Second-half goals from Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke means it is advantage Chelsea in this UEFA Conference League play-off.
The contest burst into life after the interval when Nkunku won a penalty he confidently converted for his first goal at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Guiu should have doubled our lead, but sub Madueke did just that with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, latching on to Enzo Fernandez’s fine pass and finishing with a flourish.
Servette carried a threat throughout. Debutant Filip Jorgensen made a couple of decent saves, and the visitors also hit the crossbar late on. Enzo Maresca will know this tie is far from over.
Team news
The head coach made nine changes to his Chelsea team, handing debuts to Tosin Adarabioyo and Jorgensen.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, Guiu and Renato Veiga started for us for the first time, having come off the bench in the Premier League opener against Man City.
Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhailo Mudryk were the other fresh faces, Disasi earning his first minutes of the summer. Nkunku and Moises Caicedo, who captained, retained their places from Sunday.
Before kick-off, there was a big welcome back to Stamford Bridge for Joao Felix, who reacquainted himself with the home support.
Chelsea were purposeful from the off. Barely 60 seconds had elapsed when Dewsbury-Hall slipped in Guiu, who had the crowd excited but was a fraction offside.
Nkunku and Dewsbury-Hall’s driving runs from deep were forcing the Swiss side on the back foot, but they did bare their teeth for the first time on the quarter-hour. Jorgensen pushed Dereck Kutesa’s shot over.
With 27 minutes played, good hold-up play from Guiu created a clear opening for Mudryk, who pulled his effort wide of the near post. Pedro then fired a shot straight at Jeremy Frick, the Servette stopper.
By the time the first half drew to a close, both teams were looking most threatening on the break but lacking the final pass to break through.
We didn’t have to wait long after the restart to do just that. Dewsbury-Hall pounced on a loose ball, forced by pressure from Guiu, and played in Nkunku, who took it around Frick and was felled. The Frenchman picked himself up and slammed his spot-kick into the left-hand corner. Out came the blue balloon for the first time in SW6.
It should have been two almost immediately. Guiu chased a lost cause and blocked Frick’s attempted clearance. The ball ricocheted goalwards and was reached by Guiu first, but he couldn’t steer his effort past the retreating Frick, who promptly kept out two further efforts from the young striker.
Maresca brought on Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke on the hour. Palmer moved into the central attacking position.
It was the other two subs who combined to double our lead. Enzo threaded a wonderful pass inside the right-hand channel, which Madueke raced on to and smashed high past Frick on his weaker foot.
Servette tried to hit back with nine minutes remaining through sub Jeremy Guillemenot, after we had lost possession in our defensive third. Jorgensen, who enjoyed a tidy debut, got down low to tip his strike around the post.
The keeper could only watch as sub Tiemoko Ouattara’s shot took a touch off Tosin and looped over him. Thankfully, the ball struck the top of the crossbar, and we escaped from the resulting corner, too. The unmarked Gael Ondoua headed wide.
Servette really should have scored as the contest ticked into stoppage time. Steve Rouiller won the first header from a corner, but Guillemenot could only turn it over from point-blank range. He still had time for one more chance, Jorgensen to the rescue again.
There will be no room for complacency in Geneva a week today.
What’s next?
Before then, the Blues are off to the West Midlands on Sunday to take on Wolves, with kick-off at 2pm BST. You can follow all the action in our match centre on the official Chelsea website and app.
Welcome to Row Z, a new weekly column on The Athletic.
We can probably all agree that football takes itself very seriously, right? Well, here at Row Z, we plan to shine a light on the bonkers side of the game. From clubs to managers, players to organisations, every Friday we’ll bring you the absurdities, the greed, the contradictions, the preposterousness and the oddities of the game we all love…
Talking of absurd, greedy, contradictory, preposterous oddities, where else can Row Z start but with Chelsea Football Club?
