Premier League: Manchester City Kickstart Title Defense In Start To Season

 

Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic shine as Manchester City overcomes key absences to defeat Chelsea 2-0 in opening matchday at Stanford Bridge. 

Despite missing players like Rodri, Kyle Walker, and John Stones, Manchester City dominated Chelsea, credit to Haaland's powerhouse opener (20') and Kovacic's clinical finish (late). By the way, the match was Haaland's 100th appearance for City. 

The Norwegian sensation barrelled through two defenders following a through pass from Doku, and dunk the ball over Robert Sanchez for the lead. He continued to trouble Chelsea's defense, forcing brilliant saves from Sanchez. 

The second goal was from Kovacic's individual effort, sealing the victory with a precise 20-yard strike. With such an excellent display of individual brilliance, he excelled against his former club in a crucial game such as opening matchday. 

Nicola Jackson should have done Chelsea justice with an equalizer in between City's goals. But, the striker was found in offside for his goal and VAR ruled it out. He could as well have kept himself onside as he had the time and space enough to quickly recoil and position himself for a scoring opportunity. 

City also had their fair share of disallowed goal when Lewis' was ruled out for a foul given against Haaland for his tackle on Colwill. In all, it was a competitive game and Manchester City are on track for yet another title defense campaign. 

By: Fagbohun Olumide