Talking Points: Manchester City 3-0 Chelsea

The Premier League Champions travelled to the home of the former champions for their second match of the season.With last week being marred in controversy over Jose Mourinho’s public criticism of club doctor Eva Carniero and physio Jon Fearn, their place on the bench was taken by Chris Hughes and Steven Hughes respectively.Other absentees for Chelsea at the Etihad were Oscar through injury and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose red card against Swansea saw him serve a one match ban after Chelsea lost their appeal.This saw Asmir Begovic get his full debut in goal, and Ramires come in for Oscar.The only change in the Citizens line-up from last week, saw last season’s top scorer Sergio Aguero come in for Wilfried Bony.

#1 Asmir Begovic finally beaten

Manchester City thoroughly dominated the first half. David Silva put Sergio Aguero through on goal with an exquisite pass after just 22 seconds into the game, only for the Argentinian to fail to put it beyond the outstretched hands of debutant keeper Asmir Begovic.

But that was merely the start of a relentless string of attacks launched by the Sky Blues. Kolarov bombarded balls into the box from the left flank with Aguero and Elaquim Mangala just unable to get adequate contact on them.

On the other side, Jesus Navas and David Silva combined beautifully with Aguero on the right, drawing two brilliant saves from the Bosnian keeper.

Aguero finally got one past Begovic, when he combined with Yaya Toure, and then weaved his way past Gary Cahill, to calmly roll the ball into the corner of the Chelsea goal. 

On the other end, Chelsea did not manage a single shot on target in the first half. Diego Costa was elbowed by Fernandinho when they both went up to claim a header, for which, the City midfielder could have seen a red card. 

All Chelsea had to show for the first half, was a disappointed and fuming Diego Costa and a bleeding Gary Cahill, due to a nose injury, yet again.

Manchester City finished the first half up by only one goal, but on another day they could have had five. But Sergio Aguero scored his first ever goal past the Bosnian keeper in the Premier League to break his duck.