It’s been quite the week for the Blues, who ditched a homegrown hero (that’s Conor Gallagher), signed a former failed loanee (Joao Felix), ostracised last season’s third-top scorer (Raheem Sterling) and have hundreds of millions of pounds worth of signings (Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, Ben Chilwell etc) training away from the first team.
“It’s not a mess like it looks from the outside,” head coach Enzo Maresca said with a straight face as work began on installing a third dressing room to house all their players (probably).
You can put together a pretty decent XI from Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ of frozen-out players.
It’s an attacking line-up, sure, but would they have more goals in them than the side Chelsea put out against Manchester City at the weekend? Tough call.
“They can even have a 20-year contract,” Maresca added of his outcasts. “It’s not my point. I don’t care.”
He may not care, but Row Z certainly does. The above unwanted 11 players, who seem either destined to depart or are at the very least not welcome, cost Chelsea a combined £336million ($440m) to purchase. Together, they have 38 years left on their Stamford Bridge contracts.
Chelsea are your rambunctious mate at a stag/hen do (or a bachelor/bachelorette party if you like) who just won’t stop buying shots for the ‘banter’. They’re out until 6am, back on the sauce at 9am and no one wants to see them ever again after the weekend is over. Incessant overkill. Make it stop.
You’ve got to admire Chelsea’s social media chutzpah amid the madness.
“Home again,” they tweeted when announcing the return of Joao Felix, who scored four goals in 20 appearances in his underwhelming 2023 loan and was deemed not good enough by Mauricio Pochettino.
They were at it again when posting an emotional, heartstring-tugging video of Gallagher’s 18-year Chelsea career from boy to senior captain.
“You will forever be a blue,” Chelsea captioned at the end of the video, forgetting to add “until we make you train away from the first team and force you out the club to meet profitability and sustainability regulations.”
Conor Gallagher has completed a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid. We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career. 💙
All the funny stuff meant that Maresca’s decision to make Enzo Fernandez captain for the City game was largely glossed over.
The French Football Federation said in July it would file a complaint after Fernandez posted a video on Instagram that showed him and his Argentina team-mates singing offensive chants about French players of African descent after their Copa America victory.
His Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana called it “uninhibited racism” on X, albeit he has since accepted an apology from Fernandez.
Maresca said the racism matter was “finished” and that Fernandez had recognised his “mistake”.
A discrimination and abuse mission statement on the club’s website reads: “Chelsea takes all forms of discriminatory behaviour very seriously and believes all forms of discriminatory chanting, including antisemitism, homophobic, biphobic and transphobic chanting to be abhorrent behaviour that has no place in football.”
But if you’re a good midfielder, it doesn’t matter as much.
GO DEEPER
Chelsea and the Enzo Fernandez fallout: Anger, apologies and investigations
Tottenham Hotspur are officially the best-run club in English men’s football. Hooray!
That’s according to Fair Game, an organisation that campaigns for an end to financial inequality in the sport, wants football to be governed with transparency and fairness and aims to put clubs at the heart of their communities. Noble cause — might take a while.
Tottenham Hotspur have won an award (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Anyway, in a press release penned by a Mr D Levy (this is not true), Fair Game’s annual index measuring financial sustainability, governance, equality and fan engagement has Spurs top of the pile.
Best club in England for financial sustainability, governance, equality and fan engagement, you’ll never sing that.
Just to really hammer home that the award has nothing to do with coherent transfer plans or roofs that don’t have holes in, second on the list were Manchester United.
GO DEEPER
Man Utd’s ‘leaky’ roof: Why is it so bad? When will it be fixed?
Talking of ending financial inequality and bringing clubs closer to their communities, Manchester City unveiled their new dairy partner this week.
Yili Group, apparently Asia’s largest producer of dairy, are, as City posted on their website, the club’s Official Dairy Partner, with capital letters to make you shudder.
Clearly having learned nothing from Hellmann’s mayonnaise mistake, Yili has already emblazoned Jack Grealish all over its website.
It says it will “uphold the spiritual core of passion and love” as part of its new partnership.
It’s literally a yoghurt, calm down.
