Manchester City began their Premier League campaign on a resounding note by beating Chelsea 2-0 in their first match of the season at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovačić scored for the Cityzens to guide them to victory.
It was a comfortable win for Pep Guardiola’s team, who was the better side overall and are eyeing a mind-boggling fifth successive league title this season. If they continue playing like this throughout the 2024/25, there is no doubt that they will win a fifth in a row.
Jérémy Doku and Bernardo Silva Shone
Manchester City started the match with a 4-1-4-1 formation that often became 3-2-4-1 with Rico Lewis playing in a hybrid role as the right-back. Kyle Walker is undeniably stronger and faster, but Lewis seems to have better ball-skills already.
However, it was Jérémy Doku yet again, who made his mark with a tireless performance on the flanks. He started on the right flank, but was switched to the left minutes after. The Belgian winger is more comfortable playing on the left and played a key role in the Cityzens’ first goal.
Then there was Bernardo, who registered a couple of assists in the match. His intelligent passing paved the way for a number of Manchester City’s attacks. Even without Rodri and Phil Foden, who made an appearance in the second half, the champions looked strong enough for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side.
Kovačić had an exceptional match, doing the defensive work adroitly and also scoring a goal with a scorching shot. Savinho, given the nod ahead of Jack Grealish, also caught eyes. His ability to dribble and hold on to the ball are great qualities to have.
Chelsea, to their credit, passed the ball really well. They kept playing the ball to Christopher Nkunku on the left flank, who managed to set himself free on a number of occasions, but was dealt firmly by Rúben Dias and Manuel Akanji. Chelsea tried to exploit the space left behind by Lewis in the second half as well, as Pedro Neto replaced Nkunku.
Cole Palmer, a former Manchester City player, also tried hard to make his presence felt with his slick distribution of the ball and Romeo Lavia had a good match in the midfield. However, City ints from the match.
Manchester City Has Several Easier Matches to Start
Manchester City will play Ipswich Town next Saturday. They will then play West Ham United, who could prove to be a tricky opposition. However, the Cityzens are not going to come up against a really tough opponent until they face Arsenal on September 22.
Hence, the opportunity is there for Guardiola’s team to pick up as many points as possible in the first month of the season. Realistically, only Arsenal and Liverpool seem to have the ability to challenge the Cityzens seriously for the title.
However, if Manchester City keep playing close to their potential, they should not have much difficulty in extending their winning streak. It remains to be seen whether they are able to do so. However, as of now, they are showing no signs of slowing down or being complacent.