New supervisor Enzo Maresca made his aggressive debut for Chelsea on Sunday afternoon (August 18), as his crew opened the 2024-25 Premier League season with a conflict in opposition to English champions Manchester Metropolis. Sadly, the Italian tactician couldn’t get the higher of Pep Guardiola, with the Spaniard’s aspect coming away with a 2-0 victory at St
Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic Seal Win For Manchester Metropolis
After narrowly edging out Manchester United within the FA Group Defend, Manchester Metropolis headed to West London for his or her first recreation of the brand new Premier League season. Having develop into the first-ever crew to win 4 consecutive Premier League titles on the finish of the 2023-24 season, Metropolis is plotting to increase their legacy this time period. Chelsea, albeit in a state of imbalance, appeared able to posing a problem, however Erling Haaland and Co. confirmed they had been merely in a league of their very own, even once they weren’t at their finest.
After coming shut on a few events, Manchester Metropolis bought on the scoresheet within the 18th minute, with Golden Boot holder Haaland making use of the final touch. Jeremy Doku carried the ball into the ultimate third earlier than taking part in it into the world. Bernardo Silva was in no place to manage it however he confirmed the intelligence to assist it by way of for Haaland. The Norwegian confirmed excellent shut management to protect the ball from Levi Colwell and later Marc Cucurella earlier than guiding it to the again of the web.
Mateo Kovacic scored the insurance coverage objective for Manchester Metropolis within the 84th minute, and it was a strike for the ages. Receiving the ball on his chest, the previous Chelsea man went previous Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez earlier than letting fly from 25 yards away from objective. The ball swerved within the air earlier than nestling in into the again of the web. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez bought a contact, nevertheless it was not sufficient to cease the ball from flying in.
Enzo Maresca Pleased With Chelsea’s Efficiency
Though it was an easy win on paper for Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea didn’t precisely roll over. They created loads of possibilities however did not take them.
After the tip of the sport, Maresca appeared glad with the Blues’ efficiency in opposition to Man Metropolis.
He stated (by way of Fabrizio Romano):
“We competed very nicely for a lot of the sport. We had been much like Man Metropolis if not higher, in my private opinion.
“The efficiency was there… however we didn’t take the possibilities. Most likely the large distinction was contained in the field. I’m fairly glad by way of performance.”
Chelsea return to Premier League motion with a visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 25.
