Manchester City began their Premier League title defense with a decisive 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, showcasing their intent to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive top-flight crown. Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic were the stars of the evening, each finding the back of the net to spoil Enzo Maresca’s debut as Chelsea’s head coach.
Haaland and Kovacic Lead City to Opening Victory at Stamford Bridge
City entered the match without several key players who were given additional rest following their Euro 2024 exertions. Despite the absence of Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden from the starting lineup, Pep Guardiola’s men displayed their depth and quality.
Haaland, playing in his 100th match for City, wasted little time in making an impact. The Norwegian forward, who had enjoyed a rare summer break, took just 18 minutes to open the scoring.
A clever touch from Bernardo Silva redirected Jeremy Doku’s cross into Haaland’s path, allowing him to calmly lift the ball over Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea, struggling to find rhythm under Maresca’s new management, offered little in response. The London club, which underwent significant changes in the summer transfer window, looked disjointed and failed to create any substantial threat in the first half.
Nicolas Jackson did manage to put the ball in the net for Chelsea, but his effort was correctly ruled offside, a testament to the Blues’ frustrating evening.
The second half saw City maintain control, with the match’s tempo reflecting the early stages of the season. Chelsea pushed for an equalizer, but it was City who doubled their lead. Mateo Kovacic, returning to the ground where he spent five years, capitalized on a lackluster Chelsea defense.
Bursting through midfield unchallenged, Kovacic unleashed a powerful strike from distance. Sanchez got a hand to it, but the effort was too strong, and the ball nestled into the top corner.
For Chelsea, the loss was a harsh reminder of the work ahead under Maresca. The team’s disjointed performance, coupled with the absence of familiar faces like Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher, underlined the challenges of integrating a bloated and newly-assembled squad.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s performance sent a clear message to their rivals: even with key players missing, they remain the team to beat in the Premier League. Guardiola’s side begins the season with the same hunger and excellence that has defined their dominance in recent years.
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