Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has accused Chelsea's Diego Costa of 'always trying to offend the opposition' after the pair clashed during the Blues' 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The 26-year-old striker was adamant that Fernandinho had deliberately elbowed him in the side of the head just before half time and attempted to confront the Brazilian as both sets of players made their way down the tunnel at the break.
Costa's head had to bandaged after the incident and Jose Mourinho suggested that the City midfielder could have been dismissed for the challenge, but Fernandinho believes the forward's attitude on the pitch is an attempt to draw a response from his opponents.
"Costa is always trying to offend the opposition but I keep calm and keep playing. I didn't wan't to fight or have any confrontation. I just play for my team," he said.
Speaking of his skirmish with the Spaniard, Fernandinho shrugged off the suggestion that he had intentionally caused Costa any harm: "It was an accident. It's in the nature of the game. It was a shock and I received a yellow card - but it happens in football."
City's commanding victory has moved Manuel Pellegrini's side to the top of the Premier League table while defending champions Chelsea have been left languishing in 16th.
Fernandinho, who scored City's third goal on Sunday, is delighted with the positive start that his side has made and insisted that he and his teammates are determined to reclaim their crown.
Player Ratings: Manchester City vs Chelsea
"It's been a good way to start. Two wins, six goals and none conceded. We have come to win the title this season."
Chelsea, meanwhile, will travel to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday aiming to secure their first win of the season at the third attempt.
