Erling Haaland celebrated his milestone 100th appearance for Manchester City by notching his 91st goal, as the reigning Premier League champions kicked off their campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The result marked a difficult start for Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, in his first competitive match at the helm.
Haaland, who has been a relentless force for City since joining, opened the scoring in the 18th minute.
Displaying his trademark precision, he deftly maneuvered between Chelsea defenders Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella after receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area.
With a delicate touch, he lifted the ball over an onrushing Robert Sanchez, giving City an early lead and highlighting the clinical finishing that Chelsea sorely missed throughout the match.
Despite a spirited opening by Chelsea, the home side struggled to convert their chances.
Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net just before halftime, but his effort was ruled out due to a careless offside position.
The 61st minute saw Jackson squander another opportunity when his close-range volley was directed straight at City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, leaving Chelsea frustrated and still chasing the game.
Jackson was subsequently replaced by 18-year-old Marc Guiu, who made his first appearance for the club.
In the 59th minute, Maresca introduced new signing Pedro Neto, who almost made an immediate impact.
The former Wolves winger came within inches of connecting with an Enzo Fernandez cross that flashed across the face of the goal, nearly leveling the score.
However, it was Mateo Kovacic, a former Chelsea player, who sealed the victory for City in the 84th minute.
Kovacic intercepted a high ball in midfield and surged forward, unleashing a powerful shot from just outside the box that ricocheted off the post and into the net, doubling City’s lead and delivering a decisive blow to his former club.
While Chelsea’s defeat was disappointing, there were positive signs for Maresca’s tenure. Although none of the club’s nine summer acquisitions started the match, Romeo Lavia made his first league appearance after recovering from an injury-riddled previous season.
He impressed alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, showing promise for the season ahead.
City’s win underscored their intent to claim a fifth consecutive Premier League title, while Chelsea, despite the loss, showed glimpses of potential under their new manager, hinting at better days to come.
