Chelsea beat Man City in title showdown

MANCHESTER, Feb 4 (AP): Chelsea delivered a potent mix of defensive resilience and effective counter-attacking in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Monday, neutralising the Premier League's most rampant attack to provide a new twist in the title race.

Branislav Ivanovic lashed home a fierce 25-yard shot in the 31st minute to end City's 100 percent winning record at home in the league and earn Chelsea the double over most pundits' favorites for the title. The visitors could have won by more, hitting the goal frame three times and threatening almost every occasion they broke forward.

It meant Arsenal returned to the top of the standings, with a two-point lead over City and Chelsea, in what is proving to be a thrilling title race. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho continues to rule his evolving team out of contention, but few will take him seriously after this performance.