Chelsea executed the perfect smash and grab raid to beat Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium and win their eighth straight Premier League game.

City deservedly led through a comical Gary Cahill own goal in first half stoppage time but were unable to take advantage of their dominance as they ripped through a fragile Chelsea back line.

But their lack of ruthlessness cost them dear as Kevin De Bruyne hit the bar from close range for City just before the hour mark. Moments later Chelsea were level, with Diego Costa plundering his 11th Premier League goal of the season.

Suddenly Chelsea oozed menace, and when another City attack broke down, they twisted the knife – they broke at pace and the excellent Costa set up Willian who shot low past Claudio Bravo.

Eden Hazard added gloss to the scoreline in the dying minutes, and as frustration boiled over Sergio Aguero was sent off for a wild challenge on David Luiz – an offence that will earn him a three-match suspension, and Fernandinho also saw red.

Chelsea moved four points clear pending Arsenal's game at West Ham later on Saturday.