LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Manchester City kick-started their Premier League title defense with an impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic. The match marked Enzo Maresca’s managerial debut for Chelsea, an occasion undoubtedly marred by the defeat.
Haaland, celebrating his 100th appearance for Manchester City, notched his 91st goal, showcasing his incredible scoring efficiency. Kovacic, on his return to Stamford Bridge, found the net to ensure Pep Guardiola’s side got off to a perfect start in their pursuit of an unprecedented fifth consecutive English top-flight title.
Despite being without their Euro 2024 finalists — Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden — due to extended recovery periods, City demonstrated their depth and quality. They faced a Chelsea squad heavily laden with 43 players, a situation that Maresca must quickly streamline.
Controversy brewed before kick-off as Raheem Sterling, notably excluded from the matchday squad, expressed his dismay through a public statement. Ben Chilwell was another casualty of Chelsea’s selection dilemmas, while Conor Gallagher and Romelu Lukaku were not given squad numbers.
Chelsea’s new signings were conspicuously absent from the starting lineup, adding to the surprise was the appointment of Enzo Fernandez as captain despite the ongoing scrutiny following his social media post after Argentina’s Copa America victory.
From kickoff, Manchester City displayed their usual seamless team dynamics and sheer prowess. Haaland, who missed out on international duties this summer, made an immediate impact in the 18th minute. A deflected pass from Bernardo Silva found the Norwegian striker, who effortlessly chipped the ball over Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Kevin De Bruyne came close to doubling the lead with a curled shot that narrowly missed, while Sanchez was kept busy turning over a deflected shot from Jeremy Doku.
Chelsea rallied towards the end of the first half and nearly equalized. City’s goalkeeper Ederson spilled a routine save from Cole Palmer’s shot, but the danger was averted as Nicolas Jackson, who tapped in the rebound, was flagged offside.
Foden made an early second-half entrance, stepping in for the injured Savinho. The sluggishness often seen in early-season matches was evident, with both teams sporting players lacking pre-season minutes.
Chelsea, pressing hard for an equalizer, left themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. Sanchez denied Haaland a second goal with a remarkable save, while De Bruyne’s shot once again narrowly missed the target.
The match was put to bed when Kovacic, allowed a clear run through midfield, unleashed a shot from distance. Sanchez’s weak attempt to save saw the ball nestle into the top corner, sealing Chelsea’s fate and highlighting the goalkeeper’s error.
For Chelsea, the road ahead looks arduous as Maresca navigates the challenge of trimming down and integrating a sizeable squad. In contrast, Manchester City continues to exemplify stability and excellence, taking their first step in what looks to be another dominant season.
