season after a 1-1 draw with leaders Chelsea, but they will leave the capital with a feeling of what could have been.
It’s a result that leaves Jose Mourinho’s side five points clear at the top of the table but ends their run of 10 consecutive home wins, which has provided the platform for their strong first half of the season.
And they will be relieved to escape with their five-point lead in tact, after City dominated for long periods. Without Cesc Fabregas, who has 15 assists in the league already this season, and Diego Costa, their 17-goal striker, Chelsea looked shaky and bereft of quality.
They only managed two attempts on goal—none after the 41st minute—as City looked by far the more likely winners. Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who have still only lost once on the road all season, will see this as two points dropped, but there’s still plenty to play for in this title race.
It was a much improved performance from City, who have struggled to produce their best since the boxing Day win over West Bromwich Albion, and provides them with a significant boost for the coming weeks.
Their improvement was best exemplified by James Milner and Jesus Navas, both of whom were excellent throughout.
In the recent defeat to Arsenal, Milner was taken off at half time after an ineffective display, but here he was at his very best, harrying, tackling and forcing mistakes from opponents, offering attacking thrust and defensive solidity.
And Navas, who hit 18 failed crosses against the Gunners and has faced criticism of his big-game ability for some time, gave Cesar Azpilicueta his most difficult 90 minutes of the season, constantly looking to beat him, either by playing one-twos with his team-mates or using his pace to go beyond the Chelsea full-back.
Chelsea took the lead shortly before half time, after a first-time cross from Eden Hazard found Loic Remy inside the box and the Frenchman finished past Joe Hart, coming somewhat against the run of play.
Vincent Kompany, who was much improved from his display against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, could probably have dealt with the cross, but wary of putting the ball in his own net, he decided to allow it to go beyond him. Remy couldn't miss.
It was a sickener for City, who had edged proceedings in the opening period, but they found an equaliser moments before the break.
A superb cross from Navas caused Thibaut Courtois problems, as he flapped at the ball and allowed it to fall at the feet of Sergio Aguero. The Argentinian smashed it left-footed towards goal, leaving David Silva to apply the crucial touch and bring the sides level.
City’s marginal domination grew more pronounced after the break, with Chelsea clearly struggling after their gruelling midweek League Cup semi-final with Liverpool had entered extra time.
They looked out on their feet, struggling to keep pace with their opponents, and City, sensing a seismic victory, were by far the dominant side, but they couldn’t quite find what would have been a hugely significant winning goal.
There are positives for City, though. Traditionally, they find their best form towards the end of the season, and with Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony all set to come in and strengthen their side, they will only get better after what’s been a difficult few weeks.
After allowing their standards to slip, this game signalled a return to form for the Citizens, and the belief it will give them could be a launchpad for another attempt at eroding Chelsea's lead.
However, this could so easily have been a momentum-shifting win. Pellegrini surely sees this as a lost opportunity.
Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard
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