Manchester City produced a scintillating second-half performance to storm past Chelsea and capitalise on Arsenal's shock defeat to Bournemouth, reducing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to six points.
There was no breakthrough before the interval with the net only bulging for Marc Cucurella's disallowed 16th-minute strike, but City came out swinging after the restart and found an opener via the head of in-form Nico O'Reilly, converting Rayan Cherki's cross.
Cherki was then once again provider for City's second, punching a delectable ball through to Marc Guehi who produced a striker's touch and finish to double his side's lead, putting the visitors in complete control.
Jeremy Doku put the game to bed with just over 20 minutes to play, slotting past Robert Sanchez after Moises Caicedo was mugged of the ball, securing a win that puts City in a confident position ahead of next weekend's title six-pointer with the Gunners.
Follow all the latest updates from Stamford Bridge in our live blog below.
Chelsea vs Manchester City LIVE
- Man City storm past Chelsea with scintillating second-half performance
- City make ground on Arsenal after shock Bournemouth loss on Saturday
- Report: The Man City mindset that dismantled Chelsea and sets them apart from Arsenal
- Man City sweat on Nico O'Reilly fitness before Arsenal clash
Man City sweat on Nico O'Reilly fitness before Arsenal clash
08:21 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City were left sweating on the fitness of Nico O’Reilly last night after the left back was substituted with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
He was replaced just after the hour, but appeared to be laughing with Pep Guardiola as he went down the tunnel and returned to the bench to watch the remainder of City’s 3-0 win.
Guardiola did not provide an update afterwards, but City will be hoping he is available for next week’s potential title decider against Arsenal at the Etihad.
The Man City mindset that dismantled Chelsea and sets them apart from Arsenal
08:00 , Miguel Delaney at Stamford BridgeSo, by comprehensively disassembling a dismal Chelsea, Manchester City have appropriately set the stage for next Sunday.
They know that if they beat Arsenal at home they will have definitively swung the title race, and that a win over Burnley can put them back on top. Mikel Arteta’s side are equally aware that even a draw still keeps the trophy in their hands.
You could say it’s the best possible setting, except this is not a meeting of two challengers both going in on their best form. It’s only one.
While Arsenal endure a long week of the soul at the worst possible time, City are coming together in a confidently exuberant manner. You could feel it among the fans, one of them captured drinking from an Arsenal bottle. You could feel it all around the stadium, amidst the anger of Chelsea fans, and - eventually - the many empty seats.
The Man City mindset that dismantled Chelsea and sets them apart from Arsenal
Man City blow Chelsea away with scintillating second-half display
07:00 , Will Castle
"Oh he is the man right now, living his BEST life!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Nico O'Reilly stamps his authority at Stamford Bridge with a goal! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/d7te8cGs5b
What a finish from Manchester City's Marc Guehi! 💥 pic.twitter.com/Q1NUwbNOdh
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Jérémy Doku adds a third! Manchester City are in IMPERIOUS form 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/w94Slz4lq8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Rosenior laments Cucurella offside
06:00 , Will Castle"Cucu's offside. I saw an image of it in on the big screen. I'm not using it as an excuse for the second half performance, but if that goal goes in but we go up in our confidence and energy,” Rosenior told Sky Sports.
“But we have to be more resilient to setbacks. Tactically first half, we were very good. We denied City the spaces and were very good in transition.
"But we have to stay in the game. You're playing against a good team, you have to stay in it. You can go a goal down, but the most disappointing thing is we didn't stay in the game."
Guehi gets his flowers
05:00 , Will CastleLethal in both boxes 😮💨
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 12, 2026
Your @EASPORTSFC Player of the Match is @MarcGuehi13 👏🩵 pic.twitter.com/Bot0BUA0wT
Man City fan with Arsenal bottle goes viral
04:00 , Will Castle— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Rosenior takes accountability for Chelsea form
03:00 , Will Castle"I'm accountable,” he told Sky Sports. “This is a group that something we have to improve at. It starts on the training pitch, your habits and values. We've already spoken about these things.
"I can't say there was a lack of effort, especially in the first half. There was a lack of confidence in the second half, we started losing the ball more easily. We have to improve because at the moment, we're in a difficult place and have another big game next week."
Doku on Guardiola's half-time team talk
02:00 , Will Castle"He said that we had to go more to the right,” Doku told Sky Sports. “I felt in the first half, we were more on the left and on the right, we had to have more movement in behind.
"When you have that, there are other spaces that open and we had to keep on going. Winning the second balls so that we can keep attacking.
"He told us that time was running so we have to score.
"We also knew we had an objective so it gave us an extra boost as well."
Stat attack
01:00 , Will CastleSome of Opta’s finest to throw at you after today’s win...
Rayan Cherki has assisted two or more goals in four different matches this season; the most of any Premier League player across all competitions in 2025/26, with Bruno Fernandes behind him on three.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have lost back-to-back Premier League games by three or more goals for the first time since February 2018, where they lost 3-0 to Bournemouth and 4-1 to Watford under Antonio Conte.
And to showcase Man City’s fighting spirit, Pep Guardiola’s side have lost just one of their last 43 matches when playing within their final 10 games of the Premier League season, winning 32 times and drawing 10.
