Pep Guardiola's side barely needed to get out of second gear at Stamford Bridge as they ran out easy winners
Manchester City got the defence of their Premier League title off to the perfect start as Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic ensured that a number of key players weren't missed by scoring the goals in Sunday's 2-0 win over Chelsea.
With Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones all missing from the starting line up after their late returns for pre-season, City were not always at their fluent best, but got themselves in front inside 20 minutes as Haaland powered his way through two defenders before chipping the onrushing Robert Sanchez.
The Chelsea goalkeeper then saved from both Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva as City pushed for a second before the break, while Nicolas Jackson had a goal ruled out for offside at the other end after Ederson spilled Cole Palmer's weak effort.
City maintained control for much of the game, as Haaland stung the palms of Sanchez while Rico Lewis had a goal disallowed shortly after denying Pedro Neto a debut goal at the other end with a fine clearance inside the six-yard box. In the end, it was left to Kovacic to seal victory as he capped a fine performance against his former club with a strike from 20 yards after latching onto a loose ball in midfield.
GOAL rates City's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Ederson (5/10):
Very fortunate that Jackson was offside when the goalkeeper spilled Palmer's weak shot at his feet. Showed fine reactions to deny Jackson in the second half, and was his usual confident self with the ball at his feet, but did spill a couple of balls late on.
Rico Lewis (6/10):
Troubled at times by Nkunku, but stood up to the France international pretty well. Fine back-post clearance denied Neto a certain goal in the second half.
Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Had a couple of shaky moments in possession early on but grew into the game and was strong up against Jackson.
Ruben Dias (8/10):
Led the City defence superbly. Positioning was excellent throughout and made some key challenges to kill Chelsea attacks.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Showcased excellent defensive nous to halt a couple of dangerous Chelsea counters. Didn't get forward as much as he might have liked, but managed to mostly keep a lid on Palmer.
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Mateo Kovacic (8/10):
Deputised for the absent Rodri and put in a passable imitation of the Spain star as he dominated at times against his former club. Capped a fine performance with a goal.
Bernardo Silva (8/10):
Pure class whenever he got on the ball, and it was his all-important toe that diverted Doku's pass into Haaland's path for the City goal.
Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):
Began his potential farewell tour in relatively quiet fashion. Dribbled through the Chelsea midfield on a couple of occasions, but couldn't find his usual killer ball. Curled a couple of shots wide, too.
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Jeremy Doku (5/10):
Started on the right and endured a dreadful opening 15 minutes before switching wings. Got more joy on the left and played his part in Haaland's goal, though his final ball was still lacking at times.
Erling Haaland (8/10):
He only needs one chance. Showed immense strength to make room for himself in the box before producing a deft finish over Sanchez to open the scoring. A nuisance otherwise, even if he wasn't always that involved.
Savinho (7/10):
Enjoyed a very bright Premier League debut as he caused problems on both flanks with his pace and dribbling ability. Unfortunate to be forced off at half-time with an apparent knee injury.
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Phil Foden (6/10):
Not his thrilling best after coming on at half-time, but kept the ball ticking over and worked well with Lewis down the right.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Got it wrong when it came to Doku and Savinho's starting positions, but once he switched his wingers, City never looked in any trouble. An ominous display given the players that were missing.