Ivanovic 32'
Mourinho masterclass maims Manuel's home record
José Mourinho can certainly talk the talk, but the Portuguese boss proved he can also walk the walk with a laudable show of tactical perfection on Monday night. A solitary strike from Branislav Ivanovic inflicted an excruciating wound into the seemingly impenetrable flesh of Manchester City's 100% home record and applied an extra coating of sugar onto a tantalizing title race.
It was a case of Plan A for Pellegrini's side who were bruised by the news of a late injury to Fernandinho and despite having experienced central midfielders Jack Rodwell and James Milner at his disposal, the Chilean's decision to employ Martin Demichelis in the vacancy played a significant role in Monday night's downfall.
Early predictions of Chelsea's bus driver steering his vehicle onto the pitch were rapidly dismissed as Eden Hazard and Willian galloped down City's deserted flanks and capitalised on the host's natural attacking intent. The calm head and solidity of Fernandinho were sorely missed, and the absent energy Sergio Agüero allowed John Terry and Gary Cahill to enjoy a relaxed evening.
(The hosts missed the influence of their £30m signing on Monday night)
However, early missed chances would later be regretted as David Silva and Yaya Touré squandering mouthwatering opportunities to give their side the imperative first goal. But Pellegrini's appetite for attack was perfectly punished by his Portuguese foe, and the visitors countered with untameable pace. Ticking to the trickery of Belgian winger Eden Hazard, Chelsea began to dominate proceedings and claimed a deserved opener on 32 minutes. An excellent block by Vincent Kompany fell cruelly into the path of Branislav Ivanovic who smashed in an exceptional 20-yard half-volley past Joe Hart.
(Ivanovic celebrates his stunning opener)
The battle of the league's top scorers v's the league's meanest defence promised to fascinate a frantic 47,364 man audience, but an unanimated partnership of Álvaro Negredo and Edin Džeko never threatened to assault Petr Čech's goal. The Spaniard's recent recovery from a shoulder injury raised questions over his fitness, and in truth, the 'Beast' never looked at his sharpest.
As the Etihad began to roar in frustration, the blues were treated to more of Mourinho's coruscating counter-attacking football and the visitors were denied a second when Samuel Eto'o's effort thundered against Joe Hart's cross bar. The break couldn't come quick enough for Manuel Pellegrini's men, and an extra 15 minutes of Chelsea domination forced the Chilean into summoning Stevan Jovetić for the unfit Álvaro Negredo.
Desperate to defend their 100% home record and a 20-game unbeaten run, the hosts huffed and puffed their way up the pitch, but to no avail. Speculative efforts from David Silva and Stevan Jovetić were divinely dealt with by Chelsea's Czech stopper and the Mancunian machine cried out for a fresh filling of oil.
(David Silva watches a perfect opportunity trickle wide)
Jovetić's introduction certainly added a spark to City's play, but Pellegrini's decision to throw on just the one substitute ultimately forced his side into surrender. Outwitted and outclassed, the blues slumped into the tunnel as the 'Special One' basked in an incredible achievement at the Etihad.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7 - Could do nothing for the goal and made an excellent stop from Ramires to keep the blues in the first half.
Pablo Zabaleta 7 - Beaten by Hazard on a couple of occasions and unfortunately found the Belgian in a menacing mood. However, attacked and defended with typical aggression and passion.
Vincent Kompany 7.5 - Did most of City's defensive work and martialed an out of sorts Matija Nastasić with a frightening ferociousness. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. 
Matija Nastasić 5 - His confidence seems to have taken a huge blow in recent weeks and it was another nervy performance from the Serbian on Monday night. Rollicked by his captain and escaped a certain sending off.
Aleksandar Kolarov 6.5 - City's main attacking threat down the flanks and his delivery was exceptional once again. Unfortunately, he couldn't defend as he attacked.
David Silva 7 - I hate criticising the Spanish magician but his conduct in front of goal is becoming laughable. Two easy chances were swiped at, but his free kick and overall effort in midfield made up for his mistakes.
Martin Demichelis 6 - His inclusion in central midfield had City fans worried in the build up, and rightly so. Started well with a few crunching tackles but became overwhelmed by the pace of the game.
Yaya Touré 7 - A powerhouse in the centre but couldn't get forward without Fernandinho sweeping up the play behind him. 
Jesús Navas 7 - A constant threat down the right with his pace, but his delivery lacked and he was rapidly sounded out.
Edin Džeko 5 - A frequent criticism of the Bosnian is that he misses too many chances, and it was the same old story on Monday night.
Álvaro Negredo 5 - Looked unfit and wasn't able to influence proceedings. Excellently manned by Terry and Cahill.
Substitutes
Stevan Jovetić 7 - Provided City with the spark they needed and forced Čech into making a top save.
Match Stats
Shots on target: Manchester City 3 - 6 Chelsea
Shots off target: Manchester City 17 - 8 Chelsea
