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City suffer 1st defeat of Premier League season vs. Chelsea

ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP / Getty

Chelsea withstood Manchester City's initial waves of attack before scoring twice in a 2-0 win Saturday, handing the reigning champions their first defeat of the Premier League season.

N'Golo Kante smashed home the hosts' first shot of the match in the 45th minute, and David Luiz doubled the advantage with a looping header in the 78th.

The result leaves Liverpool, who beat Bournemouth in Saturday's early fixture, a point ahead of City in first place.

City couldn't find the back of the net despite numerous opportunities in the first half. Their wastefulness allowed Chelsea to strike first off a sweeping counterattack that caught several City players sleeping. Kante - who impressed in an advanced role after looking out of place versus Tottenham - rushed in to score the opener.

The Blues showed further resolve in the second stanza, securing a momentous three points when Luiz nodded in Eden Hazard's ball from a corner.

It was a rare occasion for Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, who finally beat Guardiola after losing in each of his previous three encounters with the Catalan boss. Sarri was also forced to give up possession against his philosophical companion, instead presiding over a more disciplined performance at Stamford Bridge.

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