Chelsea rock title rivals City, rampant Arsenal up to second
LONDON: Chelsea cemented their position on top of the Premier League with a 3-1 victory at title rivals Manchester City, while Alexis Sanchez’s hat- trick in a 5-1 thrashing of West Ham took Arsenal into second place on Saturday.
Gary Cahill’s own goal from a Jesus Navas cross gifted City the lead on the stroke of half- time, but Diego Costa equalised with a clinical finish in the 60th minute.
Costa capped a dominant display by setting up substitute Willian for Chelsea’s second goal in the 70th minute before Eden Hazard struck to send Antonio Conte’s men four points clear of City at the top.
City’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time with red cards for Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho, the former for an ugly lunge on David Luiz, the latter for pushing Cesc Fabregas over an advertising board.
“It was very tough and the game was open until the end. There were lots of chances for both teams to score,” Conte said.
“I saw lots of character from my team and that’s very important to grow. But we must continue to work and improve.”
City striker Aguero faces a fourmatch ban and boss Pep Guardiola said: “It’s a pity it finished like this. I don’t like that. I apologise for what happened.”
Chelsea’s eighth successive league victory condemned Guardiola to a first defeat at Eastlands, where his side have now gone four home games without a win.
City were left to rue some profligate finishing as Kevin de Bruyne hit the crossbar from closerange before Chelsea’s equaliser.
While City spluttered, Arsenal stepped up their title challenge with a ruthless performance that kept them within three points of Chelsea. — AFP
It was very tough and the game was open until the end. There were lots of chances for both teams to score. Antonio Conte, Chelsea manager