Chelsea v Manchester City LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Mateo Kovacic scores stunner

Erling Haaland scored his 91st objective in his one hundredth look for Manchester Metropolis on Sunday because the champions kicked off their Premier League title defence with a full of life 2-0 away win over Chelsea.

The large Norwegian, fed by Bernardo Silva, pressured his method between Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana and completed neatly previous Robert Sanchez within the 18th minute.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic made positive of victory for the guests six minutes from time, racing by means of a disorganised Chelsea midfield and thumping the ball into Sanchez’s internet.

Chelsea, of their first Premier League outing underneath new supervisor Enzo Maresca, original some hopeful attacking strikes by means of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and up to date signing Pedro Neto however had been largely outclassed by their extra composed guests.

Chelsea vs Man Metropolis LIVE

• Chelsea host champions Manchester Metropolis with kick-off at 4.30pm BST | Stay on Sky

• Raheem Sterling’s agent points assertion after winger omitted of Chelsea squad

• Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku

• Man Metropolis XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Doku, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland

• GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis (Erling Haaland, 19 min)

Chelsea FC 0 – 2 Manchester Metropolis FC

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:53 , Chris Wilson

Manchester Metropolis goalscorer Mateo Kovacic spoke to Sky Sports activities first, and says that “it’s all the time powerful once you miss large gamers”.

“I had an extended break so I might get well higher, I needed to be prepared for the start of the season,” he provides, earlier than stating that he performed a hybrid model of Rodri’s ordinary position.

“I play at the moment some form of his position, however we’re all the time lacking Rodri as a result of he’s, if not the perfect participant, among the finest on this planet.

“I don’t rating many objectives and once you rating you need to have a good time. However I’ve an enormous respect for Chelsea, I spent 5 years right here.

“I scored however that isn’t all the time an important factor for me, an important is successful.

“This staff is so hungry and it’s a pleasure to be part of it and win titles.”

Chelsea v Manchester Metropolis participant rankings: Mateo Kovacic sparkles as Christopher Nkunku flounders

18:48 , Chris Wilson

Manchester Metropolis comfortably noticed off Chelsea of their opening Premier League sport of the season at Stamford Bridge.

Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored the objectives as Metropolis earned a 2-0 win towards Enzo Maresca’s facet.

And under is how the gamers rated:

Chelsea v Man Metropolis participant rankings: Kovacic sparkles as Nkunku flounders

Match stats

18:43 , Chris Wilson

The possession was simply 52 per cent in Metropolis’s favour, with Chelsea having 10 photographs to Metropolis’s 11, and three heading in the right direction to Metropolis’s 5.

For many who want the xG measure, Chelsea truly ‘received’ on xG – 1.23 to Metropolis’s 0.82. That’s the lowest anticipated objectives measure that Metropolis have had this calendar 12 months.

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:38 , Chris Wilson

So, a promising begin for Enzo Maresca as his new look Chelsea facet confirmed indicators of attacking aptitude, invention and stability in elements of the match. Nonetheless, they ultimately fell to Metropolis’s superior firepower, however they’ll take a number of positives from at the moment, and on one other day they might’ve come away with a degree.

For Metropolis, enterprise continues as ordinary. The lack of Rodri gave them much less stability than they often have, particularly in defence, and the assault lacked the ultimate little bit of high quality on a few events, however they know they’ll possible iron these errors out inside a number of weeks.

Not quite a bit to take definitively, however an attention-grabbing opening match for each side.

18:33 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:28 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME!

The referee brings the match to an finish and Metropolis take three factors of their season opener! Chelsea received shut at occasions, however you want a final touch if you wish to beat the champions.

Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:27 , Chris Wilson

95 minutes

One of many final actions of the match as Fernandez unleashes a pushed shot from exterior the field, nevertheless it’s straight at Ederson.

Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:26 , Chris Wilson

94 minutes

Metropolis are pleased to only hold the ball within the nook and run down the clock, although there’s no likelihood of them giving this lead away.

Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:25 , Chris Wilson

91 minutes

There are 5 minutes of added time however this match is over as a contest, as Doku is fouled as soon as extra.

Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:22 , Chris Wilson

89 minutes

Caicedo is simply the second participant to be booked at the moment as he brings down Doku. Moments later, the Belgian does brilliantly to wriggle by means of three Chelsea defenders into the field, however his cutback is intercepted.

Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:20 , Chris Wilson

88 minutes

Chelsea are charging ahead making an attempt to get again into it, however they’re leaving themselves open on the again. Metropolis are knocking it round to a refrain of ‘ole’ from their followers.

GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Man Metropolis

18:18 , Chris Wilson

85 minutes

GOAL! And it’s a former Chelsea man!

Actually poor on the entire from Chelsea. The ball is cleared straight to Kovacic, who’s unmarked in acres of house. He drives ahead in direction of the field and Fernandez doesn’t problem him, so he goes for objective with an effort from exterior the world. It’s not a superb effort and Sanchez ought to reserve it, however he palms it onto the bottom of the submit and into the again of the web!

