Manchester City made a strong start to their Premier League title defense with a 2-0 win over Chelsea. This victory marks their 13th win in 14 Premier League opening matches.
The highly anticipated clash between the two teams started slowly, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in the early minutes. Manchester City, the reigning champions, settled quicker and began their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
City took the lead midway through the first half. Erling Haaland, maintaining his cool, scored after holding off Marc Cucurella. His goal came in the third successive season on matchday one, as he cleverly lifted the ball over Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper Sanchez played a crucial role in keeping the Blues in the game. He made a fantastic full-stretch save to deny Jeremy Doku’s effort just before half-time. Chelsea then thought they had equalized when Nicolas Jackson scored from close range after Ederson failed to hold onto a Cole Palmer shot. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
At half-time, Pep Guardiola made a change, bringing on Phil Foden. Haaland continued to be a threat, but Sanchez saved his curling shot early in the second half. City eventually extended their lead when Rico Lewis scored from a loose ball in the area. However, Haaland’s foul on Levi Colwill during the buildup meant the goal stood.
Chelseamanager Enzo Maresca introduced several new signings to try to turn the game around, but it was a familiar face who sealed Chelsea’s fate. Mateo Kovacic, a former Chelsea player, scored from the edge of the box, with Sanchez unable to keep it out.
Manchester City’s win sets them up perfectly for their title defense. Chelsea, meanwhile, will need to address their issues before theirUEFA Europa Conference League qualifieragainst Servette later in the week.
