Chelsea 0-2 Man City - Premier League RECAP: Enzo Maresca beaten by his former mentor on his Blues bow as Mateo Kovacic seals win against his old club after Erling Haaland's opener

The time for me to shut this live down has come.

You may be sad but just think about the brilliant times we have shared over the last few hours. They have been memorable.

What will always be remembered is that the master showed the apprentice who is boss at Stamford Bridge today.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were without many of their top players, including Rodri, but had no problem dispatching the new-look Chelsea led by Enzo Maresca.

Erling Haaland does what he always does, scoring the opener, before Mateo Kovacic put the final nail in the coffin against his old side.

Now there is only one game to go in what has been a superb Premier League opening weekend, with Tottenham travelling to promoted Leicester City tomorrow.

I'll be there, and you should be too. You won't want to miss it.

Anyway, that's it from me. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your evening.

Ok, so these statistics show it was a very tight game.

There were times when Man City showed their class, but Chelsea had a good go too.

The possession is practically the same, City only had one more shot, and they made a similar amount of passes.

However, stats don't tell the whole story and the champions were well worth their win.

The only one that truly matters is the scoreline.

Manchester City do usually get off to a flying start, it's no different here.

They have secured wins in 13 of their last 14 opening day fixtures, not bad, eh?

That solitary game they didn't win was a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the 2021-22 season.

It didn't end up mattering as they went on to win the Premier League by one point over Liverpool.

Sorry to remind you, Reds.

Erling Haaland, Man City goalscorer, speaking to Sky Sports:

Three points, a perfect start. First games are always hard, for everyone, it doesn't matter if you had a pre-season or not. I had a long pre-season but I don't feel perfect, I'm not in the perfect state. It's good to get that win.

I knew exactly what to do, I think it was a really good goal. I remember last year he made a really good save against me, it had been irritating me for a long time, so yeah, it was a perfect goal. The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That's the important thing. Pep [Guardiola] says this to me all the time.

I want to get more involved, that's what Pep wants. But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That's the million-dollar question. I want to get more assists and become a better player. I want to help the team and to make the teamwork and get the other players in better positions. To get an extra metre for Bernardo Silva, number 10, if I can stretch the centre-backs to get an extra metre I will do it. It's hard but yeah.

Right, I want to hear your opinion on this.

As you will know by now, Raheem Sterling was a shock omission for the Chelsea squad today against Man City.

He featured in all six of the Blues' pre-season matches, but Enzo Maresca decided to leave him out today.

To be honest, they could have done with his quality today.

Maresca gave a bit of a nothing response to being asked about the statement that Sterling and his team released before the match.

It basically suggests that he was not expecting to miss out on the squad today, but is committed to the club.

Mail Sport's Sami Mokbel has now revealed that he is seeking clarity over his situation in west London.

Let me know what you think about it all... Is Sterling's time in Blue over?

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

I think we competed very well for much of the game. We were similar if not better. The performance was there but we didn't take the chances. Probably the big difference was inside the box. I'm quite happy in terms of performance.

For me, the important thing is to create chances. We didn't score but we created chances. The first goal for them was almost offside, we almost scored. These things change results but the performance was good overall. It was quite clear, you can see a team trying to keep the ball and dominate.

We were against the champions today. We will continue and win games. They are a master in this kind of moment. We had two or three chances. They are a master of keeping hold of the ball. The performance was there and that is the main thing. You can see how they manage the ball. In terms of chances, we had the same. Keeping the ball was more or less there. We don't like to lose. We just need to continue.

On Raheem Sterling's statement after being omitted:

To be honest, I didn't see the statement. I have nothing to say. It was a tactical decision, no more than that. in the next day, we will clarify in case we need to. I have been clear, it's a tactical decision. I didn't see it.

I bet Manchester City fans are very jealous of Pep Guardiola right now, they all wish they could give Kevin de Bruyne a kiss.

Maybe it's just this picture, but it doesn't look like the Belgian is particularly enjoying the gesture.

It's all love in the champions' camp!

Bernardo Silva is Mr. Reliable for Manchester City.

Since he arrived at City in 2017, he has delivered time, and time again. He only knows success with the Citizens.

Today he notched up his sixth assist in his last seven Premier League matches. Some very good numbers.

I mean, the assist is debatable as it was the smallest of touches, but they all count.

Despite that, my first point still stands. He is crucial for Pep Guardiola.