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

18:16 , Chris Wilson

84 minutes

Metropolis actually do look very snug now, controlling the tempo of the sport and refusing to concede possession. Doku does ultimately run into hassle, however Metropolis win it again rapidly.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

18:14 , Chris Wilson

81 minutes

Cucurella stays down after clearing the ball, and Chelsea will convey on Renato Veiga in his place.

Metropolis cost ahead once more, led by Doku, however they’re pressured to recycle possession. It comes again to Foden, and earlier than lengthy it’s again with Ederson.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

18:10 , Chris Wilson

77 minutes

Chelsea followers assume they’ve a penalty shout, however Kovacic’s hand was in a pure place. It was sensible play from Palmer and Gusto to get into that place although.

The nook is cleared, and although Chelsea hold possession, they find yourself knocking it out of play for a objective kick.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

18:08 , Chris Wilson

75 minutes

Unusually, Chelsea aren’t actually taking part in like a staff desperately searching an equaliser at residence of their first sport of the season. It’s very pedestrian.

Metropolis proceed to seek for a second, however Doku’s tried by means of ball to Haaland is minimize out.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

18:06 , Chris Wilson

72 minutes

The primary likelihood of notice fairly a couple of minutes as De Bruyne fires a shot large when he might have performed in Foden.

Moments later, Metropolis swept ahead once more, with Lewis taking part in the one-two with Silva earlier than making an attempt to sq. it to Haaland, nevertheless it’s put behind for a nook.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

18:04 , Chris Wilson

69 minutes

Chelsea followers can be hoping that they’ve landed an actual discount with the signing of Marc Guiu, who value simply £5m from Barcelona because of a launch clause. He’s one of many Blaugrana’s youngest ever goalscorers.

There’s a lull in exercise right here as each side wrestle to achieve a foothold for the time being.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:59 , Chris Wilson

67 minutes

Chelsea make two modifications – Marc Guiu comes on for Jackson, whereas Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor replaces Lavia.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:58 , Chris Wilson

65 minutes

Metropolis are knocking it round however there isn’t loads of penetration to their play – however they do rating a disallowed objective!

They struggle the easy clip in to Haaland and he takes it down on his chest earlier than failing to get the shot away correctly. He rakes his boot throughout the leg of Colwill as he tries to shoot, and Lewis fires the ball into the again of the web on the rebound, nevertheless it’s overturned and Haaland is as an alternative given a yellow card.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:54 , Chris Wilson

62 minutes

Hastily it’s Chelsea with all the possibilities! They arrive ahead once more and the cross is available in. Fernandez heads it previous the objective however Gusto is there to clip it again in – it’s headed clear, although Lavia is available in to go again in direction of objective, and Jackson is there to wrestle with the defender and get a shot away from level clean vary, nevertheless it’s straight at Ederson! Bit chaotic there.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:52 , Chris Wilson

58 minutes

Pedro Neto comes on for Christopher Nkunku, who’s in all probability been Chelsea’s finest participant to this point at the moment.

Metropolis are beginning to attempt to impose themselves a bit extra on this half, nevertheless it’s Chelsea with the perfect likelihood to this point. They work the ball to the proper wing and it’s Fernandez to fizz in an early cross. It’s an important ball, proper into the hole between ‘keeper and defenders, however Rico Lewis tracks again effectively to place it behind for a nook.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:49 , Chris Wilson

56 minutes

Scrappy over the past couple of minutes, with each side giving freely low-cost fouls and sloppily shedding possession.

Foden hasnt been in a position to have the identical attacking affect as Savinho but, with Metropolis usually pressured to go backwards slightly than forwards (or inside) for the time being.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:44 , Chris Wilson

52 minutes

CLOSE! Metropolis gather possession as effectively and it’s moved to De Bruyne close to the sting of the field. His move in is deflected completely into the trail of Silva, who then squares it to Haaland within the field.

The Norwegian opens as much as curl it into the far nook, however he hasn’t wrapped his foot round it sufficient and it’s a reasonably easy save for Sanchez.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:43 , Chris Wilson

51 minutes

Gusto provides it away cheaply earlier than doing brilliantly to trace again and win it again, however Caicedo’s clipped ball into Jackson is collected by Ederson.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:41 , Chris Wilson

48 minutes

A sluggish begin to this half, with Metropolis taking loads of possession however not creating something with it.

Palmer slips it by means of to Fernandez within the field, however he collides with Jackson and the chance goes begging.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:39 , Chris Wilson

47 minutes

Sanchez with a poor move straight to De Bruyne, however the Belgian can’t capitalise as he clips a cross past the sky blue shirts within the field.

KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:37 , Chris Wilson

The house facet get the second half began.

Metropolis have introduced on Phil Foden rather than Savinho – seems to be like that niggling damage received to the Brazilian ultimately.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:36 , Chris Wilson

The groups are rising from the Stamford Bridge tunnel now, so we’ll be again underway quickly.

