Premier League: De Bruyne winner sends City 13 points clear of Chelsea

Kevin De Bruyne's 70th-minute strike means that City has 56 points from 22 matches with Chelsea on 43 points.

Kevin De Bruyne (hidden) celebrates with teammates Rodrigo, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva of Manchester City after scoring.

Manchester City took a major step towards retaining its Premier League title with a 1-0 win over second-placed Chelsea on Saturday, opening up a 13-point lead at the top of the table for Pep Guardiola's side.

Kevin De Bruyne's 70th-minute strike means that City has 56 points from 22 matches with Chelsea on 43 points. Third-placed Liverpool, which has two games in hand, including Sunday's match at home to Brentford, is on 42 points.

It was a fine solo goal from De Bruyne which settled the outcome, the Belgian riding a challenge from N'golo Kante before beating Kepa Arrizabalaga with a curling shot into the far corner.

AS IT HAPPENED: Premier League Manchester City vs Chelsea Highlights

Chelsea's best effort had come early in the second half when Mateo Kovacic fed Romelu Lukaku, but City keeper Ederson got out quick to make a fine save.

Phil Foden could have added a second for City six minutes from the end, but his shot from a promising position was high and wide.

Chelsea beat City in last season's Champions League final, but City has completed the double over the London side in the Premier League this season, having won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in September.