Romeo Lavia, Chelsea midfielder, speaking to Sky Sports:

I think there were a lot of positives to take from the game. We were expecting goals today and we had a lot of chances. We need to take the positives and move on.

We felt like we had the chance to come out on top and that didn't happen. It's a very good team so we have to take the good things and move on to the next game. You can find a lot of reasons why they won today. Just focus on the next one.

There are 38 games in the season. There's something growing and you can see that on the pitch. The result didn't go our way today but the way we played is where we want to be.

I'm grateful to the club and the medical staff for helping me through the struggles of last season. Pre-season helped me to play today. It wasn't easy because no-one wants to be injured. I had to see the positives and think I wanted to be ready for next season.

A quick word for Romeo Lavia, he was superb.

The Chelsea midfielder had a torrid first season at the Blues, he only managed 32 minutes of football due to injury.

Bought for £58m last year, he has had to bide his time to start for the Blues in the Premier League.

Well, he got his chance today and he took it.

In my humble opinion, he outshone both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in that Chelsea midfield.

The youngster knitted play together well, was calm on the ball, and put in some big tackles.

I'm happy for the young lad!

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to Sky Sports:

I didn't expect it. We are away from our best so three points is the good news. The bad news is we have 65 games ahead of us. We have an advantage, it's our ninth season together so we know each other well. Of course, there are mistakes you have to improve but we talked, the difference in being champions was our body language, how did we behave?

It's the bad moments in the season and in the games that define the big teams. For me, it is an honour to be in charge of these guys. I'm so fortunate, I could not say more.

There is a plan, defensive, offensive. But afterward, it's how we celebrate the good moments and come back from the bad moments. That's what defines these teams and no one talks about it. For a while, we could never win at Stamford Bridge. This is a big step.

There was a big hoo-ha made about Rodri not playing today before the game began.

The Spaniard did not feature due to the fact he has barely trained since coming back from Euro 2024 glory.

Last season, Man City lost four of their matches when he did not feature, which fed the theory that the same would happen today.

Well, City proved they did not need him, even if he is the best holding midfielder in the world. That should worry the rest of the league, they will only get stronger.

I imagine the picture below is how he celebrated that win...

Mateo Kovacic, Manchester City goalscorer, speaking to Sky Sports:

We are missing some big players but it's always tough when you miss big players. I had a longer break so I could recover better, I wanted to be ready for the beginning of the season. I play today some kind of his [Rodri] role, but we are always missing Rodri because he is, if not the best player, one of the best in the world.

I don't score many goals and when you score you want to celebrate. But I have a huge respect for Chelsea, I spent five years here. I scored but that is not always the most important thing for me, the most important is winning. This team is so hungry and it's a pleasure to be a part of it and win titles.

Man City are on one hell of a run in the Premier League.

The champions went on a 23-match unbeaten streak to win the title last year.

Well, now they have just made that 24. Their last 10 wins have been by two goals or more.

Last season's momentum has been picked up for this campaign - good signs for City.

Not for the rest of the Premier League, though...

I think I was a bit harsh on the quality of this goal.

When Mateo Kovacic scored, I only called it decent. Looking back, it's a pretty damn good goal.

To dribble through the midfield like that and then whip it near post takes a lot of skill.

I could watch it a fair few times, and so can you, below.

The new Chelsea start their reboot with a loss.

In reality, not many expected the Blues to outwit the champions today, it's yet another season of rebuilding for them.

But there were some positives to take out of that game for Enzo Maresca. They caused City some trouble in spells.

The biggest problem still remains, though, the midfield. They were torn apart in there today.

Considering it was a midfield three that were bought for nearly £300m, that's not a great sign.

Plenty of work still to do.

Man City may have been a few players short, but they didn't look it.

Pep Guardiola's side looked at their usual best for a large part of that game, they gave Chelsea the runaround.

The fact they managed to squeeze in three attacking midfielders in the second half, and still not worry defensively, shows how good they are.

Once again, they mean business.

No Rodri, no problem!

Man City get the job done in west London with relative ease and their hunt for a fifth consecutive title is up and running.

Mateo Kovacic's second-half strike against his former side sealed the deal after Erling Haaland's opener.

Enzo Maresca's new-look Blues just couldn't deal with the champions, especially in those final 15 minutes.

They couldn't get near them.

