Chelsea opened the Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors were well worth the three points in a comfortable performance in West London, as Chelsea struggled to lay a glove on the Premier League champions.
Erling Haaland marked his 100th appearance for the Citizens with the opening goal, before former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic lashed in a late second to seal the win.
Here is how we rated the Chelsea players from their defeat to Manchester City.
Chelsea player ratings vs Manchester City
Robert Sanchez – 4
Kept out a Bernardo Silva strike with his feet and did well to tip a dipping Jeramy Doku effort over the bar. However, concerns remain about his distribution and credentials to be the number one goalkeeper. Weak attempt at a save for the second goal. His days as first-choice look numbered.
Stunning from Mateo Kovačić! 😍
The Man City man punishes his former club! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Wxfx8aW0Tt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024
Malo Gusto – 5
Far from his best. Failed to provide a single accurate cross (0/4) and won just 4/11 duels. A tough afternoon for the Frenchman.
Wesley Fofana – 4
First league appearance since May 2023 and, at times, it showed. Turned a first-half chance over the crossbar and lost track of Bernardo Silva for the opening goal, leaving centre-back partner Levi Colwill in no man’s land.
Levi Colwill – 6
Offers quality in possession (97.9% pass accuracy) but lacks experience without it. Could have done better on the goal after being drawn into a loose ball he couldn’t win. The loss of Thiago Silva this summer will be felt.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Dealt brilliantly with Jerem Doku in the opening exchanges to force Pep Guardiola into a switch of his wingers. Was unable to get close enough to Haaland for the opening goal and bounced off the strength of the Scandinavian striker. Awkward, after this summer’s sing-a-longs. Injury-enforced substitution is a concern.
After winning the Euros with Spain in July, Marc Cucurella sang the “Cucu Cururella” song with the line “Haaland trembles, Cucurella is coming.”
Haaland just scored his first goal of the season with Cucurella right next to him 👀 pic.twitter.com/Gsj5M6Uy4r
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 18, 2024
Moises Caicedo – 5
Still struggling to convince he was worth the £115m investment and needs to curb a reputation for reckless challenges when frustrated. Was given the runaround by the man he replaced at Chelsea in Mateo Kovacic, who strolled past the Ecuadorian on route to scoring the second goal.
Romeo Lavia – 8
An encouraging performance from the 20-year-old after an injury-ravaged first season at Chelsea. Measured in possession, Lavia didn’t misplace a single pass in the first half against his former club (28/28). Subbed.
Enzo Fernandez – 4
An odd choice, to say the least, as captain given this summer’s events. Granted the greatest licence to roam forward from Chelsea’s midfield three but struggled to utilise it. Tried to buy a foul after one woeful first touch.
Cole Palmer – 6
Oozes quality and created two chances but was unable to influence the game as he would have liked.
Christopher Nkunku – 5
Created one chance and showed lively footwork on one occasion, including one slalom into the Chelsea box. Immaculate distribution (100%) but on the periphery for large periods. Subbed.
Nicolas Jackson – 5
Remains a frustrating watch. Jackson can be a real handful in bursts but lacks refinement. A needless stray into an offside position prevented a first-half equaliser after Ederson spilled Cole Palmer’s shot into his path. Prodded another effort straight at the goalkeeper at full stretch. Subbed.
“He just got a bit excited, didn’t he?”
The Super Sunday panel discuss Nicolas Jackson’s disallowed goal 💭 pic.twitter.com/xaTcaus7J7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024
Substitute: Pedro Neto – 6
Injected energy but a little over-eager to make an impact off the bench.
Substitute: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5
Enzo Maresca was keen to bring Dewsbury-Hall with him from Leicester but started the midfielder on the bench this weekend. Unable to make an impact during a forgettable debut.
Substitute: Marc Guiu – 4
Just six touches for the Spanish teenager in an anonymous outing from the bench.
Substitute: Renato Veiga – N/A
Late substitute for the injured Marc Cucurella.