Chelsea definitely appear to be they will salvage not less than a degree right here, although they need to watch out to not let this match run away from them.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:32 , Chris Wilson

A combined half for each side, outlined by that second of brilliance from Haaland.

Each groups had possibilities – Metropolis in all probability nearly edged it on steadiness – however failed to use the ending touches on all however one event.

Metropolis look good going ahead however somewhat extra edgy on the again, whereas Chelsea have triggered issues going ahead and have total carried out pretty effectively in defence bar that one second.

We’re in for an attention-grabbing second half.

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:28 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:22 , Chris Wilson

50 minutes

Extra penalty shouts as Nkunku goes down underneath loads of sliding challenges and blocks, however nothing given once more. The Frenchman maybe might’ve carried out higher there, having been despatched nearly clear by means of by Jackson.

The referee blows the whistle and the 2 groups head down the tunnel at 1-0 to Metropolis.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:20 , Chris Wilson

48 minutes

Gusto does effectively to face his floor and dispossess Doku, and Chelsea go on the assault. It finally ends up falling to Enzo on the sting of the field, however he’s underneath loads of strain and by no means actually has it underneath management. He collides with Dias on the sting of the field and there are shouts for a penalty, however nothing given.

The World Cup winner stays down for now, however he ought to be okay.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:17 , Chris Wilson

46 minutes

There’ll be not less than 5 minutes added on to what has been an entertaining, if unspectacular, half of soccer. Chelsea look buoyed by that disallowed objective and their ahead gamers are combining properly at occasions.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:16 , Chris Wilson

43 minutes

Each Metropolis males are high-quality to play on, and their teammates are retaining loads of the ball for the time being. When Chelsea do win it although, it’s in harmful areas.

And there’s an instance! Nkunku nips in to win possession and Chelsea sweep it large to Palmer. He cuts inside and unleashes a reasonably highly effective shot nevertheless it’s straight at Ederson. The Brazilian ought to maintain onto it, however he spills it and it falls to Jackson, who faucets in!

Nevertheless, the Senegal man had wandered offside as Palmer shot, so it’s disallowed!

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:12 , Chris Wilson

40 minutes

An excellent counter-attack likelihood for Metropolis nevertheless it’s ruined by Doku. Savinho does brilliantly to hold out of his half and launch the Belgian on the overlap. Metropolis all of the sudden have a three-v-two with Haaland and De Bruyne in assist – Doku tries to slip the Norwegian clear by means of, nevertheless it’s proper on the defender and Metropolis need to accept a long-range effort from Silva.

Each Savinho and De Bruyne are down and receiving therapy.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:10 , Chris Wilson

38 minutes

Fernandez tracks again brilliantly to dispossess Silva and get Chelsea out of hassle in their very own field. Moments later he’s taking pictures within the opposition field after good mixture work from Palmer, Nkunku and Jackson, nevertheless it’s deflected behind for a nook.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:08 , Chris Wilson

36 minutes

Savinho has overwhelmed Cucurella twice in as many minutes, however he couldn’t put the cross in on both event.

Moments after, Doku collects in a central space exterior the field and fires in a deflected shot that Sanchez does effectively to tip over.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:06 , Chris Wilson

34 minutes

Regardless of that contact Fernandez is among the Chelsea gamers who’s having sport to this point, together with Nkunku and Lavia. Palmer is but to essentially get into the sport, however he’ll choose his second.

A reprieve for Nico Jackson too, as he raced clear, beat a few the sliding challenges from Metropolis and slid a weak shot straight at a defender, nevertheless it was offside anyway.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:03 , Chris Wilson

32 minutes

Chelsea followers assume they’ve a shout for a penalty however in fact it’s a horrible contact from Fernandez, who was receiving the ball on the sting of the field underneath the problem from Savinho.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

17:02 , Chris Wilson

30 minutes

Rico Lewis slides in to intercept – he’s performed effectively to this point at the moment, as he did within the Group Protect. You’d have thought Metropolis will name upon his flexibility many occasions this season, particularly since he seems to be so snug in additional attacking positions too. Have they already discovered the Kyle Walker alternative, or does his future lie in one other place?

The match has calmed down now, with Chelsea pleased to knock it round their half for the second and Metropolis declining to press them.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

16:59 , Chris Wilson

28 minutes

Chelsea are constructing higher assaults now however the tempo of all of it remains to be fairly hectic, as Nkunku clips a ball over all of the blue shirts after which Palmer delivers one straight to Ederson.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

16:57 , Chris Wilson

24 minutes

Chelsea have some sustained possession now nevertheless it’s very frantic and never very cohesive. Caicedo tries to fizz a by means of ball into Jackson, nevertheless it’s straight to Akanji.

Moments after, Nkunku thinks he’s received the ball and is clear by means of, however he’s penalised for pulling Akanji again.

Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

16:53 , Chris Wilson

22 minutes

Issues for Chelsea now, because the midfield can’t come up with the match. Silva ships a move throughout to De Bruyne, who has loads of house as he opens his physique as much as shoot, nevertheless it’s large of the far nook.

GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man Metropolis

16:51 , Chris Wilson

19 minutes

GOAL! Out of nothing, however is it offside?

Doku has it on the left wing and he fizzes a move into the field. Silva can’t management it however he can stretch out a leg to poke it to Haaland. The Norwegian nonetheless has quite a bit to do, however he takes a contact into his path, shrugs off the problem from Cucurella and reverses somewhat chip previous Sanchez for 1-0!

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:48 , Chris Wilson

18 minutes

No clear-cut possibilities for both facet but, however each groups are wanting sharp in intervals. Metropolis are starting to maintain the lion’s share of the ball although.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:46 , Chris Wilson

15 minutes

Cucurella does effectively to win a foul off Doku because the Belgian seemed to get onto the top of the one-two into the field. On the different finish, Dias does effectively to, shepherding Jackson off the ball on the sting of the Metropolis field earlier than successful a foul.

Lavia brings down De Bruyne close to midway and Metropolis have possession as De Bruyne’s early cross finds the gloves of Sanchez.

Doku and Savinho have already switched wings.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:43 , Chris Wilson

12 minutes

Poor once more from Doku, twice in as many minutes. He works some house on the proper to get previous Cucurella however finally ends up shedding out to the Spaniard, after which moments later Savinho does effectively to get the ball throughout however the Belgian skews a shot effectively large.

Chelsea go up the opposite finish nevertheless it’s somewhat pedestrian earlier than Palmer is dispossessed by Kovacic.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:41 , Chris Wilson

10 minutes

A fast counter from Chelsea ends with Gusto taking part in in an early cross that Gvardiol does effectively to dive in and put out for a nook. Palmer swings in an inviting cross, however Fofana can solely volley it large.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:39 , Chris Wilson

8 minutes

Some good touches from Savinho take him previous Cole Palmer earlier than he slots a move into the trail of Bernardo. The Portuguese’s cross is put behind for a nook, and Metropolis concede a foul when the ball is delivered in.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:38 , Chris Wilson

6 minutes

Chelsea have their first actual assault however Rico Lewis extinguishes it after tackling Nkunku on the sting of the field. Chelsea win again possession after a sloppy move in midfield from Metropolis, however neither facet is in a rush to commit numbers ahead for the time being.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:35 , Chris Wilson

4 minutes

Savinho’s first involvement sees a deflected cross land within the gloves of Sanchez. Moments later, Doku clips a cross in direction of the again submit that simply flies out behind the objective. Poor from the Belgian after good work from Haaland to win possession.

Chelsea 0-0 Man Metropolis

16:32 , Chris Wilson

2 minutes

Rico Lewis’ first foray ahead ends with the younger full-back discovering the facet netting with a cross. Chelsea not out of their half but.

KICK-OFF! Chelsea vs Man Metropolis

16:31 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Metropolis get us began at Stamford Bridge! Metropolis take their first steps within the hunt for 5 in a row.

Chelsea vs Man Metropolis LIVE

16:27 , Chris Wilson

The 2 groups are popping out of the tunnel now, with each side wanting targeted at the moment.

Loads of underlying story traces earlier than kick-off at the moment, from the omission of Sterling to the selection of Enzo Fernandez as captain.

One other story is Erling Haaland – that is his one hundredth look in a Metropolis shirt, and he’s scored NINETY objectives.

16:25 , Chris Wilson

We’re 5 minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Will Pep Guardiola’s facet do their ordinary enterprise, or will Enzo Maresca’s younger facet present a gap week shock within the Premier League?

We’ll discover out quickly.

Head-to-head

16:20 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of the head-to-head between these two groups – Chelsea have received 77, with Metropolis successful 66 and 41 ending as attracts.

The 2 groups drew in each their league conferences final season, taking part in out one of many matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. Additionally they met within the FA Cup semi-final, with Metropolis working out 1-0 winners.

Essentially the most well-known match between the 2 got here within the Champions League remaining in Could 2021, the place Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea received their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz objective.

That remaining was the final time Chelsea beat Metropolis in any competitors – Chelsea are winless of their final six Premier League conferences with Manchester Metropolis (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in Could 2021.

16:15 , Chris Wilson

Enzo Maresca assured Chelsea can ‘shut the hole’ however new supervisor admits he wants time

16:10 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca promised it’s only a matter of time earlier than the membership is able to problem on the high of the Premier Leaguetable, as he prepares to kick off his Stamford Bridge tenure at residence to Manchester Metropolis on Sunday.

The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the staff since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium purchased the membership two years in the past.

That interval initially noticed the Blues, who final received the league in 2017, hunch from being Champions League regulars to the obscurity of mid-table earlier than recovering to place in a powerful end to final season underneath former boss Mauricio Pochettino and qualify for Europe.