Most of Stamford Bridge is empty now, I'm assuming the Chelsea fans want to beat the traffic.

The only corner that is still singing is the one holding all of the away supporters.

They then scream 'wheyyy' as Enzo Fernandez sees a shot comfortably held by Ederson.

There are five minutes added on, yet again.

These will feel like a long old five minutes for Chelsea and their fans. They aren't getting near the ball.

It's all a bit much for Moises Caicedo, he lashes out in frustration and is given a yellow card.

It's not been his finest day.

The Man City fans are loving life in the corner.

Their side are passing the ball around under no pressure and every time they complete one, the fans cheer.

City really are taking the Michael out of Chelsea now, and so are their fans.

Todd Bohely has just got up from his seat and gone into his box.

He's seen enough and so have many of the fans who are heading for the exits.

New season, same Chelsea.

Mateo Kovacic kills off his former side!

The Croatian midfielder waltzes through the Chelsea midfield like they aren't there and then whips a strike into the near post from the edge of the area.

Its a decent strike but Robert Sanchez has to do better there, he gets a glove to it but can't stop the ball from heading in.

Kovacic holds his hands up but the City players jump all over him in celebration.

It's not the first goal he's scored at Stamford Bridge...

This game is petering out and Chelsea are running out of time to find an equaliser.

I mean, at this moment in time, they can't even get a touch of the ball. Man City are just stroking it about.

Off hobbles Marc Cucurella, he can't continue.

He is replaced by Portuguese full-back Renato Veiga for the final 10 minutes of this match.

It will be interesting to see how bad the damage is for the Spaniard. Guess we will find out after the match.

Marc Cucurella looks a worried man as he holds his hamstring after pulling up.

That's not a good sign. It could be cramp, though, he hasn't really featured in pre-season due to Euro 2024.

Chelsea want a penalty for a handball by Mateo Kovacic.

There is no chance they are getting that, Kovacici's hands are in a natural position and the ball strikes him at point-blank range.

It's waved away, as it should be.

Kevin de Bruyne flashes a bending effort just wide after finding some space.

He then apologises to Phil Foden for not playing him in, and I think that's what he should have done.

Foden was in acres of space...

Man City seem to have taken the sting out of this game, and with it the atmosphere has evaporated.

That's what the champions do best, they control games at just the right time.

It's time for two more Chelsea debuts.

Marc Guiu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sprint onto the pitch in a Chelsea shirt for the first time in the Premier League.

They replace Nicolas Jackson and Romeo Lavia.

I thought Lavia was excellent today, so I am surprised he is the midfielder who makes way.

Now it's Man City who have their celebrations cut short!

Rico Lewis thinks he has doubled the champions' lead as he smashes home via a deflection.

But the whistle goes for a foul by Erling Haaland on Levi Colwill - and he gets a yellow card for his troubles.

No arguing with that decision.

Ederson to the rescue for Manchester City!

He saves from point-blank range as Nicolas Jackson flicks an effort toward goal from within six yards.

I was literally just about to click the new goal button we have, but the Brazilian keeper came up trumps.

Those are the stops that win you games... and titles. (Too early?)

Pedro Neto nearly scores within the first minute of his Chelsea debut!

The ball is flashed across the six-yard box and he is at the back post, but the new man can't stretch enough to turn it home.

That would have been some way to start life at Stamford Bridge.

It's time for a Chelsea debut.

Stamford Bridge rises to cheer Pedro Neto as he makes his way onto the pitch for the first time in a Chelsea shirt.

The winger replaces a very solemn-looking Christopher Nkunku.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

Marc Cucurella has just run the ball out of play under no pressure whatsoever.

That sums up this Chelsea performance - there are more groans from the fans.

Now this is a crazy statistic.

That shot from Erling Haaland was only his second touch after scoring the opener in the 18th minute.

I'm struggling to wrap my head around that...

So close to a second for Erling Haaland!

Man City shift the ball over from the left and it ends up rolling toward Haaland.

He shapes up to shoot and you are thinking 'here we go', but his bending strike is beaten away by Robert Sanchez.

Nicolas Jackson has just tackled Enzo Fernandez as he went to shoot.

Cole Palmer fires a lovely pass into the area and then the Chelsea duo just collide.

It's been one of those days...

Robert Sanchez, what are you doing?

The Chelsea keeper passes the ball straight to Kevin de Bruyne on the edge of the area. It's baffling.

