Independent:
Sergio Aguero hat-trick and Kevin De Bruyne brilliance sinks Blues
Chelsea 0 Manchester City 3
Tom Sheen
“My situation never changed... Please let me go.”
Those were the words of former Chelsea player Kevin De Bruyne this week when explaining his relationship with former manager Jose Mourinho and the reasons he was sold to Wolfsburg without ever making an impression at Stamford Bridge.
Sergio Aguero may have taken home the match ball after his hat-trick but it was De Bruyne who made the biggest impression in west London; unfortunately for watching Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich he was wearing Manchester City's alternative neon green rather than the royal blue of the home side.
Since being sold by Chelsea to Wolfsburg in 2014, De Bruyne has been named the most outstanding player in the Bundesliga and moved to the Etihad for a club record £58m. His absence from Manuel Pellegrini's team saw the visitors endure their darkest run of form this season, and his return has sparked the side back to life and into the semi-final of the Champions League.
At Stamford Bridge, De Bruyne was the most influential player on the pitch and it wasn't even close. He claimed an assist for the opener and produced a sublime, crucial touch in the build-up to Aguero's second.
Chelsea had more possession and Pedro, Willian and Ruben Loftus-Cheek furrowed at the other end, but De Bruyne was doing far more with far less as City played a brilliant counter-punching game.
It wasn't all plain sailing for the visitors, however. In what was a thrilling opening 10 minutes, both sides displayed the fatal flaw that has turned their Premier League campaigns into such disasters - teams with title aspirations can't afford to be so bad defensively.
It took only three minutes for the Chelsea guard to be breached, De Bruyne taking advantage of a sloppy Cesc Fabregas pass to cut-back to Aguero, who was only denied a goal thanks to a last-gasp block from Gary Cahill. Within 90 seconds De Bruyne had a shot saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Nicolas Otamendi completely misjudged a long ball towards Diego Costa but the returning striker couldn't quite get the ball under control. He managed to lay off to Pedro, whose goal-bound shot was blocked by a relieved Otamendi. Ruben Loftus-Cheek gave a sniff of his bright future with a sharp drive at goal after a superb turn beyond Otamendi, before Gary Cahill's half-volley looked to be heading in until Eliaquim Mangala headed over.
But it was De Bruyne who was in control, given free reign of Stamford Bridge in a manner he was never allowed when a player and here. He should've opened the scoring when a simple pass from Yaya Toure cut the defence in two, but aimed his shot straight at Courtois. Not long after, Samir Nasri was allowed to drift into the area but Courtois, again, did enough to keep it goalless. That resistance didn't last much longer.
The visitors had looked at their most potent on the counter and the goal was no different, coming from a Chelsea corner. De Bruyne's one-two with Toure was slightly fortunate but by then he had sprung free. Powering down the right, he found Aguero who stepped inside and fired at goal, the ball deflecting off of Cahill to open the scoring.
The Blues came out with renewed purpose in the second half and it was the bright Loftus-Cheek who would have most pleased the Chelsea fans. The 20-year-old couldn't quite stretch far enough to prod home after good work by Pedro down the left, then failed to control a wild effort after showing great strength to muscle past Mangala.
But the vast gulf in quality between what Chelsea have and what they once had was soon on show. Costa was still claiming a penalty when the ball dropped at the feet of De Bruyne, who showed a deft touch to knock the ball past Cesar Azpilicueta. As with the first goal, it took less than 20 seconds for a Chelsea attack to finish with a Manchester City goal.
It would only get worse for Chelsea who were again sliced open by a rampaging Fernandinho. Courtois had no choice but to take down the midfielder and was sent off for his trouble; Aguero completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Roman Abramovich, arms folded deep within each other and with an empty seat to his right, will know there is much work to do this summer.
