Manchester City 0–1 Chelsea

A rampant Chelsea ended Manchester City's 100 per cent home league record, with a masterclass of controlling football at Eastlands.

A Branislav Ivanovic goal was the only one on the scoresheet, the first time City had failed to score at home in 61 games, but the story was one of calm and imperious domination all over the pitch.

Mourinho named a team buld for strength: resting Lampard, for the second consecutive game while fit, for a preferred a powerhouse engine room of David Luiz and Nemaja Matic.

Both teams had an unsettled start. But the main chances early-on went to City.

In the 10 minute, a Alesandar Kolarov cross from the left flashed across the face of Petr Cech's goal, evading Yaya Toure's outstretched boot.

Though Chelsea did manage to net one on the quarter hour: Ramires putting away a Samuel Eto'o ball – long after the flag had been raised for offside.

Two minutes later, the home side had their best chance yet: David Silva putting a just-that-bit-too-cheeky back heel inches wide of the far post.

Just before the half hour came a diamond chance for Blues. Willian, racing up field, found himself part of a wave of three – with just two City shirts to repel.

Taking the wrong option of two, he squared to Ramires on the left, with Eto'o waiting on the other side. The Brazilian shot at Joe Hart, and the chance was wasted.

But another, more decisive one was to follow 120 seconds later.

With Chelsea forward, a melee developed in the City box. A Ramires shot was blocked, and the ball rebounded with force to the edge of the box.

There the unlikely figure of Branislav Ivanovic was stationed to rifle it in – reeling away, screaming in delight in response.

Blues could have made it two before the break: Eden Hazard crossing from the left, with Willian somehow dodging it in front of goal, and Eto'o striking against the bar.

Chelsea finished the half by far on top: pressing City to within an inch of their lives. Taking their very oxygen before they had a chance to breathe it.

But could they keep it up?

Chelsea remained imperious in midfield in the second half. Racing through the centre time and again, they gave Martin Demichelis the stuff of nightmares.

On 67 minutes, a second successive Willian corner found an ascendant Gary Cahill – who headed against the post – the third time Blues had connected with the woodwork.

In the dying minutes, Matika Nastasic hauled over Oscar by the shirt – looking, as he did it, like the last man. Referee Mike Dean showed only yellow – to the obviously huge displeasure of Mourinho.

But 0-1 it was to stay.

With this win, Mourinho's Chelsea Mark 2 set down a marker: that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Still in transition, yes. But tonight, when it really mattered, looking like the finished article.