Sturridge on Arsenal and Man City's run-ins
Monday 13 April 2026 00:00 , Will Castle“There are difficult games for both City and Arsenal,” Daniel Sturridge said on Sky Sports. “Every one is difficult. City's belief is only going up and they've been there and done it so many times.
“There's no underdog between these two. There are leaders in that Arsenal dressing room. You can't let that doubt seep in. It's about next week's game.
“Arsenal cannot have a inferiority complex. You have to erase it. They can't go into this game with any doubt. It's a cup final in some ways and they have to view it as that.”
Guardiola: 'We are growing'
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:30 , Will Castle"The past is something unique,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “But we are growing.
“We have long weeks now, being out of the Champions League. We are more fresh, training everybody, people understand more what to do. That's the reality.
"Three opponents, three Champions League and not for 90 minutes, but we were solid enough not to concede much."
Doku: The title race is on
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:00 , Will Castle"I would be crazy if I didn't believe,” Doku told Sky Sports when asked if he believed City could turn this title race around.
"I believe the race is on. We have a big game now, we're going to recover well and look forward to it."
On whether next weekend’s clash with Arsenal is title-deciding, he added: "I think so. If you win this game, it is a big punch towards them.
"If you lose, it's in their hands and we have to wait for them to lose. But if we win, it's in our hand sand I prefer to have it in my hands."
Cherki: 'I don't feel pressure'
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:30 , Will Castle"Now we can go and play against Arsenal, which is a big game for us,” he told Sky Sports.
"I don't feel the pressure. I just want to play with my teammates, give the pleasure [to the fans], give the good passes... for all the players because we need the goals."
Richards hails Man City's mentality on big occasion
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:00 , Will Castle“Players can be very nervous,” Micah Richards said on Sky Sports. “The experienced players will be cool and think they can get back in the race. Marc Guehi has come from Crystal Palace where he won the FA Cup, he's playing well, scored a big goal today.
“The difference with this Man City camp is that they have a different level of confidence. Man City can come back into this race at any time because they have got the quality to do that.”
Neville: 'Man City are smelling blood'
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:20 , Will Castle“Man City are smelling blood,” said Gary Neville on Sky Sports. “They are heading into a free week to prepare for a monstrous clash next weekend.”
Micah Richards added: “It's on. They have got the win. Now next week is humungous. I cannot wait!
“The fans believe and they have not stopped believing, the away fans are brilliant. I'm not saying they are going to go and win it but they have given themselves a chance and that's all they can do.”
Rosenior: 'Any team will miss Fernandez
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:00 , Will Castle"Any team will miss Enzo,” Rosenior said on Fernandez’s suspension while speaking to Sky Sports. “Myself backed by the leadership group and sporting directors made a decision for the long-term of the club.
"There's nothing personal with Enzo. He will be back with the group on Tuesday. He is a top, top player and a really good guy. Really looking forward to having him back."
On whether there are unresolved issues with Fernandez, he added: "The hurdle I spoke about. Enzo wanted to have a conversation with the leadership group - the main players of the group - and speak to the players. The time I had the press conference, he hadn't done that yet.
"He has spoken with me, the leadership group and all of the players and we look forward to welcoming him back."
Concern over O'Reilly injury
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:40 , Will CastleIt wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Manchester City today, with man of this moment Nico O’Reilly being forced off with a hamstring injury.
He was smiling with Pep Guardiola after heading down the tunnel so fans will hope it isn’t too serious.
The left-back has netted six goals in his last eight games.
Title race state of play
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:20 , Will CastleManchester City have closed the gap from nine to six points on leaders Arsenal. But that’s only part of the story.
That’s because City host Arsenal next weekend in a title six-pointer, meaning they could reduce that deficit to three. Of course, if the Gunners win that crunch match, they’ll take back complete control of the title race; but considering their recent blip, Arsenal nails will be gnawed.
And on top of next week’s clash, City have a game in hand on the Gunners.
It’s all very much heating up.
Rosenior laments same old story
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:00 , Will Castle"Not good enough in the second half,” he told Sky Sports. “We didn't start the half well, we had moments to clear the box and didn't. We had the moment to keep the ball and didn't.
“They were camped in our half for the first five minutes, where we concede a goal. Great cross and great header.
"Then it's a similar story for the past month now in terms of dealing with setbacks. When you go a goal down against a team as good as this, what you have to do for the next five minutes is stay in the game.
"Before you know it, it's 2-0 and it becomes a difficult half against an outstanding team. We want to chase the game but you know if you do, with the players they have and the way they play, you have to keep the ball. It ended up being a difficult second half."
The Man City mindset that dismantled Chelsea and sets them apart from Arsenal
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:50 , Miguel Delaney at Stamford BridgeSo, by comprehensively disassembling a dismal Chelsea, Manchester City have appropriately set the stage for next Sunday.
They know that if they beat Arsenal at home they will have definitively swung the title race, and that a win over Burnley can put them back on top. Mikel Arteta’s side are equally aware that even a draw still keeps the trophy in their hands.
You could say it’s the best possible setting, except this is not a meeting of two challengers both going in on their best form. It’s only one.
