Ice-cold City beats Chelsea
Haaland also turns on the goal machine in the anniversary game
Successful start for the defending champions: Manchester City wins the Premier League opener at Chelsea FC. Super striker Erling Haaland scores early, but the decision is only made shortly before the end.
Thanks to Erling Haaland, Manchester City has successfully started its mission to defend its title in the Premier League. The exceptional Norwegian striker led the English champions to a 2-0 (1-0) win at Chelsea and scored his 91st goal in his 100th competitive game for City. Pep Guardiola's team is aiming for a fifth consecutive league title.
Haaland (18th) scored for the third time in a row on the first matchday. Mateo Kovacic (84th) made the decision. Chelsea's new team manager Enzo Maresca, who took over in the summer after a weak preseason and sixth place, still has to wait for his first taste of success.
Without the ailing European champion Rodri, the Skyblues, who won the Community Shield against city rivals Manchester United a week ago, immediately took control of the game at Stamford Bridge. Haaland took advantage of his first chance and chipped the ball to take the lead.
Chelsea subsequently defended themselves; a supposed goal from Nicolas Jackson (44th) did not count due to an offside position. After the break, the hosts started running, but Jackson failed to turn past City keeper Ederson (61'). The defending champions then managed the lead cleverly, with Kovacic scoring the final score against his former club.
Previously, City's closest rivals from the previous season had also celebrated a successful start to the season: runner-up Arsenal beat Wolverhampton 2-0, thanks in part to a goal from German international Kai Havertz. Liverpool FC also won 2-0 at newly promoted Ipswich. Liverpool striker Mo Salah became the sole record holder in Premier League history with his ninth goal on a first matchday.
