Preview: Liverpool welcome Manchester City in high-stakes clash
Goals, goals and some more goals are a guarantee when Manchester City travel to Anfield in the English Premier League!
Three second-half goals from Chelsea saw them overcome nine-men Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, ensuring they remain on top of the Premier League table for yet another week.
For the second time in a week, the Blues overcame a first-half deficit and despite the home side’s dominance in almost all aspects, took home the three points.
Cesc Fabregas returned to the startling line-up for the first time since Chelsea humbling at the hands of Arsenal in September and he played a vital part in their equaliser, justifying his inclusion in the perfect manner.
His pin-point lofted through-ball from deep was expertly controlled by Diego Costa, who shrugged off a dreadful Nicolas Otamendi and calmly slotted past Claudio Bravo to level the tie on the hour mark.
Costa then turned provider 10 minutes later as he released the frighteningly quick Willian, who just raced home, leaving the City defence trailing in his wake and finished well past Bravo. The Brazilian then gave a touching tribute to the Chapecoense crash victims before celebrating his goal with much gusto.
Eden Hazard latched on to a delicate Marcos Alonso chip to add gloss the scoreline late in the 90th minute to compound Pep Guardiola’s misery. City had been pressing hard for an equaliser but were caught out again by Chelsea’s searing pace on the counter-attack.
The hosts had dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead when Jesus Navas’s cross was turned into his own net by a desperate Gary Cahill in the 45th minute.
Yet, with top-scorer Aguero and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne missing a couple of gilt-edged chances with the score at 1-0, one wondered if they would later rue their squandered chances.
And they did in ruthless fashion, Conte’s side scripting a famous smash and grab win at the Etihad which did have plenty of controversial moments in either halves.
David Luiz was lucky not to be sent off, nudging Aguero off the ball when he was the last man as early as the 30th minute and Gary Cahill handled the ball early on but claims of a penalty were waived away.
Aguero was understandably frustrated towards the end and his high challenge on Luiz in extra time was deemed worthy of a straight red while Fernandinho was sent off as well after grabbing Fabregas by his neck in the scuffle that followed.
Unsavoury scenes towards the end but Conte wont mind as they won their eighth game on the trot and are fast emerging as favourites to win the title.
For City manager Guardiola, perhaps a rethink is required as not for the first time they have lost to a close rival. They remain in third place for now, but should Arsenal beat Bournemouth on Sunday, they will slip to fourth.
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