While Arsenal endure a long week of the soul at the worst possible time, City are coming together in a confidently exuberant manner. You could feel it among the fans, one of them captured drinking from an Arsenal bottle. You could feel it all around the stadium, amidst the anger of Chelsea fans, and - eventually - the many empty seats.
The Man City mindset that dismantled Chelsea and sets them apart from Arsenal
Guardiola: We must respect Arsenal
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:46 , Will Castle"The question of this week will be that we are playing next week against a team who in 49 games, lost three,” Guardiola told Sky Sports, speaking on Arsenal. “In the Champions League games, they didn't lose once. I know how difficult it is. They've won all the games except one, which they drew.
"Playing the Carabao Cup with Man City completely as underdogs - there was not one person in the country who bet £1 on us - that's much better.
"Now it will be a bit different. Etihad at home, City is on top form, but the respect I have for Arsenal - what they've done in the last two or three years, because I know a little but the manager but the players and the quality.
"How they compete in every circumstances, that will be the biggest job that we have to work in our heads. This tactical issue, but maybe they will adjust something, maybe we adjust something. But they have been the best team in this country and Europe so far today.
"Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks. So we have to rest, prepare and read exactly what we have to do. But I would like to say to my fans: respect Arsenal a lot. They're an extraordinary team. They are. It's not naive, it's not to make them feel something that they are not.
"But at the same time: come join us and support us minute one. The players will do the maximum."
Chelsea's woes mount
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:30 , Will CastleChelsea lost their fourth game in five across all competitions, their third straight in the Premier League, and now sit four points adrift of Liverpool outside the top-five.
They’re now just a point ahead if Brentford and Everton, and two in front of Brighton and Sunderland. If all four teams win next weekend, the Blues could drop to 10th.
Pretty dire times for Liam Rosenior.
Guardiola hails Cherki after Chelsea win
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:15 , Will Castle"Rayan Cherki is an extraordinary talent,” he told Sky Sports. “The second goal, the pass to Marc, he saw him!
"We talk a lot, sometimes he plays in the positions close to Donnarumma. Your talent has to be in the final third. How good are you at winning games? Assists and something nobody can he. be there, close to Haaland and the wingers. We will bring the ball closer to you.
"After that, he is more practical and effective. But he's so young. If he understands that, he will be become an extraordinary player. He already is, but being more is good for him and Man City. But he's so young.”
Man City fan with Arsenal bottle goes viral
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:00 , Will Castle— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
"He's just realised that he's become an influencer!" 😅🎙️ pic.twitter.com/4fhH9ELMJ4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Man City storm past Chelsea to ramp up pressure on Arsenal
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:45 , Will Castle
Guehi insists Arsenal woes don't matter
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:34 , Will CastleAsked if he was hoping Arsenal’s players were watching Man City close the gap, Marc Guehi told Sky Sports: "It doesn't really matter. The most important thing is that we did the job today and we focus on the game coming up now.
"Everyone did their job today and let's move on to the next one."
Guehi and Cherki wax lyrical about each other
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:32 , Will CastleMarc Guehi and Rayan Cherki are speaking to Sky Sports.
“Second half especially we did well. We just want to improve. When we’ve got players like this guy (Cherki), it’s all good,” Guehi said.
Speaking on who was most responsible for City’s second goal, Cherki responded: “It’s not my pass. When I gave the pass for him [Guehi], I'm not good because I don't know if he score. But when he did, I'm happy for him and the team.”
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:29 , Will CastleManchester City produced a scintillating second-half performance to storm past Chelsea and capitalise on Arsenal's shock defeat to Bournemouth, reducing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to six points.
There was no breakthrough before the interval with the net only bulging for Marc Cucurella's disallowed 16th-minute strike, but City came out swinging after the restart and found an opener via the head of in-form Nico O'Reilly, converting Rayan Cherki's cross.
Cherki was then once again provider for City's second, punching a delectable ball through to Marc Guehi who produced a striker's touch and finish to double his side's lead, putting the visitors in complete control.
Jeremy Doku put the game to bed with just over 20 minutes to play, slotting past Robert Sanchez after Moises Caicedo was mugged of the ball, securing a win that puts City in a confident position ahead of next weekend's title six-pointer with the Gunners.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:27 , Will CastleNINE BECOMES SIX!
Manchester City are smelling blood.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:25 , Will Castle90+6 mins: Haaland is again denied by Sanchez who dives across to catch his header.
Sanchez then holds onto the ball for 11 seconds, three more than the time allowed for keepers, leading the referee to award City a corner as per a new rule this season.
Rosenior just looks deflated.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:22 , Will Castle90+5 mins: The shout from the City fans is: “Are you watching Arsenal?”
By now, I’d expect no. Neither are many of the match-attending Chelsea fans.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:20 , Will Castle90+2 mins: Haaland wants in on the action but his shot on the turn inside the box is blocked by a Blues body.
City are just knocking it about to the “oles” of the away end. In their pomp.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:19 , Will Castle90+1 mins: Eight minutes added on, eight minutes until the gap at the top of the table is chopped by a third.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:18 , Will Castle88 mins: The stands are emptying at Stamford Bridge and Liam Rosenior is making one for change for the sake of it.
