Chelsea Punish City: Aguero Sent Off as Costa Inspires 2nd-half Fightback to Triumph in Manchester (Photos+Video)

Diego Costa produced a remarkable performance to help Chelsea secure a 3-1 victory away at Manchester City on Saturday.

Chelsea's eighth successive Premier League win cemented their place at the top of the table - but their victory at Etihad Stadium ended in chaos as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were sent off in injury time.

Antonio Conte's side delivered an impressive statement of intent as they cut City apart on the break after going behind to Gary Cahill's own goal on the stroke of half-time, when he diverted Jesus Navas's cross beyond Thibaut Courtois.

The game turned on Kevin De Bruyne's 56th minute miss with City in control, crashing Navas's cross against the bar from inside the six-yard area.

 

Both sides held a minute of silence at the Etihad as a mark of respect to those players affected by the Chapecoense plane crash

Chelsea were level on the hour when Diego Costa outmuscled Nicolas Otamendi to score and they were ahead ten minutes later when substitute Willian raced clear to beat City keeper Claudio Bravo with ease.

Eden Hazard completed a magnificent win for Chelsea with another goal on the break, showing too much pace for Aleksandar Kolarov to wrap up three vital points.

 

Eden Hazard celebrating after scoring

-An unsavoury end

It is unlikely either Manchester City or Chelsea have heard the last of a shameful conclusion to a high-class game of football as players and officials from both sides became embroiled in ugly scenes.

City's frustration at what they believed were a series of injustices at the hands of referee Anthony Taylor boiled over injury time as Aguero caught Luiz high and late, which happened after the Argentine clashed with the defender at a corner earlier.

 

Sergio Aguero was sent off for the hosts for a knee high challenge on David Luiz

Chelsea's Nathaniel Chalobah joined in and was lucky not to see red as a crowd scene developed on the touchline as Fernandinho was sent off for grabbing Fabregas.

Even then, Fernandinho had to be forced to leave the pitch and with the whole situation threatening to go completely out of control, it was fortunate referee Taylor was able to blow the final whistle seconds later.

 

David Luiz and Willian show their black armbands as a mark of respect to those affected by the Chapecoense plane crash

It is hard to see how both clubs can escape censure for a failure to control their players.

Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)Chelsea's eighth successive Premier League win cemented their place at the top of the table - but their victory at Etihad Stadium ended in chaos as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were sent off in injury time.

Watch the match highlights below;