Manchester City Defeats Chelsea 2-0 in Opener

Manchester City kicked off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, showcasing their dominance despite the absence of key midfielder Rodri. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in his 100th appearance for City, taking advantage of a setup from Bernardo Silva. Mateo Kovacic, stepping in for Rodri, not only provided a solid defensive performance but also scored a late goal to seal the win, indicating his potential as a reliable understudy. Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, struggled to match City's class and faced growing unrest among fans as they continue a rebuilding process. The defeat extends Chelsea's winless streak against City in their last seven league encounters, leaving them just above the relegation zone. City's victory positions them alongside other teams with three points as they chase a record fifth consecutive title.