City cruise as pressure mounts on Chelsea

Manchester City are back on top of the Premier League table after dismantling a lacklustre Chelsea 3-0 at the Ethiad Stadium.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side flew out of the blocks and Chelsea had Asmir Begovic, deputising for the suspended Thibaut Courtois, to thank for keeping them in it. Three times he denied Sergio Aguero before the Argentine finally fired City ahead.

Chelsea enjoyed a better start to the second half but in truth, City were by far the better side and sealed a deserved victory late on.

Vincent Kompany added a second from a corner with 10 minutes remaining before a thunderous strike from Fernandinho put the result beyond doubt.

For Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, defeat means they are 16th in the table. The last time Chelsea failed to win their first two PL matches of the season was in 1998/99.

1’ – CHANCE AGUERO: A lovely turn from Silva and ball to match puts Aguero through on goal but his shot is blocked by the legs of Begovic.

15’ – GOOD SAVE BEGOVIC: The Chelsea back-up keeper is again needed to save his team, again denying Aguero on the turn and shot.

16’ – BEGOVIC TO THE RESCUE AGAIN: Less than a minute later, Aguero tries his luck from slightly further out but the keeper gets down quickly to make a smart save.

21’ – GREAT CHANCE AGUERO: He could have had a hat-trick already but turns Kolorov’s cross wide of goal, possibly put off by the ducking Terry immediately in front of him.

31’ – GOAL! Man City 1-0 Chelsea: It has been coming and who else but Sergio Aguero, this time turning Gary Cahill before slotting into the far corner.

79’ – GOAL! Man City 2-0 Chelsea: Vincent Kompany rises above Ivanovic at the near post to head City further ahead.

85’ – GOAL! Man City 3-0 Chelsea: Fernandinho seals it with a piledriver from the edge of the box.

The last time City won by at least a three-goal margin against Chelsea in the top flight was in 1978 (4-1 at Stamford Bridge).

The last time Chelsea failed to win their first two PL matches of the season was in 1998/99.

Vincent Kompany is the first defender to score in the opening two PL matches of his club since Eric Dier last season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Where was Chelsea’s defence today? Jose Mourinho will be a worried man and even substituted John Terry at the break. But his re-jigged defence couldn’t handle the guile of Silva and Toure, crosses of Kolarov or the movement and prowess of Aguero.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City): His movement today was exceptional and had his finishing been a little sharper or Begovic off his game, he could have had a hat-trick.

Man City: Hart 6, Sagna 6, Kompany 7, Mangala 6, Kolarov 7, Yaya Toure 7, Fernandinho 7, Navas 6, Silva 7, Sterling 6, Aguero 8. Subs: Nasri 6, Demichelis 6, Bony 6.

Chelsea: Begovic 7; Ivanovic 6, Cahill 6, Terry 5, Azpilicueta 6; Ramires 6, Matic 6; Willian 6, Fabregas 6, Hazard 6; Diego Costa 5. Subs: Zouma 6, Cuadrado 5, Falcao 6.