Manchester City took a giant step towards regaining a measure of confidence in their ability to secure their first ever Premier League crown, when they beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, on Wednesday night. There was even better news for the home side, with returning Argentinean striker Carlos Tevez sticking to the script - he came off the bench to orchestrate the two goals that completed the Citizens' turnaround.

The game was of critical importance to both sides... not only because there are only a handful of games left in the season but also because both clubs had their eyes firmly set on respective prizes and were aware that the slightest slip-up could be fatal.

City were looking to claw back a four-point gap to title rivals Manchester United (who had earlier beaten Wolves 5-0), while Chelsea were chasing London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal for Champions League football next season.

The home side went into the game with two major absentees at the back - Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany were both unavailable. Similarly, Chelsea were made to do without captain and key centre back John Terry.

The game really only exploded into action in the second half, when Blues' defender Gary Cahill scored off a deflection, on the hour mark.

It took the introduction of Tevez, who has only just come off a protracted diplomatic row with the City boss Roberto Mancini over his behaviour during a Champions League game in September, for the home team to equalise. The Argentinean started the move that finished with compatriot Sergio Aguero scoring from the penalty spot and then, on 85 minutes, he set up French midfielder Samir Nasri for the winner.

The win was City's 20<sup>th league home win on the trot, which is now a domestic record, and leaves them a point behind United in the race for the crown.

Final Score:

Manchester City 2 (Aguero pen 78', Nasri 85') beat Chelsea 1 (Cahill 60')

Manchester City now have 69 points from 29 games. They next play Stoke, away, on 24 March.

Chelsea now have 49 points from 29 games. They next play Spurs, at home, on 24 March.

Check Out Highlights and Photos:

Manchester City vs Chelsea (2:1) by larrsson

Manchester City vs Chelsea
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero (R) challenges Chelsea's David Luiz during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, March 21, 2012. Reuters
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Manchester City's Samir Nasri (R) shoots and scores past Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Cech during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, March 21, 2012. Reuters
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Manchester City's Micah Richards (R) challenges Chelsea's Gary Cahill during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, March 21, 2012. Reuters
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