Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City: Blues ratings as Maresca's side endure opening-day defeat | Premier League 2024-25
Chelsea fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday (August 18) as new Blues boss Enzo Maresca began his stint with a defeat.
Goals from Erling Haaland and former Blues midfielder Mateo Kovacic were enough to see the reigning champions begin their quest for a fifth straight league title with a win.
On that note, here's a look at the Chelsea player ratings from the game:
Chelsea player ratings
Robert Sanchez - 6.5/10
Sanchez managed three saves but couldn't deny Haaland and Kovacic.
Malo Gusto - 6/10
The full-back didn't have the best game of his career for the Blues. He lost the most duels in the game and allowed Savio to enjoy a fine debut for the reigning champions.
Wesley Fofana - 6.5/10
The defender had a decent if unspectacular game for the Blues. The Frenchman lost possession once.
Levi Colwill - 7/10
The defender looked assured on the ball and impressed with his range of passing. He was never dispossessed and showed he's one to watch out for.
Marc Cucurella - 7.5/10
The Euro 2024 winner was one of the most involved Chelsea players in the game, getting 77 touches and putting four passes into the final third. He had a fine game but couldn'r stop the Manchester City juggernaut.
Romeo Lavia - 7.5/10
The Belgian midfielder was industrious and efficient for the West London giants, but his performance wasn't enough to change their fate. He completed 38 of 39 passes in 67 minutes.
Moises Caicedo -7/10
The Ecuadorian had a mediocre game against the reigning champions.
Enzo Fernandez- 7/10
The Argentina international had a mediocre performance for Chelsea. He managed one shot on target and recovered the ball four times, losing the ball twice.
Christopher Nkunku -6.5/10
Nkunku looked good at everything he did except getting past his man, his primary job. He was tidy in possession, completing all his passes, in the 58 minutes he played.
Cole Palmer - 7/10
The Chelsea superstar faced Manchester City a year after he left them to join their Premier League rivals and gave a good account of himself. He got a shot on target and recovered the ball five times.
Nicolas Jackson - 6.5/10
The Senegalese striker was ineffective against Manchester City in the Premier League opener and was taken off after 67 minutes.
Ratings of Chelsea substitutes against Manchester City
Pedro Neto - 6.5/10
The Portuguese winger played 32 minutes and produced a lively performance. He didn't change the course of the game, but will be proud of his performance against Manchester City.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6/10
The former Leicester City midfielder, another Blues debutant, made very little difference against City.
Marc Guiu - 6/10
The Spanish striker didn't have much of an impact after his introduction to proceedings on his Premier League debut.
Renato Veiga - NA
The young midfielder came on in the 80th minute. While he didn't have enough time to affect the game, he was tidy while on the pitch.