Teams
Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Rahman, Mikel (Begovic), Fabregas, Willian (Traore), Loftus-Cheek, Pedro (Kenedy), Costa
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta (Sagna), Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Toure, Navas, De Bruyne, Nasri (Delph), Aguero (Iheanacho)
Man of the match: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
Rating: 8/10
Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 41,212
=============================
Observer:
Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero hits hat-trick as Chelsea’s Courtois sees red
Chelsea 0 - 3 Man City
Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge
Manchester City are finishing with a flourish. This was a comprehensive thrashing of a Chelsea side pining for the season to end, a humiliation imposed by Sergio Agüero’s hat-trick and inspired by the fluid invention and menace of Kevin De Bruyne, back in familiar territory and tormenting former team-mates. The hosts shuddered at the brutality of it all but when this City team click they can feel untouchable.
The frustration is that the charge is coming so late. A side and squad of this talent, capable of subjecting the faded champions to their first defeat here by three goals since Carlo Ancelotti’s team subsided to Sunderland in November 2010, should have made this title their own, for all the brilliance offered up by Leicester and Tottenham Hotspur above them and the injuries that have eaten at times into Manuel Pellegrini’s options.
That a three-match winning burst still leaves them 12 points from the summit damns management and playing staff but this was no time to complain. There was too much zip and pace to their performance in which to delight, with their attacking play irrepressible.
Agüero inevitably drew the focus with the sheer brilliance of his finishing, the hat-trick leaving him with 13 goals from his past 12 Premier League appearances and 21 in 26 for the campaign. He has achieved that tally in seven fewer league appearances than it has taken Jamie Vardy. Harry Kane has scored 22 over 33 games but, while both Englishmen have illuminated their respective teams’ campaigns, Agüero’s ruthless efficiency is eclipsed by none of his top-flight peers. In that context it is baffling he did not feature on the Professional Footballers’ Association six-man shortlist for the player of the year. “It’s very strange that Sergio has played here so many years and has not been [recognised as] the best player,” Pellegrini said. “I’m sure Sergio is the best striker in the league.”
Chelsea, shorn still of John Terry, could not cope with him. The Argentinian was for ever scuttling into space, unnerving his markers at will and finishing as crisply as ever, even if the supply line was key to his scoring. Samir Nasri enjoyed his best game of a season stunted by injury, while De Bruyne’s excellence had the locals chuntering in dismay that he was once one of their own. The Belgian had not previously returned to these parts since forcing through an £18m transfer to Wolfsburg, much to José Mourinho’s frustration, in January 2014. This was a display to justify the £55m price tag that accompanied his return to England, all clever movement and deceptive pace. Chelsea never came close to quelling his threat.
It was the 24-year-old whose burst beyond Branislav Ivanovic and cutback almost presented Agüero with a third-minute tap-in, and his run between Baba Rahman and César Azpilicueta on to Yaya Touré’s perfectly measured pass forced Thibaut Courtois to save smartly with his right leg. The goalkeeper did well to deny Nasri, too but would not see out the contest, dismissed for the second time this term, for a professional foul on Fernandinho – the Belgian will miss the games with Bournemouth and Tottenham – with Agüero duly completing his hat-trick from the spot. By then the contest had long felt settled, the glum look on Roman Abramovich’s face as he played idly with his mobile phone up in his executive box summing up the local mood. This season cannot end soon enough.
Mismatches like this expose the size of the task awaiting Antonio Conte. Guus Hiddink suggested his team had been outdone “by smartness” rather than completely outplayed, pointing to City’s power on the counterattack, but that was a kind assessment. This was a fourth defeat in six games in all competitions as they meander uncharacteristically in mid-table. City were streetwise, a quality Chelsea once considered their own.
The ease with which the hosts were lacerated by City’s gallops upfield was disturbing, not least for the opening goal. It was Mikel John Obi who surrendered possession to Agüero at a corner before De Bruyne took over. He scorched away from Rahman and, having reached the penalty area unchecked, squared for the unmarked Agüero in the middle. The striker cut inside Gary Cahill and found the bottom corner via a deflection from the centre-half’s left boot.
The second was just as slickly taken, De Bruyne exploiting Azpilicueta’s hesitancy inside the City half to spring up-field and eventually clip Nasri free at his side. The Frenchman waited for Agüero to check his run and the forward’s 20th league goal of the season was converted crisply across Courtois.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek offered flashes of his quality in riposte and Nicolás Otamendi did hack a Pedro shot from the goalline but, even for the home team’s elder statesmen, this felt like an education.
