Manchester City opens their Premier League title defence with a victory over Chelsea. Discover the highlights of this intense match.

Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored goals leading to a commanding 2-0 victory for Manchester City as they began their defence of the Premier League title against Chelsea.

Achieving this win is a powerful beginning for Pep Guardiola’s team as they strive to clinch an unprecedented fifth successive top-tier championship.

City’s Erling Haaland maintained his incredible goal-scoring streak, tallying his 91st strike for the team in his monumental 100th appearance. Stamford Bridge welcomed back Mateo Kovacic as he contributed to City’s triumph over a Chelsea squad with fresh leadership on board.

Several crucial players, such as Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden were given extra time to recuperate after their involvement in Euro 2024. As a result, City’s line-up had several noticeable absentees for the game.

In spite of the absences, the reigning champions exhibited their strength and caliber by conquering one of the few teams they were unable to vanquish in the league during the prior season.

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Enzo Maresca, leading Chelsea currently, was presented with the formidable challenge of forging a unified team from an extensive and unwieldy squad.

Before kick-off, managing a squad of more than 50 players presented multiple challenges. Notably, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were excluded from the matchday group which led to Sterling expressing his disappointment publicly indicating tough decisions are necessary for Maresca.

Despite controversy surrounding a social media post, Enzo Fernandez was appointed captain while none of Chelsea’s 9 summer signings were part of the starting lineup.

Guardiola’s reign has been marked by continuity and excellence, with Haaland making a strong impact just 18 minutes into the match thanks to Bernardo Silva’s deflected pass following his summer free of international duties.

Although Chelsea showed some potential, highlighted by Nicolas Jackson’s close call, they encountered difficulties in overcoming a determined City defense. The setback of an injury to Savinho prompted Guardiola to send for Phil Foden earlier than planned as early-season fitness tests proved demanding yet again.

Despite Chelsea’s persistent efforts to level the score, City posed a constant threat through their counterattacks. Despite crucial saves made by Sanchez – Chelsea’s goalkeeper, he couldn’t prevent Kovacic from seizing an opportunity in defense lapse and scoring City’s second goal – thereby sealing their victory.

Manchester City has asserted their dominance as the Premier League team to beat this season by delivering a powerful message to their rivals through this victory.