Luckily for him, De Bruyne chooses to cross and not shoot, and he overshoots it.

Oh dear, Savinho has come off at half-time.

The injury obviously proved too much, but his replacement isn't too bad... it's Phil Foden.

Ian, please can you check on Sami?

Anyway, we are back underway at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea fans, please don't get annoyed at me...

It seems the Blues lucky enough to be at Stamford Bridge were not that happy in the first half.

Chelsea didn't exactly play awfully, but they bide their time on the ball rather than going direct.

It's the new style under Enzo Maresca and it seems the fans aren't exactly used to it yet.

There were quite a few moans and groans at decision-making before the break.

Are they being too impatient?

Did anybody actually doubt that Erling Haaland would score?

I knew it was going to happen and surprise, surprise, he did. It was a decent goal too.

The striker has now been directly involved in 106 goals in 100 appearances for Manchester City.

You read that right, 106. Today's opener was his 91st goal for the club. He's only been there two years.

Since joining, Haaland has scored more Premier League goals in August, with 13, than Chelsea have managed as a team. Yikes.

Goalscoring machine.

Want to see how Man City took the lead? Of course, you do!

Erling Haaland was always going to have his say today and it took him just 18 minutes to do so.

It's not his finest goal, but it's a big one. He was in the right place again and powered his way through to finish.

Man City fans, watch and enjoy.

And breathe...

What a half of football, but it has now come to an end. It was breathless and enthralling.

Erling Haaland did what he does - score on the opening day. It's about the only thing he has done in the game.

His strike has City in front but that does not tell the whole story, there have been penalty shouts, VAR checks, and a disallowed goal for Chelsea.

All still to play for in the second half.

The Chelsea fans scream for a penalty yet again, and it's the same outcome.

Anthony Taylor shakes his head after Christopher Nkunku goes down inside the area.

It was a lovely bit of skill from the Frenchman beforehand, but he then goes down like he's been snipered for no reason.

Right decision from Taylor.

Like clockwork, Enzo Fernandez is now down holding his ankle.

The chant comes back out as soon as he hits the floor. I feel like we will hear it a lot today.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, at Stamford Bridge:

Enzo Fernandez just went over for a Chelsea corner where the Manchester City fans are housed and was serenaded with: 'You racist b******, you know what you are.'

I forgot to say amidst the madness that Savinho is back on the pitch and looks OK.

That means that our Sami Mokbel can breathe a sigh of relief, he will continue to 'ball'.

Wow, there will be five minutes of stoppage time.

Actually, I'm not sure why I am saying wow, it makes sense.

There have been a lot of VAR checks plus an injury wait.

Nicolas Jackson fires Chelsea level!

Ohhhh, he's offside, the flag is up...

The striker sweeps home after Ederson parries cole Palmer's shot into his path.

But he just goes too soon, and VAR confirms that.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport, Football Editor, at Stamford Bridge:

City’s new signing Savinho is the player of the game so far. He has made Cucurella’s hair curl since being switched to the right after about 20 minutes.The directness and swiftness of his running is causing havoc whenever City spring forward.

‘He can ball,’ Sami Mokbel has just said to Jack Gaughan here in the press box. I don’t really know what that means.

He can indeed Sam, if he gets back on...

Oh dear, Savinho is down and in pain.

It would be a real blow if he has to come off as he looks electric when he gets the ball.

The summer signing is down getting treatment and is wincing a fair bit.

Man City are all over Chelsea like a rash.

They flood forward and it's Jeremy Doku driving them forward. He looks for Erling Haaland who races through, but he gets the pass all wrong.

The ball ends up at the feet of Bernardo Silva who forces Robert Sanchez into a save with his feet.

The second is not far away...

Oooft, now that is close from Jeremy Doku.

The winger lets fly of a strong effort from distance, it takes a small deflection and looks like it's looping over Robert Sanchez.

But at full stretch, the Spaniard tips it over the bar.

Pep Guardiola is not happy, and it;'s easy to understand why.

Nicolas Jackson is a mile offside, he's practically so far off that he is not in the stadium anymore.

The flag doesn't go up, though, and play goes on for what seems like a lifetime before the whistle finally goes.

Guardiola is demonstrating with the fourth official that somebody could get injured in that time.

I agree, why do they need to keep it going when it's so obvious?

Oh, Cole Palmer, that is filthy!

