Manchester City are setting the pace early in the new Premier League season.
Manuel Pellegrini's Sky Blues produced an impressive 3-0 win over reigning champions Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to return to the top of the table in emphatic style.
Sergio Aguero, who could have had a first-half hat-trick, scored first for City in the 31st minute when he side-footed a perfectly-placed effort past Asmir Begovic before Vincent Kompany scored for the second game in a row with a front post header from a David silva corner with just over 10 minutes remaining.
The third goal came in the 85th minute when Silva blocked a ball in midfield which fell nicely for Fernandinho who lashed across Begovic and into the back of the net from the edge of the box.
It was a solid effort from City who are now sitting pretty in first spot with six points and a goal difference of six while Jose Mourinho's Chelsea are languishing in 16th with one a point from last week's draw with Swansea City.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Manchester City: 3 (Sergio Aguero 16', Vincent Kompany 79', Fernandinho 85')
Chelsea: 0
Etihad stadium, Manchester - 54,331
TALKING POINTS
- Is this the type pf performance which will see City take title favouritism?
- Aguero looked dangerous and will only get better with more games. Will he win the Golden Boot again?
- Is this is a mini-crisis for Chelsea? Can Mourinho get them out of this early-season mire?
WHAT'S NEXT?
City head to Everton on Sunday in search of a third straight win as Chelsea head to West Bromwich Albion in hot pursuit of their first win of the new campaign.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Playing intensely and believing in our game makes anything possible. Elated to bring this joy to our fans. C'mon, City!
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) August 16, 201555.000 fans, amazing support and a great team performance, I call that a good day. #mcfc#SouthStandpic.twitter.com/svr4zs7hjw
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) August 16, 2015Tough loss for us today, but we have to move on quick and focus on the next game. Thanks for the great support!
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) August 16, 2015
QUOTES CORNER
Man City boss Pellegrini on beating the reigning premiers:
"I am very satisfied because it is not easy to beat the champions. It was a great performance. I think today our team played better and 3-0 is the minimum we deserved."
Chelsea's Mourinho on the scoreline flattering City:
“If the 1-0 was a doubtful result at minute 70, 75 the 3-0 is completely fake because at 1-0 Chelsea was the better team in the whole second half."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
79 - Sergio Aguero has scored 79 PL goals since debuting for Man City, more than any other player in the league. Marksman.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 16, 20151 - This is the first time under Mourinho that Chelsea have conceded more than once in Manchester (v City or United). Mad.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 16, 20152 - Vincent Kompany has scored in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since December 2013. Leader.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 16, 2015
TEAM LEADERS
MAN CITY
Goals - Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany 2
Assists - David Silva 3
Clean sheets - Joe Hart 2
Yellow cards - Five players all on 1
CHELSEA
Goals - Oscar 1
Yellow cards - John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Eden Hazard 1
