Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his delight after his side secured an "important" 1-0 win away against Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday night.
The Citizens were below par in the first half, with Guardiola making a few tweaks to his system, using a back three in possession with Joao Cancelo on the right wing, while Rodri dropped back into central defence when Chelsea had the ball.
Guardiola decided to revert back to a more familiar 4-3-3 system after the break, with Cancelo and Kyle Walker coming off for Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis, and City went on to dominate proceedings in Chelsea's half.
Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish were also brought on, and the attacking duo combined for the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute, with the latter fizzing a defence-splitting pass towards the former at the far post to tap home from close range.
Man City have returned to winning ways following a 1-1 draw at home to Everton last weekend, and their victory over Chelsea sees them move to within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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Speaking after the match, Guardiola acknowledged his side's much improved second-half performance and believes that the win at Stamford Bridge was "important" in their quest to close down the Gunners.
"We didn't play good in the first half," Guardiola told Sky Sports. "I said thank you to [Joao] Cancelo for his effort, playing in not his usual position.
"But we decided to go with a lineup where our players could adapt on the pitch if [Chelsea] decided to go five at the back. In the second half we were miles, miles better in every department. It's a big result for us.
"We struggled a lot in the first half, it was sloppy and slow and without rhythm. In the second half it was much, much better from minute one."
Guardiola added: "The three points are important, definitely. The players know it, for a long time we were at the top. But we try, we have the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and then Old Trafford (Premier League game against Manchester United).
"But it's important for these games, a win today, then Old Trafford then Spurs, it's important for the top of the league."
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Guardiola has also heaped praise on John Stones and Grealish, particularly the former who was named Man of the Match after a standout display at the heart of City's backline.
"John Stones he played extraordinary in the World Cup and he can adapt perfectly with three or out wide," Guardiola added. "He's calm, he's composed. He is playing at the best level, maybe for the first time in seven years since we arrived together. When he is playing like this it's so good.
"Grealish's body language is exceptional if he plays or doesn't play. Always positive. These type of guys always play good. His contribution was amazing. He was really good defensively too."
Man City and Chelsea will renew acquaintances in just three days' time when they lock horns at the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Citizens will then face Southampton at St Mary's in the EFL Cup quarter-finals before returning to Premier League action with the Manchester derby on January 14.
Oliver Thomas
