Robert Weaver: Totally agree that Lukaku's goal was legitimate, but can someone explain why Doherty's challenge on Forster yesterday, where there was far less contact, was deemed a foul yet Lukaku's was not? The standard of officiating & lack of consistency is infuriating.

JonnyBielsa: How is that Rudiger challenge not a red? It is beyond reckless. Players get sent off for much less, it was ridiculously dangerous.

Brighton have been the better team here since going behind. Neal Maupay throws himself in to try and head at goal but can't get the right contact and Chelsea survive.

City immediately into their stride as Jack Grealish weaves away down the right and Brentford are forced to concede a corner.

It is swung in but headed away by a home head.

Whatever happens tonight, Manchester City will be Premier League leaders at the turn of the year for the third time, after 2011/12 and 2017/18.

They went on to win the title in both of those seasons.

As we approach the break at Stamford Bridge, the second game of the night, at Brentford's Community Stadium, is under way.

Anon: How is that not a red card. Both feet off the ground.

What Rudiger does well is not aim his studs in the direction of Lamptey in that tackle. It is reckless, but it has an element of control that probably takes it away from being a red. It's a fine line, though.

Image source, BBC Sport

Lawro's prediction: 0-3

Brentford will have a go at Manchester City, we know that - but the way City are playing at the moment, you just expect them to roll teams over, whoever they face.

Yes, City had a bit of a defensive wobble for that short spell against Leicester but that was very unlike them - they had only conceded three goals in their previous eight league games - and they will create chances against the Bees, because they always do.

James's prediction:1-2

This won't be an easy game for City but they are just ruthless at the moment. I feel like they might start pulling away from the rest soon - Liverpool are going to lose Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane next month during the Africa Cup of Nations, and they and Chelsea look more like dropping points at the moment.

Find out how Lawro and James think the rest of the midweek fixtures will go

Albion continue to push for parity. Edouard Mendy punches away a corner and Tariq Lamptey loops a resulting shot over.

Now then! This could be interesting.

Antonio Rudiger launches himself into a tackle on Tariq Lamptey to stop him getting away down the right. Both feet are off the ground. It looks reckless.

He is very lucky he didn't get much worse contact on his man, instead of a glancing blow and some of the ball.

It's a yellow card. Lucky, lucky boy.

This is a really good response from Brighton.

They force a corner, but can't make anything of it. Chelsea head the delivery clear before Adam Lallana lashes a shot off target.

Albion are in the mood now.

Adam Lallana stings Edouard Mendy's palms with a rising drive as Chelsea fail to clear.

Much better from the away side.

A Brighton shot on target.

Solly March's cross is cleared but only as far as Yves Bissouma, who fires low and straight at Edouard Mendy.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's goal was their seventh from a corner this season. That's the most in the division. Hardly surprising. They have some big lads in that side.

Let's not get started on the 'what is a foul on a keeper?' debate. Some of the protection they get is infuriating.

That's an awkward one for Edouard Mendy. It is a hooked cross from the right that is dropping right under his crossbar. He makes it look easy, though, snaring it with zero fuss.

Brighton's first corner is awful. Headed away easily at the near post by Cesar Azpilicueta.

Image source, Getty Images

Andreas Christensen is still moving uncomfortably. Chelsea have already lost Reece James. They could really do without losing another defender.