Gusto is replaced by Acheampong.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:13 , Will Castle85 mins: Chelsea have a free-kick in a dangerous position after a pretty nasty challenge on Gusto.
Palmer steps up and fires low to the goalkeeper’s side, but Donnarumma reads it and saves.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:11 , Will Castle83 mins: SAVE! That is some stop by Donnarumma to deny Cucurella, who had darted through the City line to latch onto a dinked ball.
He headed goalwards from six yards out but Donnarumma stands strong.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:10 , Will Castle81 mins: Another shot at Chelsea’s goal comes from Semenyo as City search for a fourth, but it’s straight down the throat of Sanchez.
More changes for both teams now. Silva, on his way out at City, comes off for former Chelsea man Kovacic, making his first appearance after a lengthy absence with injury.
And for Chelsea, Joao Pedro and Caicedo are replaced by Delap and Essugo, the latter earning his Premier League debut.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:07 , Will Castle77 mins: Pep Guardiola is making some more changes. Foden replaces Cherki and Savinho is on for Doku.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:04 , Will Castle76 mins: Defenders for both teams have come close to getting on the scoresheet.
Cucurella drills one from the left just wide, before Khusanov lets fly from 35 yards and just flashes his effort past the post. That had Sanchez worried.
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:02 , Will Castle73 mins: Rodri just went down looking like he’d rolled his ankle, writhing in pain. It looked like a bad one, for someone who has had such rotten luck with injuries since winning his Ballon d’Or in 2023.
But he’s back up, walking on the touchline and looks like he’ll come back on. A relief for City fans, we think...
Chelsea 0-3 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 18:00 , Will Castle69 mins: The broadcast cameras panned to a City fan during the celebrations sucking on an Arsenal bottle... that’s a not-so-subtle message to their title rivals.
They’ve then gone back to him as his fellow fans showed him that he’s just become an internet sensation.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
GOAL! Chelsea 0-3 Man City (Doku, 68')
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:56 , Will CastleGAME OVER.
Robert Sanchez throws the ball out to Moises Caicedo but he’s mugged of the ball, allowing Jeremy Doku to drive into the box and just slip it past the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Nine points is becoming six.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:56 , Will Castle67 mins: Double change for Chelsea sees Lavia and Garnacho enter the fray - there are boos from the home fans, not sure towards who.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:55 , Will Castle65 mins: Guehi provided heroics down one end, now he’s doing it at the other. It’s a big block to deny Palmer just inside the box, who looked to sweep the ball home on the pull-back.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:51 , Will Castle63 mins: Well this is a concern for City.
Goalscorer O’Reilly, who has been in scintillating form, has just gone down holding his hamstring.
It’s not all peachy for Pep Guardiola’s side, and this will be it for him.
He’s replaced by Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Man City (Guehi, 57')
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:46 , Will CastleAnd City DO get their second!
It’s a composed finish by Guehi but that was ALL about the pass from Cherki, who after darting beyond a couple challenges just punches a ball through Chelsea’s defensive line.
Take nothing away from Guehi - it was a striker’s touch and strike - but that Cherki assist was a thing of beauty.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:44 , Will Castle55 mins: City have started this second half in rampant fashion.
They’re searching for a second and nearly find it moments after the first, with Semenyo breaking into the box before cutting inside and firing.
Cucurella is required to intervene and force a corner.
The away end are in full voice.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City (O'Reilly, 51')
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:39 , Will CastleCity’s man of the moment strikes again, and it’s lift off for the visitors!
A brilliant delivery for Rayan Cherki is met by Nico O’Reilly, who after his Carabao Cup final heroics comes to the forefront for Pep Guardiola’s side again, heading past Robert Sanchez and breaking the deadlock.
What a huge goal that could be in this title race.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:38 , Will Castle49 mins: There’s just been an appeal for a penalty from City after Doku went down under the challenge of Palmer.
Palmer stepped across the Belgian who appeared to slip due to the body movement rather than get tripped, and the appeals are waved away.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:37 , Will Castle47 mins: CHANCE! Haaland should be doing a lot better there!
Doku does really nicely to find Haaland in the box, but the Norwegian’s shot is blocked in crucial last-ditch challenge by Hato. It actually looked like the striker had scuffed his shot, so that was heading well wide anyway.
City work it well again as Semenyo gives it to Cherki on the other side, with the Frenchman then flashing a shot across goal and wide. Maybe Haaland should’ve anticipated that at the back post...
BACK UNDERWAY! Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:34 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again at Stamford Bridge!
Rosenior gives half-time thoughts
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:33 , Will CastleLiam Rosenior has just given a half-time interview with Sky Sports.
He says the game has been very tight but wants his team to keep playing like they have been, while recognising the threat of Jeremy Doku on the left.
And here come the teams for the second half.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:21 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:19 , Will CastleWe’re still goalless at the break despite both teams probing for an opener.
Chelsea thought they’d broken the deadlock through Marc Cucurella on 16 minutes, only to see the offside flag go up.
Man City aren’t yet fully capitalising on yesterday’s result at the Emirates...
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:17 , Will Castle46+2 mins: Last chance to cause some trouble for Chelsea as they get a free-kick deep just past the halfway line.
