Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0: Chelsea Stumble But Still Strong

Roberto Mancini predicted that Chelsea would win the title this year, and despite the Carling Cup exit and the loss at Eastlands thanks to a Carlos Tevez goal, Carlo Ancelotti's men are still looking very strong to prove Mancini, and many other people, right about the title.

It was incredibly tense at Eastlands, and with the two best defences on show, it was never going to be a goal fest. But Tevez settled it, and Chelsea didn't mount much of a comeback, so the three points went to City.

But Chelsea still have a four-point margin on the chasers, thanks to Arsenal's shock home defeat to West Brom, something Chelsea will want to capatalise on when playing Arsenal next in the Premier League.

Manchester United might close the gap to one point with victory at Bolton tomorrow, but Chelsea need not worry. They still have a fantastic defence, a midfield of steel and an impressive attack with Drogba and Anelka at the helm.

They also possess the best spine in the league at the moment in Cech, Terry, Essien, Lampard (missing today) and Drogba, so they are the favourites for the league, like Mancini said, without a doubt.

When Frank Lampard returns it will give Chelsea more creativity that was lacking at Eastlands today, visible only through Anelka mostly, with Drogba taken off with 15 minutes left. That will be needed against the Gunners, and against Marseille in the Champions League.

For Man City, the disappointment in the Carling Cup was eased here, with the men in light blue stifling Chelsea thanks to a now strong looking defence compared to the past, and good cover from the midfield, stopping Chelsea's attacking play that has swept everyone else aside so far.

City can move on as this victory is a benchmark to go on a decent run. They have a big game in midweek against Juventus, but even bigger games against Newcastle and Blackpool as they are fourth in the league and would like to stay there.

For Chelsea, there is no shame at losing away to Man City anymore, they have risen to become one of the top teams in England thanks to the Arabs and their money. Chelsea will move on and will look to get back to winning ways against a team they love to win against—Arsenal.

They will bounce back, like champions.

Mancini will get the plaudits today, but as he has predicted, Ancelotti and Chelsea could get them at the end of the season.