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Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Score and Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match
- Updated: December 3, 2016
Chelsea flexed their muscles in the race for the Premier League title on Saturday lunchtime as they came from behind to beat Manchester City, who finished the game with nine men, 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium and move four points clear at the top of the table.
Referee Anthony Taylor’s decision not to send off Chelsea defender David Luiz for a foul on Sergio Aguero looked to be the big moment of the first period, before Gary Cahill sliced Jesus Navas’ cross into his own goal in first-half stoppage time.
City missed a plethora of chances to double their advantage after the break, before Diego Costa punished their profligacy with an excellent goal after 60 minutes. Willian, a second-half substitute, then capped a blistering counter-attack to put the visitors ahead 11 minutes later, and Eden Hazard wrapped up the win in the last minute.
Tensions boiled over in stoppage time, and a frustrated Aguero was red-carded for a high tackle on Luiz, as was his team-mate Fernandinho, who shoved Cesc Fabregas.
The early stages of the match were primarily played in the middle third of the field as both sides sought to establish themselves. And for all the classy attacking players on show, it was a physical affair.
As noted by Greg Johnson of Squakwa Football, City’s Fernandinho was assuming the role of hatchet man in the midfield battle:
He kicked Messi out of the Brazil-Argentina game. Now getting stuck into Hazard & Moses. Fernandinho is a midfield assassin.
— Greg Johnson (@gregianjohnson) December 3, 2016
The Brazilian thought he’d become goalscorer, too, as he headed Kevin De Bruyne’s fizzing free-kick past Thibaut Courtois only to see the linesman correctly flag for offside. Within seconds, Eden Hazard was played through at the other end, although after beating Claudio Bravo, the angle closed, and he was unable to find a team-mate with his cutback.
After a cagey opening to the contest, the high defensive lines being played by both sides meant chances started to come frequently. As did a moment of major controversy.
Another lofted ball over the top looked set to release Aguero, and Luiz stepped across the line of the forward, blocking him off and prompting howls of derision from the City supporters. However, Taylor decided not to award a …
