In an early marker of sorts to their title rivals, Manchester City thumped defending champions Chelsea 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium. It is still too early to infer any pattern but City are fast becoming the ‘team to beat’ this season.
The visitors made two changes with Asmir Begovic coming in place of the suspended Thibaut Courtois while Ramires slotted in for the injured Oscar.
The hosts looked sharp from the outset as Sergio Aguero put them into lead in the 31st minute after missing some early chances. The Blues had Begovic to thank for not going further down as he pulled a couple of smart saves.
Diego Costa had a tussle with Fernandinho and he looked like a raging bull as the teams stopped for the break. Jose Mourinho substituted his captain John Terry with Kurt Zouma at the beginning of the second half. The replacement was more tactical as Mourinho went for a faster player.
Chelsea looked a different side in the latter part of the match as they pressed higher up. They could have been level after 70 minutes had Eden Hazard finished a little better than shooting straight at Joe Hart.
To add insult to injury, City captain Vincent Kompany outmuscled Branislav Ivanovic to double the advantage and Fernandinho put the result beyond the reach of the Blues.
There was enough time for Costa to hit the bar but this was a day for one of the best performances by the Citizens. For the Blues, it was a humbling experience as Mourinho now has to overturn a very bad start.
The performance is more appalling than the score line as Chelsea were never really in the same league as City. The problems for Mourinho run deep as his team continues to struggle. Ivanovic looks a sorry figure after being sorted by another strong winger, for the second week in succession. Hazard looks out of touch while Costa seems to be battling alone.
It is time the Blues pick up their performance and fight, lest it would be too late.
