Manchester City kicked off their Premier League title defense with a resounding 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Erling Haaland, the prolific Norwegian striker, continued his goal-scoring prowess, netting his 91st goal in his 100th appearance for the club.
Haaland’s goal came in the 18th minute, showcasing his clinical finishing. He received a clever pass from Bernardo Silva, expertly maneuvering between Chelsea defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The victory was sealed in the 84th minute when former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic capitalized on a disorganised Chelsea defense. He surged through the midfield, receiving a pass and unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net.
Chelsea, under the guidance of new manager Enzo Maresca, attempted to mount a challenge, with glimpses of attacking promise from Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and new signing Pedro Neto. However, they were ultimately outclassed by City’s superior composure and tactical discipline.
The match highlighted the gulf in quality between the two teams, with Manchester City showcasing their title-winning pedigree. Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits continued, and Kovacic’s contribution solidified their dominance. Chelsea, on the other hand, will need to improve significantly if they hope to challenge for top honors this season.
