Boss backs City duo after melee

But Saturday’s 3-1 win at Manchester City laid down their biggest marker of the season and they are now the team to beat in the title race and sit three points clear of nearest challengers Arsenal.

City’s star striker is facing a four-match ban after being sent off for a wild tackle on David Luiz in the closing moments of Saturday’s 3-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium. In stoppage time, with Chelsea already guaranteed a four-point lead at the top, mayhem broke out following a bad tackle by Sergio Aguero on David Luiz.

Goal’s Sam Lee reflected: “Pep Guardiola’s side created a hatful of gilt-edged chances and suffered some poor refereeing, but their weaknesses were ruthlessly exploited and, by the end, they fell apart”. It was the way the referee decided. “I apologise for what happened”, said Guardiola. Aguero will be suspended for four games as he’s already been suspended once before this season. “I’ll stop”, the Italian said.

A melee then ensued with Fabregas being shoved towards the crowd by Fernandinho and numerous players and coaches getting stuck in.

City defender John Stones, whose side went ahead courtesy of Gary Cahill’s own goal, said: “There is quite a sour feeling running through everyone’s mind”.

City have a right to feel aggrieved following two controversial decisions surrounding a red card and penalty not being paid, but the reaction was out of order.

Man City, who were four points clear themselves at the end of September, have now taken just 12 points from their last eight games.

“Sanchez can always give you something special”.

“Overall the level was good, believe me”. We know how to play that system.

But it was a awful outing for defending champions Leicester as they suffered a 1-2 defeat at Sunderland with Robert Huth’s own-goal proving the difference between the two struggling sides. I congratulate my team for what we did.

‘The players around him were playing well, defending for our lives when we didn’t have the ball and he’ll see that. It is part of the process.

Here, we take a look at what was learned from the latest round of games in England’s top flight. “But I have no regrets”.

Guardiola, meanwhile, declined to comment on a first-half incident that might have resulted in a red card for Luiz.

Both Aguero and Fernandinho were shown red once things had calmed down, in the 96th and 97th minute.

“We didn’t win because we missed a lot of chances”, he added, “not because of the referee”. “I have to understand them, that’s all”.

Till this game, Guardiola had managed to deflect questions asked of his defence, largely thanks to the efforts of his frontmen who had on most occasions managed to outscore the opposition. “I will speak with my team how we have to handle these type of situations”.

“This was a fine game, with both teams showing why they will challenge for the title this season. But we must continue to work and improve”.

Arsene Wenger’s side struck in the 24th minute when Angelo Ogbonna was caught in possession and Alexis Sanchez seized on the loose ball to set up Mesut Ozil, who tapped into the empty net.

He said: “I am more satisfied with the way we played than the last two games away when we won and we were happy (only) because we won”.