Chelsea defeated Manchester City, 2-1

Fernando Torres scored a late winner as Chelsea defeated Manchester City, 2-1, on Sunday at Stamford Bridge in a matchup of Premier League title favourites.

Torres tallied in the 90th minute after a mix-up between City goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Matija Nastasic. The Spaniard also set up Andre Schurrle's opener in the first half.

Sergio Aguero scored City's only goal, a thunderous near-post drive, early in the second half.

The victory sent Chelsea up to second place, two points behind leaders Arsenal. The Blues still have not lost at Stamford Bridge in 65 Premier League matches under manager Jose Mourinho. City are seventh, having lost for the third time on their travels this season.

"I feel sympathy for (Manchester City), because I know what it is to lose in the last minute," Mourinho said, per the London Evening Standard's James Olley. "But of course it is a great moment for us."

Torres started as a lone striker in Mourinho's formation after scoring twice midweek in a UEFA Champions League victory at Schalke. He had not scored in the league this season, however, and had recorded only one league goal in 2013.

This time, Torres owed his goal to Hart and Nastasic, but that shouldn't mask what was an excellent overall display. He was involved throughout and posed a constant danger to City's defense. 

Moments after missing a clear chance—his worst moment of the day—Torres dribbled past Gael Clichy in the 33rd minute and squared for Schurrle, who finished with a tap-in.

Torres then hit the bar with a curled shot four minutes later as Chelsea looked to double their advantage before half-time. After the break, however, City raised their game and produced a stunning equalizer in the 49th minute.

Samir Nasri passed to Aguero on the left side of the box, and Aguero's powerful first-time shot beat Petr Cech high at the near post. With the match tied 1-1, the teams appeared to be headed for a draw until Torres popped up with an opportunistic winner.

There seemed to be no danger when Willian played a floating pass into City's half, but Nastasic headed the ball past the onrushing Hart in a moment of miscommunication. Torres raced onto the loose ball and tucked in his shot to secure what could be three valuable points in the title race.