Man City News: Fabian Delph explains how Pep Guardiola masterminded Chelsea win

MANCHESTER CITY’s diligence in marking Chelsea’s counter-attacking players led to their victory in west London today, says Fabian Delph.

Manchester City Chelsea Fabian DelphPA

Manchester City's Fabian Delph (right) marked Willian closely

Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 thanks to a Kevin De Bruyne strike.

City dominated possession and recorded 17 shots to Chelsea’s four.

The Blues, meanwhile, were lacklustre up front and lost Alvaro Morata to a hamstring injury.

Antonio Conte brought on reinforcements but City were rarely threatened.

And Delph, playing in a makeshift left-back role following Benjamin Mendy’s knee injury, revealed Pep Guardiola’s tactics for the game.

"The win is huge. We knew coming into the game it was our toughest of the season but we had a game plan and we stuck to it,” the former Leeds United player said.

"The plan was to stick with them on the counter. I lost Willian a few times but I think we did the job to a tee.

"That performance there was for one of our teammates, Benjamin Mendy.

“He left us a message before the game and we knew we had to do it for him. If you're watching, that's for you big man.

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"It sends out a massive message. We needed to come out on top today.

“There's a togetherness in the team and you could see that on the pitch today."

City move back to the top of the table with their win at Stamford Bridge, going ahead of Manchester United on goal difference.

Delph looks set for a stint in the City side after news that Mendy will be out of action until April.

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