Manchester City win over Chelsea motivated by revenge, says Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini admitted Man City's 3-0 victory at Chelsea on Saturday was motivated by their desire for revenge following their 5-1 FA Cup defeat in February.

Sergio Aguero fired a hat-trick to help City move above Arsenal into third place in the Premier League table and stay on track for Champions League qualification.

And Pellegrini said his side wanted payback after they were soundly beaten on their previous trip to Stamford Bridge, when a young City team conceded five to crash out of the FA Cup in the fifth round.

Pellegrini, who was delighted with his side's victory, told Sky Sports: "I'm very satisfied, because I think our team played very well in attacking and defending, and when we have all our players fit and playing all of them together - I think it's another team.

"We knew before the game that Chelsea would always be a difficult team, but we also wanted the revenge for the FA Cup that we had to play here with a young team and they beat us 5-1.

"So I think that tonight was a complete game and three important points for the Premier League because we want to finish as near to the top of the league as we can."

Aguero's treble puts him on 21 league goals for the season, level with Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy and one behind Tottenham's Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot.

"I am sure he is the best striker in this league," Pellegrini added. "It's different when he's playing every game, every week and he's a very important player. It's very strange that he's played here so many years and he's not been the best player in the league.

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"It was a big performance from the team as well, and when you have good individual performances, you do well as a team. Not only Kevin [De Bruyne], because Eliaquim Mangala played very well and Fernandinho played very well. Jesus Navas worked very hard."

Pablo Zabaleta was booked in the first half, and after the City right-back lunged in on Pedro after the break, Pellegrini said he made a substitution to avoid a potential red card.

"Yes, Pablo was on a yellow card," explained Pellegrini, "so another foul, and all the fans will try to pressure the referee for the second yellow. I thought it was better to change it."

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City midfielder Yaya Toure added: "I think today was a brilliant game. We played very well

"The first half was a brilliant game, we started very well. We tried to control the game well, we had some good counter-attacks.

"It was a good game for all the team, I think we deserved the win. It was one of the best games (this season)."