It would seem that Chelsea was just playing around with Manchester City, giving them hope they could actually win and then when it stopped being funny, go and put three goals on them and have a couple of their players sent off.
In a second consecutive week, Chelsea came back from a goal down to defeat a title contending team. Last week it was Tottenham and this week was Manchester City. As Chelsea won 3-1, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were both sent off at the same time for violent conduct on David Luiz and Cesc Fabregas.
In the first half, it would appear Manchester City had the edge. They were getting the shots while Chelsea just held back waiting to counterattack. City had a few issues with referee Anthony Taylor as Nicolas Otamendi got a yellow that he arguably didn’t deserve and David Luiz avoided getting a yellow or red for pushing Aguero (remember this) and can argue denying a goalscoring opportunity. Along with a possible penalty by N’Golo Kante that wasn’t given, Man City felt hard done with multiple calls that didn’t go their way.
Despite that, the first half ended with City up 1-0 due to a Gary Cahill own goal. It wasn’t the way Pep Guardiola wanted to draw that up, but he was sure going to take it.
YIKES!! Gary Cahill's own goal gives @ManCity a 1-0 lead vs. Chelsea right before halftime! #PLonNBC #ManCity https://t.co/HtzWJnmaVm
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 3, 2016
This seemed to kick Chelsea into gear because they didn’t let up in the second half. Some of that was because of Man City mistakes but Chelsea finished beautifully.
First, Diego Costa used his strength in the box to equalize.
EMPHATIC RESPONSE from Diego Costa! The striker levels for Chelsea, who tie vs. Man City 1-1. https://t.co/xxiNilFwut
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 3, 2016
Willian scored Chelsea’s second goal just 10 minutes after, scoring an emotional goal as he and fellow Brazilian David Luiz showed armbands honoring those killed in the Chapecoense plane crash.
ANOTHER ONE! This time Willian puts Chelsea ahead 2-1 vs. Man City and shows off his Chapecoense tribute armband https://t.co/oXcEvgtR0V
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 3, 2016
The final dagger came at the hands of Eden Hazard, as he sealed the contest right as stoppage time began to make it a 3-1 win. All goals featuring long balls up top and quick attacks.
But that wasn’t all. In the final minute, Aguero was locked in on David Luiz’s knee and fouled him, earning a straight red card. The foul sparked shoving from just about everyone on both teams. In the fracas, Fernandinho also get a straight red for putting his hands on Cesc Fabregas’ throat and pushed him. Both are at least getting suspended three matches, both may be out for even longer.
I understand the frustration from both players but that is time to keep your emotions in check, no matter how hard that may be. Chelsea is a team who trolls their opponents to want them to get involved in situations that get them sent off. They probably don’t want any of their players injured in the process but that’s what they do. Now, not only will Aguero and Fernandinho do something stupid, it means Leicester, Watford and Arsenal will breathe a sigh of relief they don’t have to face them. And if they miss five matches, that will include Liverpool. Not the thing to have entering the holiday season.
With the win, Chelsea is on an eight match winning streak and will remain in 1st regardless of what Liverpool does. Liverpool play Bournemouth on Sunday and if they win, will be back within a point. Manchester City remains tied with Liverpool in 3rd, four points back of Chelsea and an Arsenal win against West Ham later today will move City down to 4th.
