Home ›› 25 Oct 2021 ›› Sport
Chelsea opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 7-0 demolition of Norwich, while Phil Foden starred as Manchester City moved up to second place after a 4-1 victory at Brighton on Saturday.
Mason Mount scored a hat-trick for the Blues at Stamford Bridge as the European champions coped easily without first-choice strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
Mount started the rout after just eight minutes and finished it with two more in the closing stages after Ben Gibson had been sent-off for the visitors.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and Ben Chilwell were also on target for Thomas Tuchel’s men, while Max Aarons’ own goal summed up a sorry day for the Canaries.
Mount had not scored since May and Tuchel welcomed his return to scoring form with Lukaku and Werner expected to be out for some time.
“No matter how satisfied the coach is, the offensive guys need goals to be fully happy,” said Tuchel.
“He waited too long, so it was good that he got some goals. I agree he looked fresh again today.”
Norwich already look destined for a swift return to the Championship with only two points and minus-21 goal difference from their opening nine games.
At the Amex Stadium, champions Manchester City underlined their determination to hold onto the title with a commanding performance.
City took the lead after 12 minutes when Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez spilled the ball under pressure and Ilkay Gundogan applied the finish.
Bernardo Silva launched the rapid raid that produced City’s second goal in the 28th minute as he fed Jack Grealish for a low cross that Foden converted in clinical fashion.
Three minutes later, Grealish’s shot was blocked into the path of Jesus, whose effort deflected off Foden and past Sanchez.
Alex Mac Allister got one back for Brighton with an 81st minute penalty after Ederson fouled Enock Mwepu.
But Riyad Mahrez converted Foden’s pass to wrap up an emphatic win in stoppage-time.
“Phil is a player who can play in different positions but especially up front because he has the quality and precision. He is young and will keep improving,” City boss Pep Guardiola said.
Liverpool would climb back above City into second place, within one point of Chelsea, if they win at arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
