Defending Champions Manchester City began the defence of the premier league title in style as they breeze past Chelsea in London 2-0.
Erling Haaland scored on his 100th Manchester City appearance as City’s quest for a fifth straight title gathers steam
Haaland opened the scoring on 18 minutes with a dinked finish over Robert Sanchez for his 91st City goal since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic made the game safe late on with a curling shot from just outside the penalty area.
Nicolas Jackson thought he had equalised after City goalkeeper Ederson fumbled Cole Palmer’s shot into his path, but the Senegal forward was offside.
Jackson then fired a first-time volley straight at Ederson as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser after the break.
City also went close through Haaland, while Rico Lewis had a goal disallowed, before Kovacic sealed the points.
Manchester City had their pre-season disrupted by key players having extended breaks following summer internationals.
That includes England trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker – who were fit enough to make the bench – and Spain midfielder Rodri, who was left out entirely after only resuming training this week.
Manager Pep Guardiola was able to hand a debut to summer signing Savinho, but the Brazil winger was forced off at half-time with a knock and replaced by Foden.
The performance of Kovacic in the absence of Rodri will have pleased Guardiola.
City lost three out of four league games when Rodri did not play last season, but a composed display – and a fine goal – from the Croatia midfielder suggests his absence may not be as keenly felt this time around.
