Sergio Aguero was Manchester City’s hat-trick hero again as they returned to the top of the Premier League in scintillating style by outclassing Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool’s win against Bournemouth meant Pep Guardiola’s side needed victory to return to the summit, albeit having played one game more.
And their job was done after a sensational opening burst brought four goals in the first 25 minutes as Chelsea were left bedraggled, humiliated and on the receiving end of their worst defeat since they lost 7-0 at Nottingham Forest in April 1991.
The rout started after four minutes when Chelsea were caught napping by Kevin De Bruyne’s quick free-kick which left Raheem Sterling to fire in at the far post before Aguero, who had already missed an open goal, curled a magnificent right-foot finish past the stretching Kepa Arrizabalaga from 25 yards.
Chelsea’s embarrassment was symbolised by Ross Barkley’s inexplicable header straight to the feet of Aguero to poach his second and Ilkay Gundogan capped that early blitz with a low drive.
Aguero completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after 56 minutes following Cesar Azpilicueta’s foul on Sterling, his 15th treble for City and a record-equalling 11th in the Premier League, an honour he shares with Alan Shearer. It was also his second in successive home games after his hat-trick in the 3-1 win against Arsenal.
Sterling then piled on the agony for Chelsea with the sixth, turned in from six yards after David Silva’s threaded pass released Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left.
Man City’s perfect response
If Liverpool answered questions with their win over Bournemouth, City’s response here – and in the last week – has been even more emphatic.
Guardiola’s reigning champions faced a key week after their shock loss at Newcastle United with potentially hazardous home games against Arsenal and Chelsea, and a re-arranged trip to Everton.
City made light of any dangers, breezing past Arsenal and overcoming stubborn Everton before wiping out Chelsea with a performance that occasionally touched perfection, especially in the opening phase.
Liverpool still have a game in hand but City have made up most of that lost ground and this was a resounding message that they will not be handing over the title.
Chelsea, one of the teams to conquer City this season, were dismissed with the minimum of fuss and the momentum City appeared to have lost on Tyneside is back in the most rampant fashion.
And, into the bargain, they have given a huge boost to what may yet be a decisive goal difference equation.
Sarri ball becomes sorry ball
If Maurizio Sarri thought his lowest point had come with the second-half capitulation in the 4-0 loss at Bournemouth, the Chelsea boss must now be revising his opinion.
Chelsea may not have regarded themselves as title rivals to City over the whole season but this was a harrowing illustration of the current chasm between the two sides and made for disturbing viewing for the Italian.
Sarri’s approach has not carried Chelsea forward in recent weeks and the concern for him will be that owner Roman Abramovich will not like the look of this performance or the margin of defeat – and perhaps more significantly the fact they are now sixth and in danger of not making the top four and Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s performance was characterised by the defensive mess and complete switch off for the opening goal and the hapless Barkley’s header straight to Aguero for City’s third.
N’Golo Kante is wasted anywhere other than as arguably the world’s finest holding midfielder while Jorginho (who ended up choosing Chelsea rather than City) is a player whose influence decreases by the week.
Eden Hazard was tireless and Gonzalo Higuain was willing to shoot on sight – but they were dreadfully served in a Chelsea performance which was a complete mess.
A mess that will greatly worry Sarri and Abramovich.
Source: BBC