=================
Telegraph:
Chelsea 0 Manchester City 3: Sergio Aguero hat-trick downs dismal hosts
Sam Wallace
Just when Chelsea thought their catastrophic title defence could get no worse, they found themselves demolished by a Sergio Aguero hat-trick that reminded them just how far they have slipped behind the kind of team capable of competing with Europe’s elite.
Kevin De Bruyne, regrettably for Chelsea no longer one of theirs, put on a counter-attacking masterclass, Aguero scored the goals and last season’s champions slipped back further into this season’s mediocrity. If Bournemouth win against Liverpool on Sunday, the humble Cherries will be level on points with Chelsea with five games to play.
There was a whiff of farce about the way in which Chelsea crumbled, with Thibaut Courtois denying Fernandinho an obvious goalscoring opportunity in the 79th minute. On came Asmir Begovic to try in vain to stop the Aguero hat-trick goal but really, it felt at that moment as if Guus Hiddink could have sent on the lesser-spotted Radamel Falcao between the sticks and it would not have made much difference.
It is one thing to be bad, but when you become a laughing stock, the pressure really begins to tell and up in the expensive seats Roman Abramovich was caught by television cameras staring at his phone rather than the catastrophe unfolding on the pitch.
Manuel Pellegrini, whose side keep pace with Manchester United in the race for fourth place, raised an eyebrow at the decision not to include Sergio Aguero on the professional Football Association’s short list for the player of the year, after the striker drew level with Jamie Vardy on 21 goals.
“It's very strange that Sergio has played so many years here and has never been the best Premier League player here,” Pellegrini said. “I think here, in the Premier League, we have very good players but without doubt Sergio is one of the best.”
De Bruyne and Aguero are two players very much on the same wavelength and a devastating counter-attacking force when it came to creating the first goal on 33 minutes. Possession came from a Chelsea corner cleared to Aguero and then to De Bruyne who, picking the ball up in his own half, drove forward deep into Chelsea territory.
In these cases, the run will get you so far but it is the final ball that counts. The Belgian, back at Stamford Bridge for the first time since his return to English football, picked his moment to nudge it left between Baba Rahman and Cahill to Aguero. This was by no means a simple finish although finish it Aguero did, doubling back onto his right foot and shaping his shot inside Courtois’ left post.
City face Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg a week on Tuesday and there is no question that with their best players fit and in form they are coming to the boil nicely. Pellegrini said that league form would help dictate how they played in Europe.
“I spoke with the players two weeks ago before we played PSG that the best way to arrive playing against a difficult team like Paris is to play well in the Premier League. In this moment, I think the same ahead of Real Madrid. We needed these points to reach the Champions League again.”
Hiddink selected Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the playmaker role behind Diego Costa and the Englishman had a couple of good moments. He deceived Nicolas Otamendi to get in on goal in the first half but the angle was difficult to beat Joe Hart. If Loftus-Cheek wanted a blueprint for how to play the new role being he needed look no further than De Bruyne, the man doing it for City.
In the second half, Chelsea struggled to get out of second gear and it has got so bad that even the old dependables like Willian are not performing - he was substituted before the end with Pedro as Hiddink tried to inject some life into his side.
Kenedy and Bertrand Traore came on but by then they were two down, the second goal worked between De Bruyne and Samir Nasri to Aguero who finished comfortably. Asked later, Hiddink admitted that the young players he is trying to integrate are not currently getting much help from the senior professionals.
“It's good to see younger players coming through, but it's better to see them development under the lead of big players,” he said. “That is lacking a bit. If you have leaders, it's easier for them to integrate. But Loftus-Cheek is developing himself well.”
There was an argument that Pablo Zabaleta, booked in the first half, should have been sent off for a foul on Pedro on 65 minutes. Instead, Manuel Pellegrini substituted him and we witnessed a classic toddler fit of pique from the Argentine as he came off and refused even to offer his replacement Bacary Sagna the customary token encouragement.
