“I think today we deserved to win”
, Yaya Toure – 16/04/2016.
Goals; Aguero 33', 53', 80' (pen)
Line Up (4-4-1-1); Hart, Zabalete (Sagna 67'), Otamendi, Mangala, Kolorov, Navas, Toure, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Nasri (Delph 75'), Aguero (Iheanacho 85')
Stats;Possession, 52%/48%; Shots, 11(4)/11(8); Fouls, 12/15
Referee; Carlos Velasco Carballo
Line Up (4-4-1-1); Hart, Zabalete (Sagna 67'), Otamendi, Mangala, Kolorov, Navas, Toure, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Nasri (Delph 75'), Aguero (Iheanacho 85')
Stats;Possession, 52%/48%; Shots, 11(4)/11(8); Fouls, 12/15
Referee; Carlos Velasco Carballo
It would be easy to write the whole article on Sergio Aguero's fabulous hat-trick as City tore Chelsea asunder at Stamford Bridge. The performance was, however, so much more than that; superb though our Argentine "crack" player was, as he led the line imperiously from start to finish.
Starting at the back, the return of the more attacking full-back options, Zabaleta and Kolorov, did nothing to unbalance the recent return to form and solidity of the defence. Kolorov also opened up the game on the left several times, during a first half which could have seen City be two or three up at half time.
Starting at the back, the return of the more attacking full-back options, Zabaleta and Kolorov, did nothing to unbalance the recent return to form and solidity of the defence. Kolorov also opened up the game on the left several times, during a first half which could have seen City be two or three up at half time.
In midfield, a higher pressing line, adhered to by the offensive players, allowed Toure and Fernandhino more time to close down any space that did arise up front for Chelsea. Nasri, and DeBruyne in particular were relentless in making this work.
Up front, Aguero was obviously outstanding, but it was the pace of the counter attacks, when City broke up play, that was the most impressive part of City's game. This willingness to look up immediately and then break with speed, brought the first goal. Breaking on the right, De Bruyne rode his luck through an initial challenge, to complete a one two with Aguero, before racing away and squaring the ball again for the Argentine, who shifted the ball to his right foot and let rip with his shot which went low and hard to Courtois' right via a deflection off Azpilicueta. 0-1.
If the first goal was good, the second was better on 53'. Again on the counter, De Bruyne shimmied through two Chelsea players twenty five yards from his own goal, before breaking and playing the ball to Nasri, the Frenchman produced a slide rule pass to Aguero in the box, who in turn smashed the ball into the left corner of the Chelsea goal. 0-2, and the power of the counter attack, something missing for so many games for City this season, had brought both goals.
On 77' City wrapped up the points. Aguero slid the ball to Fernandinho who ran 30 yards before bursting into the box, the Brazilian rounded the keeper, only to be brought down for his trouble. Blatant penalty (given for once), and referee Mike Dean had no option but to send of Cortois, who had been the only reason Chelsea were still in the game. Aguero stepped up, and gave the keeper eyes right, only to blast the ball low to the left of the Chelsea goal. 0-3 game-over.
So a vital three points, picked up in what was arguably City's best away performance since Seville away in the Champions League. Aguero picked up his 19th,20th,and 21st goals of the Season, and rounded off a great team performance in style!
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