Enzo Maresca assured Chelsea can ‘shut the hole’ however new supervisor says he wants time

Raheem Sterling’s agent points assertion after winger omitted of Chelsea squad

16:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

Raheem Sterling’s agent has issued a press release in search of “readability” on the ahead’s future after his omission from the Chelsea squad to face Manchester Metropolis.

Sterling was not among the many 20-man matchday squad named by Enzo Maresca for the Italian’s first Premier League match in cost at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku had been named because the beginning entrance three, whereas 18-year-old summer time signing Marc Guiu was one in every of various ahead choices most well-liked to Sterling on the bench.

A member of the 82-cap England worldwide’s off-field staff admitted that they had been shocked at Maresca’s choice to depart the 29-year-old out solely towards his former membership.

Raheem Sterling’s agent points assertion after winger omitted of Chelsea squad

Is Chelsea vs Manchester Metropolis on TV? Kick-off time, channel and the way to watch Premier League fixture at the moment

16:00 , Chris Wilson

With half-hour to go till kick-off, right here’s a reminder of how one can watch this afternoon’s match.

When is Chelsea v Manchester Metropolis?

Chelsea v Manchester Metropolis kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match stay on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion and Sky Sports activities Premier League, with protection beginning at 4pm BST. Subscribers can even be capable to watch on a stay stream through the Sky Go app.

Is Chelsea vs Man Metropolis on TV? Kick-off time, channel and the way to watch

What the managers have been saying

15:50 , Chris Wilson

Guardiola named Chelsea – in addition to Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Spurs and Newcastle – as a possible title rival earlier within the week, pointing to “the quantity of gamers and their high quality and the supervisor”.

“Six or seven groups can be there and when you drop somewhat bit, you’ll be away. That is the fact that I’ve felt because the first season I arrived right here and after we proved to ourselves that we will do it and to attempt to do it once more. It’s easy.

“There are 114 factors to play (for) and we begin from zero like everybody. Now we now have to beat once more as a result of they aren’t going to only give us the Premier League for the 24-25 season.

“I perceive when individuals say we’re favourites – and we now have to just accept it. While you win 4 in a row and 6 in seven, it’s regular that you’re favourites. We’ve to stay with that – however I do know what we now have to do. It’s level by level that we should win and, in fact, each season it turns into tougher.”

His Chelsea counterpart has stated that Chelsea have been “doing effectively since day one” and “are bettering issues”.

“It’s too early for the staff to be the place I would like it to be. However I’m fairly pleased as a result of when it comes to the method; I believe the staff is forward of the place I anticipated.

“For me, season could be so I can see day after day, month after month, a staff that’s bettering. For positive with timing, we’re going to shut somewhat little bit of a spot between us and the groups which are greater than us on this second.”

On Pep Guardiola, he says that “after eight or 9 years collectively, you are able to do so many various issues”.

“Pep just isn’t a supervisor that’s all the time doing the identical, he’s all the time altering. For us, it will likely be precisely the identical. It will likely be a tricky sport however thrilling to begin towards the champions.

“We’re going to attempt to instill our sport, to win video games and to make us pleased, and likewise the followers.”

I can not take credit score for former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success – Pep Guardiola

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Regardless of the hyperlinks between himself and Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola insists he can not take any credit score for his former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success as a supervisor.

The pair will go head-to-head on Sunday in Maresca’s first sport as Chelsea boss when Metropolis launch their bid for a record-extending fifth-successive Premier League crown at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca helped Metropolis win the treble underneath Guardiola in 2022-23 and – after successful the Sky Wager Championship title in his first season as Leicester supervisor – the Italian changed Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea in June.

I can not take credit score for former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success – Pep Guardiola

Crew information

15:35 , Chris Wilson

Metropolis have made simply three modifications to the facet that received the Group Protect. The injured Oscar Bobb is changed by Savinho, whereas in midfield, McAtee and O’Reilly drop to the bench rather than De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.

Savinho – a mini-profile on Metropolis’s new signing

15:29 , Chris Wilson

So Savinho will get his first begin for Metropolis, simply over every week after making his debut for the membership within the Group Protect win. The Brazilian performed effectively on his debut, changing Jeremy Doku and producing the same show to the Belgian.

Savinho, who’s simply 20 years outdated, was signed for round £30m from Metropolis’s sister membership Troyes. He was identified extra generally as Savio final season when he performed for Girona, the place he received 9 objectives and 10 assists final season because the Catalan membership certified for the Champions League for the primary time.

He has a equally direct model of play to Doku, often trying to take his man on, and infrequently utilising his velocity and agility when dribbling. As a left-footer, he can play on the proper wing however is commonly deployed on the left, as he was final week.

Regardless of his enjoyment when taking up defenders, the Brazilian additionally often drifts inside, serving to out the assault from extra central areas.

