Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side began their title defence in style, securing a 2-0 victory over Chelsea and Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Erling Haaland, in what was his 100th appearance for the club, marked the occasion by opening the scoring on 18 minutes with a lovely finish over Robert Sanchez. It was his 91st goal for City since making the move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. TOLGA AKMENEFE The goal was a rare moment of life in a match that failed to deliver much in terms of fireworks. After Haaland's opener, Kevin de Bruyne curled a strike just wide of the box, while Sanchez made a great save from Jeremy Doku's deflected drive. Chelsea thought they had levelled proceedings just before the break when Nicolas Jackson took advantage of Ederson's mistake, as he fumbled Cole Palmer's shot into his path. Unfortunately of the home side, replays showed the striker had stratyed offside. Chelsea's efforts come up short Jackson continued his push after the break, firing a first-time volley straight at Ederson, but City held on to their advantage despite Chelsea's best efforts. Pep's men responded by going close through Haaland, while Rico Lewis saw a goal called back. TOLGA AKMENEFE Any doubts for the away side were put to bed in the 84th minute when Mateo Kovacic, playing in the absence of Rodri, fired home against his former side. The Croatian, who was one of the best players on the pitch, fired a curling effort from outside the penalty area that left Sanchez with no chance. Next up for City is a home match against newly promoted Ipswich Town, while Chelsea will travel to take on Wolves.
