Manchester City and Chelsea charged over player behaviour

During a 2013 FA Cup semi-final matchup between the sides, Aguero was involved in what could almost be classed as an assault on the Brazilian defender, lunging in with two feet as Luiz was on the ground. This is not part of the attractive football.

Sergio Aguero had looked set for a rest but could now feature in a bid to keep up his match sharpness. It’s more for the club because you won more games.

The pair will miss games against Leicester, Watford and Arsenal and, while Fernandinho can return at Hull on 26 December, Aguero will have to wait until City’s trip to Anfield to play Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.

Both players face substantial spells in the stands after their involvement in the unsavoury scenes at Stamford Bridge this past weekend.

“We are going to accept the ban from the Football Association and work with other players for the games”, Guardiola added. That is why Fernandinho went to defend his team-mate, that is all. But if Sergio is going to play or not, I will decide.

The late scuffles marred what had been a compelling contest, albeit one that had seen emotions run high throughout.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, John Stones claimed City were harshly treated by referee Anthony Taylor.

In the match against City, Chelsea conceded an early lead courtesy of an own goal from defender Gary Cahill. Kevin De Bruyne was guilty of the worst miss, wasting a chance to make it 2-0 by crashing a close-range shot against the bar in front of an open goal. Personnel from both benches jumped up to intervene, with Diego Costa among those playing the role of peace-maker.

“In actual fact you don’t always realise the speed those guys move at, even in comparison with other Premier League players”.

Luiz said: “Yes, it is very nice but the league hasn’t finished yet. If we give a good performance and continue to develop and learn then we’ll be happy”. Every single match is hard.

“We have to wait for the first part of the season because we know this league is not easy”.

Midfielder N’Golo Kante insists the title battle with City is far from over.

“They can equally play as well sitting back or being the team on the front foot”. “It was a hard week for us especially emotionally”.

THINGS got heated between Chelsea and Manchester City during the closing minutes of their encounter at the Etihad.