Line-ups

15:20 , Chris Wilson

Man Metropolis XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Doku, Haaland, Savinho.

Subs: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Ake, Grealish, Nunes, Foden, O’Reilly, McAtee.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku.

Subs: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Corridor, Madueke, Mudryk, Neto, Guiu.

Crew information

15:10 , Chris Wilson

The groups ought to be introduced throughout the subsequent 5 minutes, so right here’s a reminder of that early staff information.

Reece James’ damage woes proceed and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring damage, although he’s additionally suspended.

Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after lacking lengthy intervals of pre-season, though Jackson is predicted to function.

Manchester Metropolis can be with out Oscar Bobb, who’s out with a fractured leg, whereas Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Group Protect final weekend. Pep Guardiola additionally just lately confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.

Kyle Walker and John Stones are again in coaching after returning late following the Euro 2024 remaining.

A brand new Premier League season awaits – however Man Metropolis’s authorized case casts an extended and inevitable shadow

15:00 , Chris Wilson

There are solely a handful of people that know precisely what is going on within the Manchester Metropolis case and one in every of them needed to promote the brand new Premier League season this week.

“It’s clear we now have some regulatory challenges,” competitors chief govt Richard Masters stated. “However I’m assured we will navigate all of that and, by the point we sit down once more in 12 months, loads of that stuff can be clearer and we will have the way in which we all the time need it, which is the soccer entrance and centre.”

It’s fairly a hopeful spin that’s maybe pure from the world’s most bombastic league, particularly since this season might contain a storm like no different. This might effectively be essentially the most controversial and consequential marketing campaign within the English sport’s historical past, that reaches each Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli when it comes to its results. It might change the face of the desk, the longer term, the previous, in addition to the Premier League’s very picture. An final result of the Metropolis case is predicted by April, however any time that late is sort of even worse for the Premier League.

Chelsea vs Man Metropolis LIVE

14:50 , Chris Wilson

These two sides met thrice final season, contesting an FA Cup semi-final in addition to their two league video games.

The primary assembly threw up one of many video games of the season at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer scoring a late penalty to equalise towards his outdated facet.

The second match was barely much less thrilling, although no much less attention-grabbing, ending in a 1-1 draw on the Etihad.

So the FA Cup tie was the one match the place one facet might discover one thing to separate themselves from the opposite – Metropolis received that match 1-0, although Chelsea had been kicking themselves come full-time as that they had loads of possibilities to win it themselves.

All the latest proof means that we’re in for a cracker this afternoon!

Chelsea transfers and rumours

14:35 , Chris Wilson

The switch merry-g-round continues at Chelsea, with the Blues reportedly near signing Joao Felix on a everlasting switch. Conor Gallagher would possible be going the opposite method, with the purported switch of Samu Omorodion falling by means of.

Chelsea have additionally been linked with a number of different gamers, from closely reported hyperlinks to Victor Osimhen to much less plausible hyperlinks similar to Jadon Sancho.

By way of gamers leaving, Ben Chilwell has been touted for a transfer, with Trevoh Chalobah nearly sure to depart too after reportedly being banned from the first-team amenities.

Incomings:

Pedro Neto – £54m

Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor – £30m

Filip Jorgensen – £20.7m

Omari Kellyman – £19m

Marc Guiu – £5m

Aaron Anselmino – £17m (loaned out)

Renato Veiga – £12m

Caleb Wiley – £8.5m (loaned out)

Tosin Adarabioyo – free

Outgoings:

Ian Maatsen – £37.5m

Lewis Corridor – £28m

Omari Hutchinson – £20m

Diego Moreira – £1.5m

Hakim Ziyech – free

Thiago Silva – free

Malang Sarr – free

Lesley Ugochukwu – mortgage

Alfie Gilchrist – mortgage

Metropolis transfers and rumours

14:25 , Chris Wilson

With Metropolis having bought Julian Alvarez whereas shedding Oscar Bobb to a long-term damage, there’s loads of hypothesis across the membership’s potential switch targets. The one main signing they’ve made to this point is Savio (who’s now generally known as Savinho) from Troyes – to a lot irritation in some elements.

The Cityzens have been linked to each Ebere Eze and Bruno Guimaraes, however with the window closing quickly and each of these gamers commanding large charges, don’t be shocked to see Metropolis go along with extra under-the-radar signings.

By way of outgoings, Kalvin Phillips has now gone out on mortgage to Ipswich, whereas it stays to be seen whether or not Joao Cancelo can be of use to Guardiola this season.

Incomings:

Savio – £21m

Outgoings:

Julian Alvarez – £82m

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – £20m

Sergio Gomez – £8.4m

Tommy Doyle – £4.3m

Kalvin Phillips – mortgage

Enzo Maresca v Pep Guardiola

14:15 , Chris Wilson

A little bit little bit of background on Enzo Maresca then, as alluded to in that article.

The Italian, who had a taking part in profession with groups together with Juventus, Sevilla and West Brom, took his first managerial position with Parma in 2021, subsequently being dismissed after failing to achieve the promotion spots in Serie B.

