There was no point playing it down – this game looked huge when it came to the title race.
After Arsenal’s defeat to a very impressive Bournemouth, City could go six points behind the Gunners with a game in hand if the win was secured at Stamford Bridge.
And with a clash against Mikel Arteta’s men next up in the Premier League after this capital encounter, it’s safe to say that we’re now into the business end of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side were bang in form and full of confidence, too, after winning the Carabao Cup final and then soundly defeating Liverpool to guarantee a swift return to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final.
But our opponents are one of the most dangerous teams in the division, with quality in abundance in their ranks like Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, Moses Caicedo and Joao Pedro.
Our reverse fixture should serve as a warning of what they’re capable of as they came from behind to pick up a point at the Etihad courtesy of a 1-1 draw in Manchester at the turn of the year.
Saying that, City knew that a maximum haul would put the pressure on at the summit heading into the final few weeks of the season.
How would it play out? Find out in the video player above.
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