Livescore: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City

 

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 Mourinho's only change to the Chelsea XI that beat Schalke 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek.

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 City's other full-back, Pablo Zabaleta - cutting in past the Argentina international and his countryman Demichelis to rattle Joe Hart's 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.