He gets juggling and knocks the ball over Josko Gvardiol's head, but luckily for the Croatian Ruben Dias is there to hoover up.

Lovely bit of skill.

Stamford Bridge is screaming for a penalty, but they don't get their wish.

Savinho bundles into the back of Enzo Fernandez, who theatrically falls down. Never a spot kick.

Anthony Taylor is having none of it.

I think that's the first time I have heard Cole Palmer's name.

The former City man tries to wriggle free in the box but can't beat the last man, he then picks up the ball and gets a cross all wrong.

It's certainly not been his day, so far.

Manuel Akanji, you are a lucky boy...

The Man City defender nearly gets his pocket picked by Christopher Nkunu but the whistle is blown for a foul.

Nkunku can't believe it, and neither can I. Pretty soft.

Nkunku would have been away and who knows what would have happened.

Man City are really turning the style on now.

They are waltzing through the Chelsea midfield with regularity and they do it once again.

This time Kevin de Bruyne fancies a crack and fires narrowly wide, which brings an 'oooo' from the City faithful.

Chelsea are all over the place.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport, Football Editor, at Stamford Bridge:

Cucurella and Colwill simply need to be stronger as the ball arrives at Haaland’s feet for the goal. Haaland doesn’t need asking twice in those situations and to be honest Chelsea’s defending handed him a list of invitations on a plate for that one. Criminal from the home team.

VAR confirms that the goal stands.

City fans' hearts must have been in their mouths, it was a tense wait but they came to the right decision.

Jeremy Doku sends the ball to Bernardo Silva who gets such a small tough, then Haaland does the rest.

He always has his say on the opening day.

What did I say about Erling Haaland?

He has barely had a kick but he fires Man City in front after being played through by Bernardo Silva, by the deftest of touches.

But wait, VAR are checking for offside on the Portuguese midfielder.

It's tight...

Manchester City are playing a dangerous game at the back.

Josko Gvardiol plays a nervy ball across the box as Chelsea try and hunt them down.

I say it's nervy, the City players aren't worried, they know what they are doing.

They just gave the Bluess a sniff for a split second before working their way back out.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport, Football Editor, at Stamford Bridge:

An intriguing battle already taking shape down the City right between Jeremy Doku and Marc Cucurella. The Chelsea left-back has had the better of it so far but he does look vulnerable when Bernardo Silva joins in down that side seeking an overload.

If you're Enzo Maresca, you'll be happy with this start.

These two faced each other in pre-season and Erling Haaland scored twice in the opening five minutes.

He has barely touched the ball thus far.

Jeremy Doku looks a little rusty to me...

He breaks into the area and cuts in on his left. You just think he will bend it toward the far corner.

Well, you'd be wrong.

Instead he spanners the ball well wide and then looks to the sky in frustration.

That's better from Chelsea.

Wesley Fofana gets on the end of a well-worked corner routine, but he gets his finish all wrong.

I mean, he is a defender. They aren't exactly known for their volleying skills.

The pattern of play seems to be setting in now and it's Manchester City taking control.

Savinho springs into life and slides through Bernardo Silva who has a pop, but it's deflected wide.

I think he should do better there, Bernardo, or maybe I'm just being uber-critical.

That's poor from Jeremy Doku...

He is in loads of space on the right and has Erling Haaland to aim for in the middle, but he gets his delivery all wrong.

It ends up going for a goal kick.

Romeo Lavia is looking to show Pep Guardiola what he is missing.

The City academy graduate is making his first Premier League start for Chelsea and he looks very comfortable already.

He produces a lovely spin before setting free Enzo Fernandez, who then messes up the attack.

I really do like the look of Lavia.

As the smoke from the pyro dissipates, the whistle is blown.

I said it was a cauldron and now it's time for two massive teams to do battle.

Can the champions start their defence in style, or will this new look Chelsea spring a shock?

Oh am I excited for this one, aren't you?

Thank you Sonny for holding the fort, you did a stellar job as usual.

Unfortunately, for all of you, you are now stuck with me for the rest of the evening. I'll try to make it fun, don't worry.

The teams have just arisen from the tunnel to beautiful sunshine and a cauldron of noise.

Enzo Marseca and his former boss Pep Guardiola have a little hug before business starts.

The time to be friendly is now over!

Right, I'm going to love you and leave you all now.

