Aguero scored a brilliant treble to condemn Guus Hiddink's men to their second consecutive defeat
Sergio Aguero's hat-trick inflicted the first Premier League home defeat on Guus Hiddink during his two spells as Chelsea boss.
The Blues were woeful as Manchester City climbed above Arsenal into third place for at least a day to complete a dream week for the Champions League semi-finalists.
Former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne helped set up Aguero's first two goals – both scored on the counter-attack from deep inside the City half.
Following a home corner after 33 minutes, the Belgian exchanged passes with the Argentine before sprinting into the Chelsea half. He crossed to Aguero on the edge of the box and his shot was deflected into the corner off Gary Cahill.
The second goal after 54 minutes was even better as De Bruyne this time beat Cesar Azpilicueta deep in Chelsea's half before surging forward. He fed Samir Nasri and his ball released Aguero to score.
The Argentine, who missed a penalty against PSG in midweek, converted from the spot after 79 minutes after Thibaut Courtois was dismissed after bringining down Fernandinho. The Belgium goalkeeper was also sent off in the first game of the season against Swansea.
Defeat at the Liberty Stadium ended Chelsea's 15-match unbeaten run in the league in Hiddink's second spell. The Dutchman had not two league games in a row as a club manager since February 2004 whilst at PSV Eindhoven – and the Blues had not lost any of his 13 home matches in charge during his two stints as caretaker boss at the Bridge.
The only downside to City's win was Pablo Zabeleta's childish strop when he was subbed off by Manuel Pellegrini after 67 minutes.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Sergio Aguero can still win the Premier League Golden Boot this season
The brilliant Argentine's hat-trick takes him to 21 goals this season – the same as Jamie Vardy. Harry Kane leads with 22.
2. In the game of alphabet soup, KDB beat RLC
Kevin De Bruyne was brilliant on his return to Stamford Bridge as he was involved in both goals. By contrast, Ruben Loftus-Cheek looked out of his depth playing behind Diego Costa. The former Chelsea trainee is 20 – the same age as England regular Delle Ali
3. De Bruyne didn't have a point to prove, but he proved it anyway
The Belgian was never given a chance at Chelsea. He has now had a hand in 29 goals for City this season (15 goals, 14 assists). Look forward to see him running at the Real Madrid defence next week
4. Antonio Conte needs a new spine to this team
The old guard of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba will all be gone next season. This 10th-placed side lacks leaders and needs investment to even compete for a top-four finish next season. The defence isn't good enough. There is only one striker
5. Manchester City's high-viz away kit does not go with anything
Especially Samir Nasri's Limahl-style hairstyle – not a highlight. And the lurid yellow/green number even makes Yaya Toure look fat. How does that work?
Player ratings
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois 6 (Mikel, 79,5); Azpilicueta 6, Cahill 6, Ivanovic 6, Baba Rahman 5; Mikel 6, Fabregas 5; Willian 6 (Traore, 70,5), Loftus-Cheek 5, Pedro 5 (Kenedy, 70,5); Diego Costa 6
Man City (4-2-3-1): Hart 7; Zabaleta 6 (Sagna, 67,6), Mangala 6, Otamendi 7, Kolarov 6; Fernandinho 6, Toure 6, Navas 6, De Bruyne 8, Nasri 7 (Delph, 75,5), Aguero 8 (Iheanacho, 85,5).
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