Diego Costa’s fine finish and brilliant breakaway strikes by Willian and Eden Hazard earned leaders Chelsea an eighth successive Premier League victory as they came from behind at the Etihad Stadium.
The match ended in complete chaos as Manchester City had Sergio Ageuro sent off for a reckless foul on David Luiz and then Fernandinho red-carded in the mass melee that followed.
But the unsightly finale did not detract from Chelsea going four points clear at the top of the table.
The Blues had resisted increasing Manchester City pressure until late in the first half when Gary Cahill sliced the ball into his own net.
City then wasted numerous chances to add to their lead and Chelsea made them pay as Costa’s low finish from a Cesc Fabregas pass and Willian’s cool strike turned the game on its head.
Costa controlled a long ball forward by Cesc Fabregas on his chest, turned Nicolas Otamendi and found the bottom corner – his 11th goal of the season.
And Willian raced onto Costa’s cute pass to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes left after the Blues broke up play on the edge of their own box.
Hazard wrapped up victory in the 90th minute, racing clear on the left and calmly slotting the ball in at the near post.
But City will rue numerous missed chances.
At 0-0 the home side had two penalty shouts waved away and the excellent Aguero had three decent chances saved or blocked, while City also appealed for a red card for David Luiz, who nudged the Argentine striker as he looked to run through on goal.
And, having gone ahead, Kevin De Bruyne shot at Thibaut Courtois and hit the bar with the goal gaping, while Cahill cleared off the line from Aguero after a dreadful Marcos Alonso backpass.
Aguero also had a great chance but shot straight at Courtois.
City’s frustration grew as Chelsea levelled, and then went in front. And after Hazard’s calm late strike secured the points, tempers exploded in ugly scenes that marred a breathtaking match.
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Pedro (Willian 50), Costa (Chalobah 85), Hazard (Batshuayi 90).
Subs not used: Begovic, Ivanovic, Aina, Oscar.
This post was last modified on 03/12/2016