LONDON: Within the penultimate month of the season, Manchester Metropolis resembles a formidable staff once more. It is too late to problem for the English Premier League title however nicely-timed for the pursuit of Champions League glory.
Sergio Aguero grabbed a hat trick towards Chelsea on Saturday – the final coming from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was dismissed – as Metropolis accomplished a hat trick of Premier League wins for the primary time this season.
The three-zero victory got here towards a toothless Chelsea aspect which has just one win in seven because it meekly surrenders the title. However Metropolis hadn’t gained at Stamford Bridge since 2010, and Manuel Pellegrini’s staff fortified its place within the prime 4 for Champions League qualification.
Qualification by means of the league won’t be required if Metropolis can win the European Cup for the primary time subsequent month.
Metropolis reached the Champions League semifinals for the primary time on Tuesday by eliminating French champion Paris Saint-Germain, and Actual Madrid is up subsequent.
Nevertheless pitiful Chelsea has been this season, the ailing Premier League champion stays full of expertise and was unbeaten at residence within the league since Guus Hiddink took cost in December.
Chelsea’s eleventh lack of the league marketing campaign may have been among the many most irritating as a result of the architect of the primary two objectives was Kevin De Bruyne, who was discarded by then-supervisor Jose Mourinho two years in the past.
Metropolis cannily introduced the Belgium midfielder again to England final yr for a payment of seventy five million euros (round $eighty five million) that appeared hefty however appears like paying off within the lengthy-time period.
“He’s an exquisite participant to see,” Hiddink stated.
“He developed himself very properly and it is good to see.”
De Bruyne’s surging runs made it a painful day for his former Chelsea teammates, initiating counterattacks that have been twice accomplished by Aguero.
The opener got here within the thirty third minute. De Bruyne seized possession inside his personal half and held off Baba Rahman earlier than squaring to Aguero 25 yards from aim.
Aguero took one contact to take the ball previous defender Gary Cahill earlier than putting into the underside nook of the web.
Chelsea by no means got here near equalizing earlier than Aguero was on course once more within the 54th.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa conceded the ball contained in the hosts’ penalty space, and De Bruyne took benefit, motoring to the midway line the place he squared to Samir Nasri.
The midfielder continued the cost and slipped the ball to Aguero, who drew Courtois off his line and raised a shot into the web.
When Courtois raced off his line once more within the 78th, it was a extra impulsive and reckless choice, clipping Fernandinho as he was being rounded. Courtois was pink-carded, and the primary act of alternative Amir Begovic was to select the ball out of his internet after being crushed from the penalty spot by Aguero.
It was Aguero’s twenty sixth objective of the season in all competitions and his 99th since becoming a member of Metropolis 5 years in the past. Pellegrini is mystified that his objective-scoring exploits are but to be acknowledged with the last word particular person award.
“It is extremely unusual that Sergio has performed so a few years right here and has by no means been the perfect participant within the Premier League,” Pellegrini stated.
“Within the Premier League we’ve got excellent gamers, however doubtless Kun is likely one of the greatest, if not the perfect.
“It was a terrific victory and an excellent efficiency, essential not simply to win however to play the best way we did.”
By the point Chelsea and Metropolis meet once more they may each be underneath new administration.
Each groups, who gained the final two titles, are within the uncommon place of getting already introduced new coaches for subsequent season.
Pellegrini, who has already collected the League Cup this season, is decided to exit on a European excessive earlier than handing over the managerial reigns to Pep Guardiola.
Chelsea will attempt to rebuild underneath outgoing Italy coach Antonio Conte from a place of weak spot, remaining tenth after this setback.
“It isn’t that there was an enormous distinction, however in fact they (Metropolis) have extra expertise,” Hiddink stated.
“The defeat is excessive, deserved, however not so unfavourable that we at the moment are determined.”
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