Gary Cahill and then Courtois made errors for the penalty which Aguero never looked like missing and by then the stadium was emptying quickly. Chelsea have won one of their last seven in all competitions, including four defeats, and for them the end of the season truly cannot come quickly enough.
==================
Mail:
Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City: Sergio Aguero hits hat-trick against 10-man Blues to send City third as Kevin De Bruyne shines again
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
Sat in his plush Stamford Bridge box, Roman Abramovich looked more interested in his mobile phone than Saturday's match. No wonder. Chelsea’s shocking season plumbed new depths as they were ripped apart by Manchester City.
You can’t blame Chelsea’s Russian owner for not watching as Sergio Aguero fired home a hat-trick to lift City above Arsenal into third place.
This fixture would usually have an impact on the title race. Instead, ahead of kick-off, it had a distinctly mid-table vibe.
City, of course, have bigger fish to fry. Their reward, if you can call it that, for dismantling Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night is a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
Chelsea, though, are out of fish. They don’t even have a frying pan.
Guus Hiddink’s biggest fear is motivating his players. With nothing but pride riding on the rest of the season, the Chelsea dressing room is flat.
So too was Stamford Bridge at the start of this clash. The malaise that has engulfed the club has infiltrated the supporters. Chelsea tried their best to inject some much needed urgency into their season in the opening stages.
Nicolas Otamendi atoned for his initial error by clearing Pedro’s goalbound effort off the line before Thibaut Courtois — returning to the starting XI after being dropped last week — denied City’s midweek hero Kevin De Bruyne.
Diego Costa thought he had given Chelsea a ninth-minute lead after Baba Rahman dispossessed Jesus Navas, but the effort was disallowed for offside.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, starting in the No 10 role, then squandered another Chelsea opportunity, firing narrowly wide after more questionable defending by Otamendi.
If only Chelsea had shown this sort of quality earlier in the season then perhaps they wouldn’t be at the business end of the season without any business to complete. And their frailties soon found their way to the surface. It wasn’t as if they weren’t warned, either. Courtois denied De Bruyne again in the 23rd minute after Yaya Toure’s pass split Chelsea’s defence in two.
The Belgium goalkeeper was forced into action again four minutes later, stopping Samir Nasri’s effort after Aguero’s pass.
Courtois’ future at Stamford Bridge has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent weeks, his axing for last week’s defeat at Swansea only serving to fuel talk that he could be on his way.
In this form, however, Chelsea must do all they can to keep hold of their highly-rated goalkeeper, though not even Courtois could prevent City taking the lead in the 33rd minute. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it job. One second City were defending a corner, the next they were celebrating taking the lead. Toure’s defensive header eventually fell to De Bruyne who carried the ball more than half the length of the pitch, leaving Rahman in his wake.
Chelsea half-expected City’s creator-in-chief to go it alone. Instead, he squared to Aguero who steadied himself before coolly slotting past Courtois. In short: pure quality. De Bruyne’s vision, Aguero’s finish. Breathtaking.
You have to wonder what Abramovich was thinking. De Bruyne, now a £54million star on his first return to Stamford Bridge since being allowed to leave in 2014, tore his expensively assembled team apart.
How could a footballer this talented have been allowed to leave? It’s a question Abramovich will surely be asking himself.
And how this Chelsea team could do with De Bruyne right now. Still, the Blues could have been on level at half-time had Willian not wasted a free-kick from a good position at the end of the first half.
Similarly, had Loftus-Cheek not mistimed his effort from just six yards out then Chelsea would have been celebrating.
Instead, they soon found themselves 2-0 down with De Bruyne, again, at the centre of it all.
Another searing run from the Belgian had started deep inside his own half and ended with a pass into Nasri, who slotted Aguero in. The finish was utterly ruthless and Chelsea, crowned champions under Jose Mourinho just 11 months ago, were being dismantled in their own backyard.
There was a slight blot on City’s afternoon in the 67th minute, when Pablo Zabaleta and manager Manuel Pellegrini shared cross words after the Argentine, who had been booked, was substituted. But that was nothing compared to Hiddink’s problems. The Dutchman saw Courtois sent off in the 78th minute for bringing down Fernandinho as the Brazilian ran through unchallenged.