There was just 22 days between Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran performing an Irons-shaped cross on social media to indicate he wanted to move to West Ham United, and then scoring the winning goal for Villa against the Hammers last weekend.
Duran, who had publicly welcomed the West Ham rumours, celebrated the winning goal in front of Villa’s fans by pointing at himself and then to the ground, indicating he was staying.
Given he was at the London Stadium, someone should probably ask which club he meant.
Duran is here to stay. Either at Villa or in the London Stadium (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
To the Championship now, and Watford are already onto their third manager of the season.
Nope, sorry, force of habit, Preston North End are already onto their third manager of the season.
After six weeks of pre-season training, three new signings and a friendly victory over Fiorentina at Deepdale, Ryan Lowe left following the opening-day defeat to Sheffield United, one of the favourites to win the league. Timing is everything.
“If we can get off to a good start I’ll be pleased,” Lowe had said before the game. “It’s a course of 46.”
Sadly for Lowe, it was a course of one, with director Peter Ridsdale (no comment) deciding that, after almost three years and exactly 125 matches in charge, the first game of the new campaign was the first final straw.
Mike Marsh was appointed as caretaker but, after a 3-0 defeat at Swansea City, he decided he didn’t fancy it either, so after five days in charge he left. Ridsdale said Marsh didn’t want to apply for the job “or take the club forward”.
“We identified that we wanted Paul to be the man to take us forward,” Ridsdale, clearly a man looking forward, told the club’s website after appointing Paul Heckingbottom three days later.
Lowe and Ridsdale in happier times (Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Preston host Luton Town on Saturday when they will, according to Opta, become the first club since 1975 to have three different managers for their first three league games of the season (also Preston, with Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles and Harry Catterick).
Rumours that Heckingbottom hasn’t yet cancelled his September holiday to Tenerife are unconfirmed.
“All Preston North End fans can be really excited about the season ahead,” Ridsdale added.
Maybe make that the game ahead.
(Top photo: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Erling Haaland scored his 91st goal in his 100th appearance for Manchester City on Sunday as the champions kicked off their Premier League title defence with a lively 2-0 away win over Chelsea.
The big Norwegian, fed by Bernardo Silva, forced his way between Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana and finished neatly past Robert Sanchez in the 18th minute.
Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic made sure of victory for the visitors six minutes from time, racing through a disorganised Chelsea midfield and thumping the ball into Sanchez’s net.
Chelsea, in their first Premier League outing under new manager Enzo Maresca, fashioned some hopeful attacking moves through Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and recent signing Pedro Neto but were largely outclassed by their more composed visitors.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
Chelsea host champions Manchester City with kick-off at 4.30pm BST | Live on Sky
Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad
Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Doku, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City (Erling Haaland, 19 min)
Chelsea FC 0 – 2 Manchester City FC
The more things change at Chelsea, the more they stay the same
19:15 , Chris Wilson
For all the ructions of Chelsea’s summer and the potential for huge upheaval this season, the campaign has started in as predictable a manner as it could have. Erling Haaland scored. Manchester City won 2-0. There was even the little lesson of Mateo Kovacic scoring the clinching goal after beating the two £200m-plus midfielders signed to replace him, with Enzo Fernandez not exactly showing the kind of resolve that would be expected of a captain.
His temporary elevation to that status will bring questions after a summer where he was forced to apologise to teammates after being caught on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs against members of the French team amid Argentina’s Copa America celebrations.
It was almost fitting that the game had two off-field stories before it – or the season – had even started. That came with the Chelsea line-up, which should be less surprising given that the sheer number of players is going to create issues every week.
The more things change at Chelsea, the more they stay the same
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
19:10 , Chris Wilson
City’s other goalscorer, Erling Haaland, told Sky Sports that today was “three points, [and] 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.
On his goal, he says that he “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.”
WATCH: Kovacic seals it for City
19:00 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the second goal, courtesy of Mateo Kovacic.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:53 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City goalscorer Mateo Kovacic spoke to Sky Sports first, and says that “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,” he adds, before stating that he played a hybrid version of Rodri’s usual role.