It’s lofted in towards Andrey Santos who connects with a header but can’t get it close to the target.
And there’s the whistle!
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:16 , Will Castle45 mins: CLOSE! Semenyo darts in from the right and aims for the bottom corner from the edge of the box, but it flashes just past the post. Sanchez looked beaten.
It did take a deflection so City have a corner - but Silva’s delivery sails through everyone and out for a goal kick.
One minute added on.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:13 , Will Castle43 mins: We’re approaching the interval but here come Chelsea, who are ticking the ball around the City box trying to fashion an opening.
A cross eventually comes in from Andrey Santos but it’s easily caught by Donnarumma.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:09 , Will Castle39 mins: CHANCE! Another half-chance for City comes and goes, this time falling to Cherki who receives the ball on the edge of the box but can only fire straight at Sanchez.
The Spaniard spills the ball but retrieves before a City shirt can pounce.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:06 , Will Castle35 mins: That chance came after a heart-in-mouth moment for City as the ball dropped into no man’s land between Donnarumma and Khusanov, with Joao Pedro chasing.
Donnarumma hesitates but in the end moves out and gets there before the Brazilian.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:05 , Will Castle34 mins: SAVE! City find joy down the left-hand side through Doku, who gets into the area before pulling it back to the approaching Silva.
He doesn’t get a clean strike on the lofted ball and Sanchez is able to get his body in the way.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 17:03 , Will Castle30 mins: Chelsea are knocking at the door again! It all stems from a loose ball back to Donnarumma, which he has to hoof out for a throw.
Chelsea then fashion a nice opening for Joao Pedro with Gusto putting in an inviting ball but the Brazilian can’t get a toe on it.
On the other side, Neto takes the ball to the corner flag and pokes through the legs of Nunes, driving into the box before pinging it across. City struggle to get it clear, with Donnarumma punching into the air, before the flag goes up for offside.
Donnarumma then has words with the referee, to which Chris Kavanagh responds with a reminder to watch his tongue.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:58 , Will Castle26 mins: The game has slowed down significantly in the last 10 minutes.
Doku tries to spark the match back into life as he bursts into the box - he goes down at pace and appeals optimistically for a penalty, but nothing given by the referee.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:50 , Will Castle19 mins: SAVE! Another chance for the hosts goes awry as Neto pounces on the ball after a City man is muscled away in his own box, drilling low only to be denied by Donnarumma.
NO GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:47 , Will Castle16 mins: Cucurella is played in by Joao Pedro and beats Donnarumma with a fine finish... but the flag goes up!
It’s tight but VAR confirms the decision. A let-off for City.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:43 , Will Castle13 mins: Now the referee shows his card, but for a Chelsea player. Estevao is penalised for booting the ball away.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:42 , Will Castle11 mins: Rodri is incredibly lucky to escape a yellow card as he pulls Palmer’s shirt as the Chelsea forward tries to drive towards the box.
It’s a blatant booking that the referee has missed - Palmer is rightly furious.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:40 , Will Castle8 mins: Momentum is shifting in Chelsea’s favour after a strong first few minutes for the visitors.
They break forward through Palmer and Neto, with the Portuguese winger slipping the former City man who fires at the side netting.
They again get into the same area a couple of minutes later, with Khusanov producing an important block to force a corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:35 , Will Castle4 mins: City are knocking at the door. They require some good defensive work from Gusto to clear the resulting corner but the visitors come again, playing Rodri into the box who dinks it across.
It’s easy work for Sanchez who collects and hastily hoofs the ball down to his opposite number at the other end of the pitch.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:34 , Will Castle2 mins: City starting on the front foot and win an early corner as Semenyo runs at Cucurella down the left.
In the stands, Haaland Sr is watching - as is Coventry boss and Blues legend Frank Lampard.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:30 , Will CastleWe are UNDERWAY at Stamford Bridge!
Here come the teams
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:27 , Will CastleThe teams are out under the sun!
Closing in on kick-off
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:25 , Will CastleWe are just a few minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
The players are lining up in the tunnel... this match could have huge ramifications on the Premier League title race.
Not one to be missed - we’ll have minute-by-minute updates from the clash right here. Don’t go anywhere!
Pep Guardiola: Man City must now win every game to have chance at title glory
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:20 , Will CastlePep Guardiola believes Manchester City must now win every game to have a chance of pipping Arsenal to the Premier League title.
The City manager said: “The situation that we are in in the Premier League, we need to win all of them otherwise it will not give us a chance to try until the end.
“We need to do a lot of points. We were not consistent enough and during the season we dropped points we should have taken. That’s why we are in a position that now we cannot do differently.”
Liam Rosenior denies self-sabotage by sticking with Enzo Fernandez ban
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:09 , Will CastleLiam Rosenior has dismissed suggestions overlooking Enzo Fernandez for the Man City game was self-sabotage.
“Football is a team sport; it’s not about individuals, it’s not about shooting yourself in the foot,” said Rosenior.
“There are certain values and cultures that I believe in, that this club believes in, that makes the team stronger if you get that right.”
He also played down claims that willingly leaving out one of his best players damaged the integrity of the competition, adding: “No (that is not a concern). I’ve got an outstanding squad, full of outstanding players.
