EPL 2016/17: Who said what - World reacts to Chelsea beating Man City 3-1
Chelsea and Manchester City played out a thrilling Premier League classic as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners at the Etihad. Gary Cahill’s own goal had given Manchester City the lead in the first half, with Pep Guardiola’s side missing a ton of chances to double their lead as the Man City went in with a 1-0 lead at half time.
However, Chelsea produced a stunning performance in the second half, with Willian, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard completely turning the game around for Antonio conte’s side, who handed Guardiola only his 22nd defeat in 268 games of his managerial career.
Here’s how the managers and players reacted after the game:
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
The Spaniard was congratulatory to his opponents after the game, but claimed that City did enough to win the game, saying “Congratulations to Chelsea - they won. We played really good, had a lot of control and created chances. But the ball in the box was not strong enough.Chelsea's approach was really different but that is part of the game. You don't expect Chelsea to create 25 chances. They created three and scored three.”
When asked about David Luiz’ escaping without censure after sending Aguero tumbling to the ground. Guardiola diplomatically claimed that he did not understant English referees, saying, “I was asked to come and train here and it is a pleasure to be in this country. But I just don't understand the processes.”
However, Guardiola sidestepped questions over the last-minute brawl, preferring to remain silent.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
The Italian was pleased with his sides performance after the game, saying “I think today was very tough and the game was open until the end. There were lots of chances for both teams to score. I saw lots of character from my team and that's very important to grow. But we must continue to work and improve.”
He was also asked about Cesc Fabregas, who created Costa’s equaliser in only his second appearance this season, saying “He played a good game - I know I can always count on him.”
Similarly, Conte was also pleased with Diego Costa’s calm performance, with the striker also playing the peace-keeping role in the late brawl, wtih Conte, saying “Diego is showing he is using his passion in the right way and I'm very happy about that."
Manchester City defender John Stones
“There is quite a sour feeling running through everyone's mind. It is a difficult one to take in the end. The scoreline didn't reflect the way we played. In my opinion, we should have won 3-1. But that's football. From how we played there are positives to take, playing our from the back, creating chances.”
“If we had taken them chances at the start of second half it would have been a different story. It is a strange feeling for everyone. Chelsea were clinical.”
Chelsea striker Diego Costa
“We are working very well tactically, everyone knows what we have got to do. Man City had opportunities to score the second goal but they missed and when we scored we had more confidence then had opportunity to score and we did. It was a great game."
Speaking about his discipline, Costa said, "I want to be on the pitch and I want to be cool."
Chelsea defender David Luiz
“It was a great game. That's what you expect in the Premier League. We showed our power, it also shows our character that we didn't lose our heads. Speaking about Sergio Aguero's challenge on him that caused the brawl at the end of the game. I don't like to speak about these type of things. Aguero is an amazing player who does a lot for football.”
David Luiz also payed tribute to the Chapecoense tragedy, saying “I want to dedicate this win to the people who died in Brazil. It was difficult to get my head together as I had some friends there. We just need to pray for the victim's families.”
Chelsea forward Eden Hazard
“It’s a good game for us. Eight in a row you can’t do that every year. The whole team gave everything. This is key.”