Chelsea continued their impressive run of form as they beat Manchester City to strengthen their position in the Premier League’s top four.
The Blues beat Pep Guardiola’s side 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to restore their five-point lead on Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, and of course hand Liverpool the title.
Things could have been very different though, with City starting to gain the upper hand after Kevin De Bruyne’s superb free-kick brought the visitors level in the second-half, following Christian Pulisic’s opener.
The Blues were helped though by the drinks break, brought in to help sides following the league’s long hiatus.
Chelsea came back out after their short stoppage all guns blazing, with Pulisic going agonisingly close to retaking the lead as he saw his effort cleared off the line by Kyle Walker.
The hosts were presented with the chance to go back in front though when Fernandinho was sent off for handball, and Willian made no mistake from the spot to secure victory, and in the process decide the destination of the title that night.
And footage from BT Sport’s coverage of the game has revealed what Frank Lampard and Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said to get the Blues going again.
With no crowd and the pitchside microphones turned up, Lampard can be heard saying: “Come on lads, come on. Same story, same story, get confident in ourselves.”
Azpilicueta then joins in, telling his team-mates: “If we have to play long, we play long. Then we go second balls. We get confidence from there.”
And the mini team-talk seemed to do the trick, with Chelsea reasserting themselves on the game thereafter as they strengthened their grip on the top four.
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