Erling Haaland brutally embarrasses Marc Cucurella as Man City beat Chelsea

Erling Haaland was on target as Man City secured a hard-fought win over Chelsea (Image: GETTY)

Chelsea were beaten by goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic as Manchester City made a winning start to their Premier League title defence. The Blues fought hard to get themselves into the game after going behind but did not do enough to avoid defeat in their season opener.

They were made to pay for a slow start when Haaland broke the deadlock from close range inside the opening 20 minutes. The towering Norwegian forward muscled his way past two defenders before lifting the ball over Robert Sanchez and into the back of the net.

Chelsea settled into the match and thought they had equalised through Nicolas Jackson, only to be denied by the flag of the assistant referee. The hosts continued to push in the second half but the result was put beyond doubt when Kovacic scored against his former club late on.

Express Sport takes a look at the biggest talking points from today's game at Stamford Bridge...

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The City forward left Marc Cucurella red-faced before finding the back of the net (Image: GETTY)Haaland brutally embarrasses Cucurella

Marc Cucurella was made to eat his words after being left red-faced by Haaland in the build-up to City's opening goal. The defender called him out during Spain's celebrations after winning the Euros over the summer, singing the line: "Haaland trembles, Cucurella is coming."

Haaland was certainly not trembling when he bullied Cucurella in a physical battle before scoring City's first goal after just 18 minutes. Perhaps the Chelsea man will think more carefully about his choice of words in future to avoid more embarrassment at the hands of better players.

Sterling fury gives Maresca problem

Raheem Sterling was left frustrated after Enzo Maresca opted against naming him in the matchday squad against his former club. The 29-year-old's representatives are said to be demanding showdown talks with Chelsea after being left stunned by his exclusion from the match.

With the Blues having such a bloated squad, some players will inevitably be left out which runs the risk of causing discontent within the camp. It remains to be seen if others will follow Sterling in taking up their frustrations with the club's hierarchy if they are omitted from subsequent games.

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Some promising signs in attack

Chelsea did not disgrace themselves by any means, with the Blues having some joy in the final third despite failing to convert any of their chances. Christopher Nkunku was at the heart of most things and could well be an influential player this season if he can steer clear of further injuries.

Jackson also caused problems with his direct running and was unfortunate to see his goal ruled out for a marginal offside just before the break. Cole Palmer was swarmed by City players every time he picked up the ball in central areas but fared significantly better when drifting out wide.

Chelsea might regret selling Gallagher

Chelsea's failure to control things in midfield before City's goal suggests they could end up missing Conor Gallagher if his proposed move to Atletico Madrid goes ahead. The likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were unable to stop City from repeatedly bursting through the middle before Haaland made them pay.

The Blues could really have done with a player like Gallagher to pick up some of the dirty work and provide some much-needed stability in the engine room. Without him, they looked more vulnerable in the middle third which is something Maresca will be determined to put right over the coming weeks.

Erling Haaland brutally embarrasses Marc Cucurella as Man City beat Chelsea

Erling Haaland brutally embarrasses Marc Cucurella as Man City beat Chelsea

Erling Haaland brutally embarrasses Marc Cucurella as Man City beat Chelsea

Erling Haaland brutally embarrasses Marc Cucurella as Man City beat Chelsea

Erling Haaland brutally embarrasses Marc Cucurella as Man City beat Chelsea