“It’s still a very difficult team to pick in terms of the starting XI. I need to get that right in the next few days.”
Chelsea vs Man City: Prediction
Sunday 12 April 2026 16:00 , Will CastleMan City are the favourites for the win, but Chelsea will be desperate not to make unwanted history. They have lost their last two matches without scoring; first a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle and then a 3-0 loss at Everton.
They last lost three in a row in May 2023, and they last did so without scoring, way back in March 1998, when they went four without a goal.
The good news for them, though, is that City have been conceding goals. They have drawn both of their last two Premier League games, despite scoring first each time. The first was a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, followed by a 1-1 draw with West Ham.
But considering form and added title incentive after Arsenal’s defeat yesterday, we have City emerging from Stamford Bridge as the victors.
Chelsea vs Man City prediction: City to win - 6/5 Betfred
Head-to-head: Chelsea's woes against Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:51 , Will CastleLiam Rosenior’s side are without a win in their last 12 matches against City in all competitions and the last nine Premier League games, drawing three and losing six since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.
City have also won four of their last five matches at Stamford Bridge, while the other was a 4-4 draw in November 2023.
The last meeting between the two sides, back in January, also ended all square when Enzo Fernandez scored in added time to cancel out Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike.
Pep Guardiola in the dark over Bernardo Silva’s Manchester City future: ‘I don’t know what’s going on!’
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:39 , Will CastlePep Guardiola has paid tribute to Bernardo Silva as his captain nears the end of his Manchester City career - but claims he is yet to be told of his departure.
The City manager said: "I'm so grumpy with Bernardo because a month ago I said, 'If you take a decision I have to be the first to (know)' and he didn't say anything to me yet.
"I said, jokingly, 'Tell me, I deserve it' but he didn't tell me so I don't know what's going on!"
Guardiola then added: “I judge players when everything is difficult and he always steps up and says he is here to help.
"He has been an incredible signing for us, incredible. I love this club amazingly and I would love if he could stay and finish his career here but I do not know.
"He will decide what he will decide and announce to the club and the media and the fans. It is his decision."
How seven Premier League teams could qualify for the Champions League after clinching fifth spot
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:31 , Will CastleThe Premier League could boast seven clubs in next season’s Champions League if all the right pieces fall into place – but now we know five will be guaranteed, in a huge boost for Chelsea.
The extra place was sealed after Arsenal emerged 1-0 victors at Sporting in their quarter-final first leg, with Kai Havertz snatching a late winner in Lisbon.
It is the second consecutive year that the Premier League has earned an additional spot, with the English top flight at the pinnacle of the European Performance Standings.
Last term saw an unprecedented six English clubs qualify for Europe’s premier competition; five by their league position, while Tottenham earned their place in the league phase after winning the Europa League.
Yet that inflated contingent could grow even more this year, with the Premier League appearing as one of the more prominent beneficiaries to the competition’s expansion to 36 teams that came into effect at the beginning of 2024/25.
Here’s what would need to happen for seven English clubs to feature in next season’s Champions League:
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How seven Premier League teams could qualify for the Champions League
Players arrive at Stamford Bridge
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:31 , Will Castle
No Fernandez for Chelsea
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:28 , Will CastleAs was confirmed by Liam Rosenior, there is no Enzo Fernandez in Chelsea’s squad with the Argentinian serving a two-match internal suspension.
It means Andrey Santos keeps his place in the side while Moises Caicedo returns alongside him in the double pivot in place of Romeo Lavia, who started in the cup thrashing of Port Vale last weekend.
Marc Cucurella is also back in the team at left-back with Jorel Hato moving inside into centre-back in place of Tosin Adarabioyo.
None of Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Filip Jorgensen return to the squad.
Donnarumma returns for City
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:24 , Will CastleIt’s an identical side for Pep Guardiola to the one that thrashed Liverpool in the FA Cup last week, barring the expected goalkeeping change which sees Gianluigi Donnarumma return between the sticks for James Trafford.
Neither John Stones nor Ruben Dias passed late fitness tests, with both out of the matchday squad.
Man City team CONFIRMED!
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:20 , Will CastleMan City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Kovacic, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden.
Your team to face Chelsea! 💪🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 12, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Kovacic, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/VPYShOTZzI
Chelsea team CONFIRMED!
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:19 , Will CastleChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Tosin, Sarr, Essugo, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, Delap.
⏰ Time for team news! 🗞️#CFC | #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/GuwSWQ1ZG9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 12, 2026
Team news coming up
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:12 , Will CastleWe’re just a few minutes away from confirmed team news at Stamford Bridge - here’s a reminder of what we know already:
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been ruled out of selection for this game after his controversial comments regarding a move away from the club. Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Filip Jorgensen could all make a return, though Jamie Gittens, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are all out until late next month.
For City, both John Stones and Ruben Dias will face late fitness tests, while Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined.
Premier League title race: Who has the tougher run-in?
Sunday 12 April 2026 15:05 , Jamie BraidwoodVerdict: This will be a run-in of two halves, with everything building up to the meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal in mid-April, and then everything that follows. But Arsenal’s fixtures before and then after going to the Etihad look more favourable than City’s, particularly their final stretch.
