- Manchester City kicked off their Premier League title defense in style, defeating Chelsea 2-0 despite a disrupted pre-season and missing key players
- Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic both found the net, showcasing City’s depth and resilience against a Chelsea side still finding its footing under new manager Enzo Maresca
- The victory solidifies City’s status as early title favorites, while Chelsea is left to regroup after a tough start
Manchester City showcased their championship pedigree by overcoming Chelsea 2-0, despite a disrupted pre-season and a squad missing key players.
Pep Guardiola’s side, though shorn of several Euro 2024 finalists, displayed remarkable resilience and cohesion, with Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic stepping up to secure the victory at Stamford Bridge.
Haaland, who enjoyed a summer break from international duty, wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring a coolly executed goal in the 18th minute.
Jeremy Doku’s deflected cross found the Norwegian striker, who deftly chipped the ball over Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez to give City the lead.
The first half, however, saw Chelsea mounting pressure, nearly equalizing when Nicolas Jackson’s offside position nullified what could have been a game-changing goal.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, struggled to find rhythm despite dominating large stretches of the match.
Read Also:
1: Chelsea’s Cole Palmer Nets Four as Blues Crush Everton 6-0
The Blues, who have undergone significant changes with a bloated squad and nine new signings, were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
Sanchez, who had earlier denied Haaland a second goal, faltered when Kovacic’s powerful shot slipped past him, sealing Chelsea’s defeat.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Guardiola praised his team’s attitude, highlighting their commitment and unity in the face of adversity. “You cannot imagine how privileged and fortunate I am to live these experiences with this incredible group of players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maresca acknowledged Chelsea’s competitiveness but lamented their inability to convert chances, marking a challenging start to his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
