The star game of the opening match day of the 2024/25 Premier League season lived up to the billing, with Manchester City submerging Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dominated play in the first half, with the Cityzens surprisingly being conservative for many spells.
Erling Haaland Opens 2024/25 Premier League Goals Account With Lovely Finish
Pep Guardiola’s side went ahead in the 18th minute, with Erling Haaland converting an opportunity expertly.
Doku cut inside Malo Gusto and subsequently fed the ball to the edge of the penalty box.
Bernardo Silva then worked the ball swiftly to Haaland, who fought off challenges from Levi Cowill and Marc Cucurella before nipping the ball past Robert Sanchez in goal for Chelsea.
In the 37th minute, Jeremy Doku struck a venomous shot from outside the box, with his effort deflecting off Wesley Fofana and looping dangerously toward the goal, but goalkeeper Sanchez did well to tip the ball away for a corner to the Cityzens.
In the 43rd minute, Manchester City had to be thankful to their lucky stars, as the duo of Savinho and De Bruyne, who appeared to have picked up a knock after going down, stood up and were passed Okay to continue.
A minute later, the Blues momentarily equalized, after they stole possession and countered the Cityzens down the left channel.
Chelsea dished the ball onto Cole Palmer, whose subsequent impressive effort was parried away by Ederson Moraes.
Ederson couldn’t save the ball completely and he parried it to Nicolas Jackson, who was there to slot in the rebound.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, their joy was short-lived, as he was adjudged to have been in an off-side position, with the goal chalked off.
Enzo Maresca’s side also had an appeal for a penalty late on in the first half snubbed, after midfielder Enzo Fernandez went down in the box.
Fernandez stayed down after falling in the area, and he required medical attention before he could continue.
Despite Positive Display, Chelsea Went Into Halftime Trailing Manchester City
Chelsea went into the break behind despite bossing the opening half, with Manchester City content with their lead, having put up a stellar display in defense.
The second half commenced with Phil Foden replacing Saviho for the restart of action, as it appeared the latter hadn’t fully recovered from the knock he sustained in the first duration.
In the 52nd minute, Manchester City saw a big chance, with Silva feeding Erling Haaland, whose quick shot was punched clear by Erling Haaland.
Pedro Neto replaced Christopher Nkunku in the 58th minute, while one minute after the hour mark, Chelsea almost leveled the scoreline.
However, Manchester City were sturdy in the defensive department and were able to repeal the threat of the Blues, with Ederson pulling a top save off an attempt on goal by Nicolas Jackson.
Manchester City put the ball in the back of the net in the 65th minute through Rico Lewis, but the goal wasn’t awarded after striker Haaland was deemed to have fouled Colwill.
Erling Haaland was shown a yellow for his troubles, while Chelsea introduced Marc Guiu for Jackson in the 67th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also came on to replace Romeo Lavia.
Ten minutes before the expiration of normal time, Renato Veiga entered the fray for the Blues in place of Marc Cucurella.
Mateo Kovacic Nets Late Stunner To Seal Victory For Manchester City Over Chelsea
In the 84th minute, ex-Chelsea man Mateo Kovacic sealed the victory for the Cityzens, with a cracking goal, as he controlled the ball on his chest before driving past Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Kovacic afterward struck a venomous effort from about 25 yards out, with his attempt beating Sanchez in goal for the Blues.
Additionally, Caicedo was shown a yellow card in the 89th minute, having tripped Jeremy Doku, as he tried to keep possession for Chelsea.
The Premier League champions commence their title defence with a scintillating victory, while Chelsea’s woes continue even in the dispensation of Enzo Maresca.