Premier League title race: Do Arsenal or Man City have the easier run-in?
Premier League title race: Man City's run-in
Sunday 12 April 2026 14:59 , Jamie BraidwoodPlayed: 30 | Points: 61 | GD: +32
Toughest game? Pep Guardiola’s side have to be close to perfect before hosting Arsenal, so the game that now stands out is the away trip to Chelsea. The Blues are unpredictable, and are in a dismal run of form under Liam Rosenior, but have risen to the occasion at home this season.
Final straight? On paper, much tougher than Arsenal’s. Brentford and Bournemouth could be in the mix for European qualification over the final weeks of the season and City have to play them both in their final three games. Then, they host Aston Villa on the final weekend of the season. Will Unai Emery’s side have Champions League qualification wrapped up by then, or will they face a late fight to get into the top-five? City could do with hoping Villa get to the Europa League final that midweek.
Premier League title race: Arsenal's run-in
Sunday 12 April 2026 14:45 , Jamie BraidwoodPlayed: 32 | Points: 70 | GD: +38
Toughest game? It’s obviously the trip to Manchester City next week, with just five more league games to follow after that. Arsenal have not won at the Etihad since January 2015 and their title challenge went up in smoke there in a 4-1 thrashing in April 2023, before arguably playing too safe in a 0-0 draw in March 2024. City’s 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley adds another fascinating layer to what is shaping up to be a title battle for the ages.
Final straight? On paper, it’s looking good for Arsenal. In May, they will play Fulham and Burnley at home. Mid-table Fulham will likely be in ‘nothing to play for’ territory while 19th-placed Burnley could well be down by the penultimate weekend. West Ham, though, could be fighting for their lives, and Crystal Palace, too, could be dragged into danger by the final game of the season. Still, the Gunners might not have to play a top-half team in May.
Pep Guardiola sends warning to Man City players after Arsenal slip-up
Sunday 12 April 2026 14:31 , Will CastlePep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to his Manchester City squad, declaring that next weekend’s clash with Arsenal will be rendered irrelevant if they fail to secure victory against Chelsea this Sunday.
"Talking about Arsenal, if you don’t win at Stamford Bridge – that’s not an easy place to go – maybe we don’t need to make the press conference before Arsenal because it’ll be over," the City manager stated emphatically.
"Everybody knows it. You know it, I know it, the players know it, everybody knows it. England knows it."
The Enzo Fernandez saga highlights a key difference between Chelsea and Man City
Sunday 12 April 2026 14:16 , Richard JollyWhen they last met, Enzo Fernandez had the last word. Chelsea evidently feel the midfielder who occupies the dual roles of vice-captain and rebel has talked too much since, and have suspended the World Cup winner for Sunday’s match against Manchester City. In January, however, it was Fernandez who delivered the 94th-minute equaliser at the Etihad Stadium. Calum McFarlane’s only point as a Premier League manager – perhaps ever, perhaps until Chelsea sack someone else again – came at the expense of Pep Guardiola.
Liam Rosenior will be the ninth Chelsea manager the Catalan has faced with City; and that is only counting Frank Lampard once, though Guardiola has encountered him in both stints in charge. Rosenior against Guardiola could be an FA Cup final rivalry, though Fernandez’s recent provocative words, praising the Englishman’s predecessor Enzo Maresca, may have struck a chord at City. The Italian was Guardiola’s assistant, although, despite suggestions that seemed to emanate from Maresca himself, it is hard to imagine him as the outstanding candidate to replace him whenever he does go.
But Fernandez helped highlight a difference between clubs with superficial similarities; each transformed by an injection of wealth, each having a period of dominance, each facing charges – Chelsea’s settled now – over financial deceit to help fund champion teams. The Argentinian covets a move to Real Madrid. So, seemingly, does Rodri. Guardiola shrugged it off, saying no player could turn down Real, that if anyone is unhappy, they can leave City, but that he hopes the Ballon d’Or winner stays. Rodri was not suspended by City; instead, he excelled in their 4-0 win over Liverpool last week.
Richard Jolly previews today’s clash at Stamford Bridge:
The Enzo Fernandez saga highlights a key difference between Chelsea and Man City
Enzo Fernandez apologises to Chelsea for Madrid comments – but still has ‘hurdles to overcome’
Sunday 12 April 2026 14:07 , Will CastleChelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has cast further doubt on Enzo Fernandez’s future by admitting a “few hurdles” need to be overcome to resolve the midfielder’s situation, despite the Argentinian apologising for his comments on a potential move to Real Madrid.
“I had three or four (conversations) with Enzo,” said Rosenior. “He’s apologised to me, he’s apologised to the club, and we’ll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday.”
Asked about the talks with Fernandez, the manager continued: “It’s a serious meeting about something very serious that Enzo has said.
“Every single step along this way, I’m not questioning Enzo’s character, I’m not questioning who he is as a person.
“I believe people make mistakes and you can’t overstep the punishment for the mistake. We’ve made a sanction, I made a decision, and what I want from Enzo is to go on here and have an outstanding career.
“He won’t play on Sunday but hopefully after that he will be a massive part of the group moving forward.