Asmir Begovic was introduced in his place, but the keeper’s first job was to pick Aguero’s penalty from the back of the net. The sooner Chelsea see the back of this season the better.
MATCH FACTS, PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE AND MATCH ZONE
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Courtois 7; Azpilicueta 6, Cahill 6, Ivanovic 6, Rahman 6.5; Fabregas 6.5, Mikel 6 (Begovic 79mins); Willian 6 (Traore 70, 6), Loftus-Cheek 7.5, Pedro 7.5 (Kenedy 70, 6.5); Costa 7
Subs not used: Begovic, Miazga, Matic, Pato, Falcao
Booked: Azpilicueta, Mikel
Sent off: Courtois
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Hart 7; Zabaleta 5.5 (Sagna 67, 6), Otamendi 6, Mangala 7, Kolarov 6.5; Toure 8, Fernandinho 7.5; Navas 6, De Bruyne 8.5, Nasri 6.5 (Delph 75, 6); Aguero 9 (Iheanacho 85)
Subs not used: Caballero, Demichelis, Fernando, Bony
Scorer: Aguero 33, 54, 80 (pen)
Booked: Zabaleta, Otamendi, Nasri
Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 41,212
Man of the match: Sergio Aguero
Ratings by Oliver Todd at Stamford Bridge
=================
Mirror:
Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City: Sergio Aguero hat-trick sinks hapless Blues - 5 things we learned
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Aguero scored a brilliant treble to condemn Guus Hiddink's men to their second consecutive defeat
Sergio Aguero's hat-trick inflicted the first Premier League home defeat on Guus Hiddink during his two spells as Chelsea boss.
The Blues were woeful as Manchester City climbed above Arsenal into third place for at least a day to complete a dream week for the Champions League semi-finalists.
Former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne helped set up Aguero's first two goals – both scored on the counter-attack from deep inside the City half.
Following a home corner after 33 minutes, the Belgian exchanged passes with the Argentine before sprinting into the Chelsea half. He crossed to Aguero on the edge of the box and his shot was deflected into the corner off Gary Cahill.
The second goal after 54 minutes was even better as De Bruyne this time beat Cesar Azpilicueta deep in Chelsea's half before surging forward. He fed Samir Nasri and his ball released Aguero to score.
The Argentine, who missed a penalty against PSG in midweek, converted from the spot after 79 minutes after Thibaut Courtois was dismissed after bringining down Fernandinho. The Belgium goalkeeper was also sent off in the first game of the season against Swansea.
Defeat at the Liberty Stadium ended Chelsea's 15-match unbeaten run in the league in Hiddink's second spell. The Dutchman had not two league games in a row as a club manager since February 2004 whilst at PSV Eindhoven – and the Blues had not lost any of his 13 home matches in charge during his two stints as caretaker boss at the Bridge.
The only downside to City's win was Pablo Zabeleta's childish strop when he was subbed off by Manuel Pellegrini after 67 minutes.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Sergio Aguero can still win the Premier League Golden Boot this season
The brilliant Argentine's hat-trick takes him to 21 goals this season – the same as Jamie Vardy. Harry Kane leads with 22.
2. In the game of alphabet soup, KDB beat RLC
Kevin De Bruyne was brilliant on his return to Stamford Bridge as he was involved in both goals. By contrast, Ruben Loftus-Cheek looked out of his depth playing behind Diego Costa. The former Chelsea trainee is 20 – the same age as England regular Delle Ali
3. De Bruyne didn't have a point to prove, but he proved it anyway
The Belgian was never given a chance at Chelsea. He has now had a hand in 29 goals for City this season (15 goals, 14 assists). Look forward to see him running at the Real Madrid defence next week
4. Antonio Conte needs a new spine to this team
The old guard of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba will all be gone next season. This 10th-placed side lacks leaders and needs investment to even compete for a top-four finish next season. The defence isn't good enough. There is only one striker
5. Manchester City's high-viz away kit does not go with anything
Especially Samir Nasri's Limahl-style hairstyle – not a highlight. And the lurid yellow/green number even makes Yaya Toure look fat. How does that work?
