Frank Lampard came off the bench to convert a late penalty as Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 today to inflict the Premier League leaders' first defeat of the season.
City, reduced to 10 men for the last half hour, had wasted no time getting off the mark when Mario Balotelli netted in the second minute after a delightful through-ball from Sergio Aguero.
Chelsea then weathered a literal and metaphorical storm as City dominated the opening period at a rainy Stamford Bridge and were lucky not to concede a penalty before levelling through a Raul Meireles volley in the 34th minute.
That goal and the 58th-minute sending off of City left back Gael Clichy raised the home side's spirits and when Joleon Lescott handled Daniel Sturridge's shot, substitute Lampard fired home from the penalty spot on 83 minutes.
City's first defeat in 15 matches opened up the title race.
They have 38 points, two ahead of champions Manchester United and seven clear of third-placed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
"We needed to win really to stay in the race," Lampard told Sky Sports.
"I was very relieved when it (the penalty) hit the back of the net."
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