Premier League: Manchester City claims No. 1 spot after blanking Chelsea

Manchester City exposed Chelsea’s early season problems after the Sky Blues defeated the defending champs 3-0 on Monday at Etihad Stadium in the Premier League’s first heavyweight showdown. The win gave City the top spot in the league rankings, with six points in goal differentials ahead of Leicseter City’s three goals and Manchester United’s two.

Manchester City, who won its second consecutive game, had a strong start in this year’s Premier League season after posting a total of six points in goal differentials courtesy of back-to-back wins against West Brom and Chelsea. Sergio Aguero came out in his dangerous form and opened the scoring in the 32nd minute mark after being denied several times by Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Vincent Kompany doubled the lead in the 79th minute followed by Frnandinho’s fierce drive six minutes later.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted playing Chelsea was very difficult, but City’s complete game proved too much for the defending champs, scoring almost three goals in the first 45 minutes of the match. Pellegrini told the Premier League’s official website that the only reason City could not score more was Begovic’s great performance.

"We always dominate Chelsea,” Pellegrini said, reports CBC Sports. “Today we made the complete work."

Aguero was back in the starting team after being on the bench against West Brom. Pellegrini, who believes Aguero can play even better in the ongoing season, praised the Argentine international for his incredible showing, saying that the 27-year-old forward is in the best moment of his career.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho refused to accept defeat from City, calling the match result a “fake.” Mourinho also claimed that his side was the best team by far in the second half of the lopsided match. However, the Portuguese manager admitted City goalkeeper Willy Caballero made it hard for them to score a goal.

“We were the best team by far in the second half. What they did in the first we did in the second,” Mourinho said. Chelsea has been struggling to find its championship form in the Premier League.

The Blue Lions only have one point from two games after a 2-2 stalemate against Swansea in the club’s season opener.

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