However his first job in administration had truly come the season earlier than – he was employed by Man Metropolis as the pinnacle of their Elite Improvement Squad in August 2020, and received the PL2 title whereas there.

After his failed stint at Parma, he returned to Metropolis as Guardiola’a assistant in June 2022.

One 12 months later, he was appointed Leicester supervisor, and his profitable stint there led to Chelsea appointing him earlier this summer time.

Enzo Maresca is just the most recent Pep Guardiola clone – the issue is, they will’t all win

14:00 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola’s closest challenger final season was his former assistant, Mikel Arteta. The Bundesliga was received by a staff managed by one in every of his former gamers, Xabi Alonso, simply because the earlier season’s LaLiga had been, in Xavi. The Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 had been claimed by Erik ten Hag, who was nicknamed “mini Pep” when he was in control of Bayern Munich’s second staff whereas the Catalan taken care of the senior squad.

The Guardiolaisation of soccer is most obvious in England. The Manchester Metropolis supervisor’s biggest rival, and stylistic reverse, Jurgen Klopp is gone and his alternative is a self-professed Guardiola fan, in Arne Slot. Tottenham are underneath a graduate of the Metropolis Soccer Group, in Ange Postecoglou; so are England, quickly, with Lee Carsley having arrived in Manchester in the identical summer time as Guardiola.

Enzo Maresca is just the most recent Pep Guardiola clone – however they will’t all win

I’d take extra satisfaction in Man Metropolis bettering than title win – Pep Guardiola

13:48 , Chris Wilson

Pep Guardiola admitted he would take larger satisfaction this season from seeing Manchester Metropolis enhance than in successful one other Premier League title.

Six titles in seven years and a record-breaking 4 in succession have modified the 53-year-old Spaniard’s perspective.

His contract on the Etihad expires subsequent 12 months and hypothesis on his future will proceed to mount till he decides whether or not or to not prolong it.

I’d take extra satisfaction in Man Metropolis bettering than title win – Pep Guardiola

Head-to-head

13:33 , Chris Wilson

The primary assembly between these two sides got here in 1907, with 177 matches performed since.

Chelsea have received 77, with Metropolis successful 66 and 41 ending as attracts.

The 2 groups drew in each their league conferences final season, taking part in out one of many matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. Additionally they met within the FA Cup semi-final, with Metropolis working out 1-0 winners.

Essentially the most well-known match between the 2 got here within the Champions League remaining in Could 2021, the place Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea received their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz objective.

That remaining was the final time Chelsea beat Metropolis in any competitors.

Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea followers to be affected person as he insists staff is ‘bettering’

13:18 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged followers to be affected person with the staff, promising it’s only a matter of time earlier than they’re able to problem on the high of the Premier League desk.

The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the staff since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium purchased the membership two years in the past, and he’s getting ready to kick off his tenure at residence to Manchester Metropolis on Sunday 18 August.

“With time, we’re going to shut the hole. Hopefully it could possibly occur very quickly,” Maresca stated in his pre-match press convention, including that he needs Chelsea followers to be the “twelfth man” this season.

Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea followers to be affected person as he insists staff is ‘bettering’

Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ earlier than a ball is kicked

12:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester Metropolis begin their quest for an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row once they journey to Chelsea on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s facet turned the primary membership within the historical past of the English top-flight to win 4 titles in a row, however Kyle Walker believes it’s already theirs “to lose”, regardless of ending simply two factors above Arsenal final season.

“I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, however we’ve carried out this 4 occasions in a row – that is our trophy to lose,” Walker instructed BBC Radio 5 Stay’s Monday Night time Membership.

Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ earlier than a ball is kicked

Match stats

12:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are winless of their final six Premier League conferences with Manchester Metropolis (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in Could 2021.

Total, Metropolis are unbeaten of their final 9 conferences with Chelsea (received seven, drew two).

No staff has earned extra factors from their opening matches of the Premier League season than Chelsea , with 67. Solely Man United have picked up extra wins (21) than the Blues (20).

That is the primary time Chelsea have begun a top-flight season with a match towards the reigning champions since 1971-72, once they misplaced 3-0 towards Arsenal.

Nothing lasts perpetually and the period of Manchester Metropolis is ending

12:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

Jurgen Klopp’s departure means Pep Guardiola stands alone. Just one supervisor who has received the Premier League nonetheless plies his commerce in it and it’s Manchester Metropolis’s serial champion.

Final season rendered Guardiola a history-maker in a brand new respect, the primary supervisor to win 4 consecutive English titles. With Klopp gone, in a way, he has eradicated the opposition. In one other, he stays a marked man. “Everybody needs the crown that we now have worn for 4 years,” he warned final week.