I leave you in the capable hands of my colleague Harry Bamforth, fresh from covering events at the Gtech Community Stadium.

It's sure to be a cracker and he will bring you all the action as we kick-off I just over five minutes.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

I don't have a machine to tell every player how they will perform I will say it's not our best but it's like every team at this stage.

I have a very high opinion about him [Maresca] as a friend and I am happy for him after going to Leicester and Chelsea are difficult to refuse.

He deserves the best and he is a lovely guy, he has clear ideas and he is stubborn but you have to be stubborn and I am happy to see him again.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

I don't think so, the reason is because they do so many things, you prepare for one thing and they do something completely different. We will do our best and we are sure we can do something nice today.

About leaving out Raheem Sterling:

It happens many times the manager has to make the decision sometimes the player doesn't like but that is normal.

Yoane Wissa's second-half goal was enough to see Brentford over the line against London rivals Crystal Palace.

Bryan Mbuemo had opened the scoring for the home side in the first-half, before an Ethan Pinnock own goal levelled the scoring.

Referees would have been hoping to keep a low profile on the opening weekend but Eberechi Eze saw a free-kick that was ruled out, some called for VAR to intervene and give the goal.

But the referee had blown his whistle before the ball crossed the line and so the on-field decision had to stand.

I am sure Oliver Glasner will have plenty to say about that and you can find that reaction here.

Huge story from our chief football reporter that Raheem Sterling hasn’t made today’s Chelsea squad and is now ‘seeking clarity’ about his future.

Enzo Maresca is Sterling’s fifth Chelsea manager in only two years at Stamford Bridge and that cant be easy for any player.

But the fact is that good players tend to find a way and in recent years Sterling has lost his…

How important will Cole Palmer be for Chelsea this season?

The former Manchester City man is coming off of a stellar first season on Stamford Bridge and a goal in the Euro 2024 final, he will be hoping to hit the ground running.

Palmer was certainly a revelation but with Christopher Nkunku joining him in attack after a difficult opening season due to injury, surely the pressure on the young star will be lifted somewhat.

I couldn't think of a better match for the opening Sunday tea-time kick off than a battle of two Premier League heavyweights.

But can Enzo Maresca deliver on his Premier League managerial debut against the man he used to coach with?

Or will Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have too much and showcase why they are favourites to win a fifth consecutive title?

Let us know your predictions for today's match in the comments!

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling is 'seeking clarity' on his position in the squad after he was left our of Enzo Maresca's side this afternoon.

The former Manchester City man had featured heavily in pre-season but has lost his place in the side since the arrival of Pedro Neto.

Speaking to Mail Sport, the England attacker's representatives said today's omission came as a shock.

I am sure you are all aware, there is a London derby going on currently.

Crystal Palace have equalised through an ethan pinnock own goal and you can follow all the action of that game right here.

Opportunity knocks for Chelsea today but are they capable of opening the door?

City without so many of their Euro 2024 players it's hard to imagine they will be at their most potent.

With that in mind I am giving Chelsea a puncher's chance in this one.

My prediction is a 1-1 draw.

Summer signing Savinho is given his Premier League debut as Matteo Kovacic starts in midfield with Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.

Euro 2024 winner Rodri is unavailable given his late return to the side after his summer break.

Enzo Maresca has selected his first Premier Leauge XI as Chelsea boss and the biggest news is that England winger Raheem Sterling has been left out of the sound.

Elsewhere Christopher Nkunku is handed a start alongside Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in attack

Chelsea fans visiting Stamford Bridge today will be treated a special area as Chelsea and EA FC celebrate the former Chelsea attacker with a special Hero card in their upcoming game.

To celebrate Eden’s status as an FC 25 Hero,watch the comic-book style EA SPORTS FC Heroes trailer showcasing the Origin-to-Prime Hero transformations of Eden himself.

What a treat we have in store for you to finish the day.

The opening day doesn't often bring mammoth clashes, but the same cannot be said this year.

Chelsea and Manchester City are two giants of the English game who usually produce fireworks when they collide, and collide they are today.

The hosts have undergone another reboot under Todd Boehly, with Enzo Maresca now the face of the club and lots of new players have been brought through the door (what else would you expect).

Meanwhile, City have had a much quieter summer in comparison, but that doesn't change the fact they are favourites to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title this year.

Just typing this introduction is getting me excited, hopefully you feel the same. It's going to be a cracker.

So, let's get this show on the road!