“There are still are few hurdles that need to be overcome that I won’t go into, but at the same time I want every player really, really focused on a huge run-in.”
Live coverage of Sunderland vs Tottenham
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:59 , Will CastleBefore today’s late kick-off at Stamford Bridge, Roberto De Zerbi will begin his bid to save relegation-threatened Tottenham as they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with kick-off (2pm BST) just moments away.
De Zerbi took the reins following Igor Tudor’s winless 44-day reign of error, with Tottenham in the thick of a relegation battle. West Ham’s win over Wolves on Friday night means their London rivals start the day in the bottom three.
The Italian will need to flip the club’s fortunes and fast but it is not yet clear whether he has the complete backing of the fanbase due to his historic comments surrounding Mason Greenwood, controversy he did address in his first interview as Tottenham boss.
He will hope to justify the board’s decision to hand him a lucrative five-year contract swiftly but face tough opposition in Sunderland, who come into the clash off the high of a Tyne-Wear derby win at St James’s Park.
If you’re after all the latest build-up for Chelsea vs Manchester City, you’re already in the right place. But if you’d like to stay abreast with all the happenings in De Zerbi’s Tottenham bow, you can follow all the action in our live blog below:
Sunderland v Tottenham: Latest score and updates from Premier League clash
Chelsea's dismal form
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:52 , Will CastleLiam Rosenior is tasked with thwarting a Manchester City side who smell blood in the title race today - and considering Chelsea’s recent form, you don’t fancy their chances.
Chelsea may be coming into this game off the back of a 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Port Vale to seal a trip to Wembley for the semi-finals, in turn ending the League One strugglers’ fairytale run.
But before that, things had been dire. Four losses on the bounce, three of which by three goals, has left Chelsea clawing for air in the race for Champions League places.
Their main rivals for that fifth spot looks to be Liverpool, who have been equally patchy. But after the Reds’ impressive 2-0 win over Fulham yesterday, Chelsea are now four points off the top-five.
Points are needed.
Arsenal suddenly look broken – now Mikel Arteta must fix their biggest problem
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:44 , Miguel DelaneyHere’s our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney’s verdict from yesterday’s catastrophic home defeat for Arsenal at the hands of Bournemouth, from the Emirates Stadium:
Mikel Arteta told supporters to bring their dinner – but was left apologising to them because Arsenal ended up leaving far too much on the table.
There is now a considerable possibility that Manchester City will be back on top in 11 days’ time. That’s why the boos that followed this 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth were about more than the dismally tepid performance, of which Arteta himself said the team did some “very basic things extremely bad”.
Fans can now see failure opening up in front of them. In this match alone, they could see a team that couldn’t respond to what Andoni Iraola did, that didn’t have the urgency or gumption you would expect from prospective champions.
Arsenal suddenly look broken – now Mikel Arteta must fix their biggest problem
Huge drama in the title race
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:31 , Will CastleWell, well, well.
This afternoon’s clash at Stamford Bridge feels like it could prove seismic in the title race after Arsenal’s shock defeat to Bournemouth yesterday.
With six games to go, the Gunners remain nine points clear. But having been rocked by cup failures on two fronts - one at the hands of Manchester City - they are going through a real rough patch and are at risk of seeing their woes completely snowball.
Nine points could today be diminished to six if City win. Pep Guardiola’s side then face Arsenal at the Etihad next week; the gap could then drop to three. And City have a game in hand, against Crystal Palace - win that and they’re level on points.
Mikel Arteta will be getting shaky.
Predicted line-ups
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:15 , Will CastleChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
Early team news
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:10 , Will CastleChelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been ruled out of selection for this game after his controversial comments regarding a move away from the club. Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Filip Jorgensen could all make a return, though Jamie Gittens, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are all out until late next month.
For City, both John Stones and Ruben Dias will face late fitness tests, while Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined.
Is Chelsea vs Man City on TV?
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:05 , Will CastleThe match is due to kick off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday 12 April at Stamford Bridge in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on both channels from 4pm BST. A live stream will also be available via Sky Go or NOW.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE!
Sunday 12 April 2026 13:00 , Will CastleManchester City will look to translate cup success into the Premier League title race as they travel to Chelsea this afternoon, aiming to capitalise on Arsenal’s shock home defeat to Bournemouth yesterday.
City curtailed the Gunners’ quadruple hopes before the international break by pipping them to the Carabao Cup, rocking Mikel Arteta’s side to such an extent that they then crashed out of the FA Cup to Championship side Southampton two weeks later.
Arsenal have now failed to steady the ship after in the league, losing 2-1 to the Cherries in just their second home defeat of the season, and there is newfound belief that City’s nine-point deficit on the league leaders could quickly be chipped away at, with next weekend’s title clash likely to prove pivotal.
But if Pep Guardiola’s side are going to complete a remarkable turnaround at the top, they need to avoid any more slip-ups and will hope to make no mistake against Liam Rosenior’s struggling Chelsea side, who before last weekend’s FA Cup thrashing of Port Vale had lost four on the bounce.
Good afternoon
Sunday 12 April 2026 12:51 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Manchester City’s trip to Chelsea, a match which looks set to have huge ramifications on the Premier League title race.
Stay tuned for all the build-up, team news and match action!