Guardiola’s capability to create groups that may win each week in, week out and 12 months in, 12 months out provides to Metropolis’s powers of intimidation. They’ve a confirmed skill to reel off 12 or 15 straight victories. They may turn into the primary English membership to register 5 straight league titles, feats which have occurred within the latest previous in France, Italy and Germany, however by no means right here.

Nothing lasts perpetually and the period of Manchester Metropolis is ending

Cole Palmer hopes to convey ‘success and trophies to Chelsea’ after new deal

12:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

England worldwide Cole Palmer has signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea.

The Premier League membership confirmed that 22-year-old Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester Metropolis in a £42.5million deal final September, has dedicated himself to the Blues till June 2033.

“I’m delighted to signal this new deal,” Cole instructed Chelsea’s official web site.

“I achieved quite a bit in my first season right here, and hopefully I can proceed to expertise nice issues at this membership, each on a private degree and when it comes to bringing success and trophies to Chelsea.”

Cole Palmer hopes to convey ‘success and trophies to Chelsea’ after new deal

Premier League outcomes to this point

12:01 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of how this weekend has gone to this point within the Premier League (with match reviews hooked up).

Fri, 16 August – Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

Sat, 17 August – Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

Sat, 17 August – Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

Sat, 17 August – Newcastle 1-0 Southampton

Sat, 17 August – Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth

Sat, 17 August – Everton 0-3 Brighton

Sat, 17 August – West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, high 4, relegation, finest signing, high scorer and extra

11:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester Metropolis, after their fourth title in a row, are aiming for a powerful five-in-a-row – however will this be the season Arsenal lastly recover from the road and win a primary top-flight crown in 21 years?

Liverpool can be an intriguing watch underneath new supervisor Arne Slot and a complete of 5 golf equipment will take to the brand new season with a recent look within the dugout, with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Steve Cooper at Leicester Metropolis and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

Maresca at Chelsea can be an interesting watch and the way will Erik ten Hag fare at Manchester United after being given a brand new contract? The journeys of the newly-promoted trio of Leicester Metropolis, Ipswich City and Southampton can be attention-grabbing, too.

Under, our writers make their predictions for the following season:

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, relegation, finest signing, and extra

Predicted line-ups and prediction

11:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.

Manchester Metropolis XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Doku, Bernardo Silva, Haaland.

Prediction

This ought to be a charming sport between two groups with aspirations of success come the top of the season. Metropolis, in fact, are the higher facet and should effectively show too sturdy for a Chelsea staff adjusting to a brand new model of play underneath Maresca. The Italian has been closely influenced by Guardiola having labored at Metropolis as a coach earlier than his transfer to Parma in 2021. At this level, although, the mentor ought to get the higher of his disciple.

Chelsea 0-2 Manchester Metropolis.

Crew information

11:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Reece James’ damage woes proceed and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring damage, although he’s additionally suspended.

Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after lacking lengthy intervals of pre-season, though Jackson is predicted to function.

Manchester Metropolis can be with out Oscar Bobb, who’s out with a fractured leg, whereas Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Group Protect final weekend. Pep Guardiola additionally just lately confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.

Kyle Walker and John Stones are again in coaching after returning late following the Euro 2024 remaining – however Rodri has since been dominated out with damage.

Is Chelsea vs Manchester Metropolis on TV? Kick-off time, channel and the way to watch Premier League fixture

10:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

When is Chelsea v Manchester Metropolis?

Chelsea v Manchester Metropolis kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match stay on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion and Sky Sports activities Premier League, with protection beginning at 4pm BST. Subscribers can even be capable to watch on a stay stream through the Sky Go app.

If you happen to’re travelling overseas and need to watch main sporting occasions, you may want a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is right here to assist and contains offers on VPNs available in the market. Viewers utilizing a VPN have to be sure that they adjust to any native laws the place they’re, and likewise with the phrases of their service supplier.

Chelsea vs Man Metropolis LIVE

10:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea host Manchester Metropolis within the standout fixture on the opening weekend of the brand new Premier League season.

The away facet, after successful their fourth successive title in 2023-24, enter the season as favourites to win a fifth crown in a row, regardless of an uneventful summer time switch window. However Pep Guardiola’s facet have little or no room for enchancment after years of fixed success.

Chelsea, in the meantime, will start a brand new period underneath Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, and it is extremely a lot a baptism of fireplace for the Italian, whose facet struggled in pre-season.

The Blues have made some big-name additions once more within the switch window, notably Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor from Leicester.

Whereas nothing can be determined for both facet on this match, a constructive begin in such an enormous sport might set the tone for the season forward.

Chelsea vs Man Metropolis LIVE

10:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Good afternoon and welcome to The Unbiased’s protection of Chelsea vs Manchester Metropolis within the penultimate match of gameweek one of many 2024/25 Premier League!

The Blues head into the match with loads of hope underneath new supervisor Enzo Maresca, whereas Metropolis enter trying to lay down an early marker for Arsenal and Liverpool and remind any doubters of their credentials as favourites.

And we’ll have all of the build-up and stay updates as they arrive in.