Hazard, Willian, Diego Costa score as Blues win 8th consecutive game

Chelsea registered their eighth consecutive win in the Premier League and retained the top spot as they beat Manchester City 3-1 on Saturday.

Though City got the first breakthrough when Gary Cahill put it across his own net but soon, Chelsea capitalised on City’s missed chances and dominated the game.

Diego Costa equalised on the hour mark before substitute Willian and Eden Hazard secured the three points with their goals later in the second half to keep Chelsea - who have now won eight games in a row - top of the standings by a point. 

Despite the end result, it was City who began the game the more dominant of the two sides although Chelsea came close to taking the lead when John Stones - back in Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up - headed the ball to Leroy Sane, whose subsequent clearance fell to Pedro.

The Spaniard squared the ball to Diego Costa before the Brazilian set up Eden Hazard with his pass, only for the Belgian to drive his effort wide. 

The hosts reacted soon afterward with Sergio Aguero forcing Thibaut Courtois into a fine save with his fierce shot in the 20th minute before City did get the ball into the net - although it wasn’t given.

Chelsea restored parity in the 60th minute when Fabregas’ superb ball over the top found Costa, who cut inside Nicolas Otamendi and found the net with his low effort. 

With City failing to convert their many chances in front of goal, Hazard then found Costa with a pass from City’s half before the striker ran past Otamendi all too easily and set up substitute Willian.

The Brazilian, who has been out of the Chelsea line-up due to injuries and time away to grieve the death of his mother, showed outstanding pace to run down the length of the pitch and drive a low shot past Bravo.

Hazard then completed the comeback after Chelsea went on the counter, which ended in Hazard latching onto Alonso’s ball and smashing it home. 

The game finished with unsavouray scenes as Sergio Aguero was given a straight red card following a reckless challenge on David Luiz.