Premier League
Manchester City Begins Title Defence With Victory Over Chelsea
Manchester City kicked off their title defense with a clinical 2-0 victory over Chelsea, marking the beginning of what aims to be another successful campaign for the champions.
This win marked City’s 13th victory in their last 14 Premier League opening matches and also set the tone for their vying for a fifth consecutive league title.
A Slow Burn Turns into a Goal
The match started with an air of expectation, yet the early stages were somewhat anticlimactic as both teams appeared to be settling into the new season.
The weight of the occasion could be felt as players on both sides struggled to find their rhythm, leading to a cautious approach.
However, it was clear that Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, were quicker to find their footing.
As the first half progressed, City built up their intensity, and it wasn’t long before the breakthrough came. Erling Haaland, who was pivotal in City’s title run in the previous season, showed his strength and poise once again.
Midway through the first half, he managed to hold off Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella before delicately chipping the ball over the advancing Robert Sánchez. This goal reflected Haaland’s striking qualities and also set the tone for the rest of the match.
The Heroics of Robert Sánchez
While City were clinical, Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez, proved to be a formidable wall for the Blues. Sánchez’s heroics kept Chelsea within reach for much of the match. His most notable moment came just before halftime when he produced a sensational full-stretch save to deny Jérémy Doku’s powerful shot, tipping it over the bar.
This save would prove crucial as Chelsea momentarily rallied just before the break.
In a twist of fate, it seemed Chelsea had found an equalizer right on the stroke of halftime when Nicolas Jackson capitalized on a spilled shot from City’s goalkeeper, Ederson.
However, his joy was short-lived, as the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside, preserving City’s slender lead going into the break.
Tactical Adjustments at Half-Time
Guardiola responded to the Chelsea threat by introducing Phil Foden for Savinho at halftime.
This change injected fresh energy into City’s attack, yet it was once again Haaland who came closest to extending the lead shortly after the restart. He unleashed a curling left-footed drive that Sánchez managed to palm away, demonstrating that he would not easily let in a second goal.
Eventually, City did find a way to increase their lead. Rico Lewis was in the right place at the right time, slamming home a loose ball after a scramble in the area.
Yet, drama ensued as this goal was chalked off due to a foul committed by Haaland on Levi Colwill.
Kovačić’s Impact and Chelsea’s Struggles
As the game progressed, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca attempted to alter the course of the match by introducing four new signings.
The hope was to invigorate the attack and force their way back into contention. Yet, it was an old face in a City shirt that would seal Chelsea’s fate.
Mateo Kovačić, who made the switch from Chelsea to City, made a powerful run from deep and, from the edge of the box, unleashed a blistering shot that proved too hot for Sánchez to handle. The ball entered the back of the net, leaving Chelsea with little hope for a comeback.
Mateo Kovačić striking the goal against Chelsea in the opening game of the 2024-25 season
Reflections and Future Prospects
For Chelsea, however, the match raised several questions about their readiness for the season ahead. They must regroup quickly, as they face Servette in a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier midweek.
