Manchester City began their Premier League title defense with a commanding 2-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The reigning champions, led by Pep Guardiola, showcased their dominance as Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic secured the win, marking the start of City’s campaign for a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Date: Sunday, 18 August 2024
Kick-Off: 21:00
Location: Stamford Bridge, London
Attendance: 39,818
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Final Score: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City
Half Time: 0-1
Also Read:
Chelsea vs Manchester City Match Report
Chelsea, under new head coach Enzo Maresca, faced a tough challenge in their Premier League opener. Despite showing promise in the early stages, the Blues were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, and City’s clinical finishing proved decisive.
The game started with Chelsea showing attacking intent, but it was City who drew first blood. In the 18th minute, Bernardo Silva’s clever pass found Haaland, who expertly chipped the ball over Sanchez to give City the lead.
Chelsea’s response was immediate, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson combining well in the final third. However, Jackson’s equalizer was ruled out for offside, and the Blues went into the break trailing by a goal.
In the second half, Chelsea continued to press for an equalizer but struggled to break down City’s well-organized defense. A penalty appeal for handball against Mateo Kovacic was turned down by VAR, adding to Chelsea’s frustration.
As the clock ticked down, City secured all three points with Kovacic’s superb strike in the 84th minute. The former Chelsea midfielder’s goal was a hammer blow to his old club and ensured City left Stamford Bridge with a well-earned victory.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Key Moments
18′ – Goal (Manchester City):
Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a brilliant chip over Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, following a deft assist from Bernardo Silva. This goal marked Haaland’s 91st goal in his 100th appearance for City, setting the tone for the match.
44′ – Disallowed Goal (Chelsea):
Chelsea thought they had equalized when Nicolas Jackson slotted home a rebound after Cole Palmer’s shot was parried by Ederson. However, the goal was disallowed as Jackson was deemed offside.
84′ – Goal (Manchester City):
Mateo Kovacic sealed the victory for City with a stunning right-footed strike against his former club, curling the ball into the left corner of Chelsea’s goal, leaving Sanchez helpless.
Player Performances
Man of the Match: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland was the standout performer, marking his 100th appearance with a crucial goal. His movement and finishing were exemplary, making him a constant threat to the Chelsea defense.
Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City):
Kovacic was instrumental in midfield, breaking up play and driving City forward. His goal against his former club was the icing on the cake, capping off a dominant display.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City):
The 19-year-old was impressive both defensively and offensively. His timely interventions and ability to join the attack added another dimension to City’s play, making him a key player in Guardiola’s setup.
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea):
Jackson showed glimpses of his potential, but his efforts were in vain as his equalizer was ruled out. He will need to improve his positioning to avoid similar offside traps in the future.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Tactical Analysis
Maresca’s decision to start with a 4-2-3-1 formation looked promising, with Chelsea creating several chances in the first half. However, City’s ability to control the midfield and exploit Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities proved to be the difference.
Guardiola’s decision to rest key players like Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden initially raised eyebrows, but City’s depth and tactical flexibility were on full display. The introduction of Rico Lewis in Rodri’s absence was a masterstroke, with the young midfielder seamlessly slotting into the holding role.
Chelsea’s inability to convert their chances and defensive lapses ultimately cost them the match. Maresca will need to address these issues quickly as Chelsea prepare for their next league outing against Wolves.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Post-Match Reactions
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City):
“I didn’t expect it. We are away from our best, so three points is the good news. The bad news is we have 65 games ahead of us. For me, it is an honor to be in charge of these guys. I’m so fortunate, I could not say more.”
Erling Haaland (Manchester City):
“Three points and a perfect start. The first game is always hard for everyone, but it’s good to start and to win. I’m not in the perfect shape, but it was a nice goal, and it felt good to score again.”
Premier League Points Table 2024 – 2025
Check the below mentioned table for Premier League points table 2024 – 2025
| English Premier League 2024-2025 | GP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | P |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Arsenal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Liverpool | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Manchester City | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Aston Villa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Brentford | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Manchester United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Newcastle United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Nottingham Forest | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Leicester City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| West Ham United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| Fulham | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Southampton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Chelsea | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Ipswich Town | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Everton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
What’s Next?
Chelsea will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their UEFA Conference League Play-Off first leg tie against Servette on Thursday. The Blues will be eager to bounce back from this defeat and secure a positive result at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City, on the other hand, will look to build on this victory as they welcome promoted Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium next Saturday. With confidence high, City will be aiming to continue their perfect start to the season.