Player ratings
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois 6 (Mikel, 79,5); Azpilicueta 6, Cahill 6, Ivanovic 6, Baba Rahman 5; Mikel 6, Fabregas 5; Willian 6 (Traore, 70,5), Loftus-Cheek 5, Pedro 5 (Kenedy, 70,5); Diego Costa 6
Man City (4-2-3-1): Hart 7; Zabaleta 6 (Sagna, 67,6), Mangala 6, Otamendi 7, Kolarov 6; Fernandinho 6, Toure 6, Navas 6, De Bruyne 8, Nasri 7 (Delph, 75,5), Aguero 8 (Iheanacho, 85,5).
======================
Express:
Hat-trick hero Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne shine for Man City to outclass Chelsea
ONCE UPON a time, not so very long ago, this match would have been a crackajack title decider.
By JIM HOLDEN
Now? Well, it was all about Manchester City putting a padlock on a place in the top four of the Premier League table at the expense of champions who have become a busted flush.
The task was performed with ruthless skill and alarming ease. Chelsea must be aching for this dismal season to end and new manager Antonio Conte to arrive.
All three goals came from Sergio Aguero, the first two set up by the vision and talent of Kevin De Bruyne; the third a penalty. The pair were a class above anything on show from the home side.
Chelsea ought to have had the freedom and lack of tension in their play that comes with a berth in mid-table. Entertaining the fans is the only reward they can offer in the finale of the club’s poorest season for nearly two decades.
Even that couldn’t help their cause. They made a bright start, but it proved a mirage.
Only a clearance on the goal-line from Nicolas Otamendi prevented a goal in the sixth minute for Pedro after a ball over the top caused havoc in the City defence.
Chelsea’s young hope from the junior ranks, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, was also heavily involved. playing just behind main striker Diego Costa. He scorned another early chance, shooting wide of goal.
After that they lapsed into sterility, going through the motions for long periods.
Touchline hoardings were advertising some pre-season summer friendlies, including matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan. It is the nearest Chelsea will get to continental opposition in the next year.
The contrast with City could not be greater. They have a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid in a couple of weeks’ time, and were glad to have influential midfielder Yaya Toure back in the team here.
A precision pass from Toure almost set up a goal for De Bruyne midway through the first half, but Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois produced a fine save. The sight of De Bruyne performing with style and panache at Stamford Bridge must have been painful for Chelsea fans.
He was back at the club that didn’t reckon he was good enough for them. Selling the Belgian star was surely one of the most damning mistakes made by former manager Jose Mourinho.
De Bruyne was the architect of the opening goal for City in the 33rd minute, breaking with pace down the right flank and then finding Aguero with an intelligent square pass.
The striker steadied himself for a moment and shot low into the corner of the goal for his 19th strike of this Premier League campaign.
City took complete command, looking dangerous on every break and far more composed in possession. A second goal for Aguero in the 54th minute was no surprise to anyone. Again, it was the twinkling genius of De Bruyne that created the opportunity.
He drifted past two opponents inside his own half and launched a clinical counter-attack. Samir Nasri provided a superb final pass and Aguero scored efficiently.
For the first time the home crowd were agitated at the mediocrity of their side. City could have scored again in the 64th minute, but Courtois made a superb save at the feet of Nasri.
Courtois didn’t finish the match, sent off when bringing down Fernandinho as he ran clear on goal. Aguero completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot and made it 21 League goals this season, challenging for the Golden Boot alongside Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
It prompted an exodus from the home crowd. There were swathes of empty seats all round Stamford Bridge as the final whistle sounded. It was a picture of embarrassment.
MAN OF THE MATCH: KEVIN DE BRUYNE – magical work at heart of most of Manchester City’s attacks, showing Chelsea just what they lost.
CHELSEA: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Baba; Fabregas, Mikel (Begovic 79); Willian (Traore 70), Loftus-Cheek, Pedro (Kenedy 70); Costa.
