Man City player ratings vs Chelsea as Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic impress
manchestereveningnews.co.ukManchester City edged a tight clash on the opening day to beat Chelsea and get their latest title defence off to a winning start.
City took the lead in an end-to-end first half as Savinho's pass towards Erling Haaland was touched on by Bernardo Silva. Haaland adjusted, skipped past Marc Cucurella, and chipped over Robert Sanchez to score.
It was his 91st goal on his 100th City appearance. Chelsea wanted an equaliser before the break when Ederson spilled into the path of Nicolas Jackson, but the flag quickly went up to spare the goalkeeper's blushes. ALSO READ: Chelsea vs Man City highlights and reaction from Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge ALSO READ: Manchester City injury blow as debutant forced off vs Chelsea Haaland saw an effort saved by Sanchez in a quieter second half in which Rico Lewis was needed to hack a ball off the line as he clattered into the post.
Mateo Kovacic's fine late strike sealed the win to get City's season off to a winning start. MEN Sport were at Stamford Bridge, and this is how we rated the City players: Ederson Relieved to see the offside flag go up when he spilled Cole Palmer's effort into Nicolas Jackson's path.
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