MAN CITY: Hart; Zabaleta (Sagna 66), Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; Navas, De Bruyne, Nasri (Delph 75); Aguero (Iheanacho 85).
Ref: M Dean
=======================
Star:
Chelsea 0 Man City 3: Deadly Sergio Aguero punishes Blues to tighten grip on top four
SERGIO AGUERO continued to be City’s one-man wrecking ball.
By Tony Stenson
He grabbed his second hat-trick of the season and made it 21 goals from his last 20 league appearances and 24 in all competitions to put the seal on a wonderous week in the club’s history.
It was also his 99th Premier League goal. There is no stopping the little master who, in another season, would be a shoo-in for Player of the Year.
His manager Manuel Pellegrini said: “I am sure he is the best striker in the league, he makes a difference playing every game.
“He is a very important player and it is strange in so many years he plays here he is not the best player of the league.”
Victory ensured City leap-frogged Arsenal into third but the Gunners could restore the status quo if they beat Palace at home today.
It was another bad day for Chelsea who had keeper Thibaut Courtois sent off for the second time this season when he brought down Fernandinho in the 77th minute to give away a penalty.
Two of Aguero’s goals were masterminded by Kevin De Bruyne on his return to the club that refused to accept his potential.
City began as if the puff had left their lungs and their feet were carrying lead weights following their epic win over Paris St-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Chelsea forced seven corners in half an hour and even had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled offside.
Chelsea ruthlessly cut through their defence and if they could do it, then you wondered what would Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid could do in the Champions League semi-finals?
It had started so well for the home side with City having a lucky escape when Nicolas Otamendi raced back and cleared Pedro’s fifth-minute shot off the line after Diego Costa had caused havoc in their defence with his powerful running.
Costa then had the ball in the net a minute later but was ruled offside.
Too many draws, too many indifferent performances and a second succesive defeat is the reason why new manager Antonio Conte arrives this summer.
Chelsea have been fall-guys at home, going into the game having one just one of their last seven games, drawing the rest and failing to keep a clean sheet in nine – their worst run in the Premier League.
Yet City could not find their rhythm until De Bruyne broke on to Yaya Toure’s 23rd-minute pass to fire in a shot that Courtois hacked away with his legs.
The keeper repeated his heroics two minutes later, saving in similar fashion from Samir Nasri.
Then one moment of magic had City back up and running.
Aguero – who is sensational every game – added yet another glorious chapter to his career by sweeping in a goal of true quality.
Chelsea’s seventh corner was easily cleared again and De Bruyne left Chelsea defender Baba Rahman in his wake with a powerful run.
His 33rd-minute cross was not perfect, dropping slightly behind Aguero.
But the player who scores for fun, switched feet and curled in from 18 yards, his shot deflecting off the toe of Gary Cahill on its way past Courtois.
Chelsea still powered forward but for all their efforts they rarely tested keeper Joe Hart.
City added to their score in the 54th minute following a brilliant flowing move.
Chelsea had yet another raid blocked and again De Bruyne took up the running, sliding the ball between two Blues players, picking it up again and passing for Nasri, who fed Aguero the perfect pass to score his second.
Nasri was unlucky himself five minutes later when his effort was blocked by Courtois.
Costa, on his return following a ban, was almost non-existent while Cesc Fabregas and even Willian, their best player this season, fell below the standards needed.
Chelsea were running out of ideas and it was no surprise when City added the third from the spot.
Fernandinho went flying over Courtois and Mike Dean went straight to his back pocket for the red card.
Sub keeper Asmir Begovic was immediately on to replace Jon Obi Mikel – but his first task was to pick the ball from the net after Aguero arrowed his third goal home.
It was virtually his last touch, before he was replaced and left the field to a thunderous reception.
“It was a difficult game against a well-organised and skilful team,” said Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink.
“It’s not for nothing that they are at the top of Europe now.
“We sometimes had dominance in the game, but they were sharp and skilful on the counter-attack. We got caught. We were naive.
“Chelsea are in a diffi cult situation this season. We managed to get out of the relegation zone but Chelsea need to be in the first four places.”