“I play today some kind of his 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.”
Chelsea v Manchester City player ratings: Mateo Kovacic sparkles as Christopher Nkunku flounders
18:48 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City comfortably saw off Chelsea in their opening Premier League game of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored the goals as City earned a 2-0 win against Enzo Maresca’s side.
And below is how the players rated:
Chelsea v Man City player ratings: Kovacic sparkles as Nkunku flounders
Match stats
18:43 , Chris Wilson
The possession was just 52 per cent in City’s favour, with Chelsea having 10 shots to City’s 11, and three on target to City’s five.
For those who prefer the xG measure, Chelsea actually ‘won’ on xG – 1.23 to City’s 0.82. That is the lowest expected goals measure that City have had this calendar year.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:38 , Chris Wilson
So, a promising start for Enzo Maresca as his new look Chelsea side showed signs of attacking flair, invention and stability in parts of the match. Nevertheless, they eventually fell to City’s superior firepower, but they’ll take a few positives from today, and on another day they could’ve come away with a point.
For City, business continues as usual. The loss of Rodri gave them less stability than they usually have, especially in defence, and the attack lacked the final bit of quality on a couple of occasions, but they know they’ll likely iron those mistakes out within a few weeks.
Not a lot to take definitively, but an interesting opening match for both sides.
18:33 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:28 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME!
The referee brings the match to an end and City take three points in their season opener! Chelsea got close at times, but you need a finishing touch if you want to beat the champions.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:27 , Chris Wilson
95 mins
One of the last actions of the match as Fernandez unleashes a driven shot from outside the box, but it’s straight at Ederson.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:26 , Chris Wilson
94 mins
City are happy to just keep the ball in the corner and run down the clock, though there’s no chance of them giving this lead away.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:25 , Chris Wilson
91 mins
There are five minutes of added time but this match is over as a contest, as Doku is fouled once more.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:22 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
Caicedo is just the second player to be booked today as he brings down Doku. Moments later, the Belgian does brilliantly to wriggle through three Chelsea defenders into the box, but his cutback is intercepted.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:20 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
Chelsea are charging forward trying to get back into it, but they’re leaving themselves open at the back. City are knocking it around to a chorus of ‘ole’ from their fans.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:18 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
GOAL! And it’s a former Chelsea man!
Really poor on the whole from Chelsea. The ball is cleared straight to Kovacic, who is unmarked in acres of space. He drives forward towards the box and Fernandez doesn’t challenge him, so he goes for goal with an effort from outside the area. It’s not a brilliant effort and Sanchez should save it, but he palms it onto the base of the post and into the back of the net!
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:16 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
City really do look very comfortable now, controlling the pace of the game and refusing to concede possession. Doku does eventually run into trouble, but City win it back quickly.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:14 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Cucurella stays down after clearing the ball, and Chelsea will bring on Renato Veiga in his place.
City charge forward again, led by Doku, but they’re forced to recycle possession. It comes back to Foden, and before long it’s back with Ederson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:10 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Chelsea fans think they have a penalty shout, but Kovacic’s hand was in a natural position. It was brilliant play from Palmer and Gusto to get into that position though.
The corner is cleared, and though Chelsea keep possession, they end up knocking it out of play for a goal kick.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:08 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
Strangely, Chelsea aren’t really playing like a team desperately hunting an equaliser at home in their first game of the season. It’s very pedestrian.
City continue to search for a second, but Doku’s attempted through ball to Haaland is cut out.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:06 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
The first chance of note quite a few minutes as De Bruyne fires a shot wide when he could have played in Foden.
Moments later, City swept forward again, with Lewis playing the one-two with Silva before trying to square it to Haaland, but it’s put behind for a corner.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:04 , Chris Wilson
69 mins
Chelsea fans will be hoping that they’ve landed a real bargain with the signing of Marc Guiu, who cost just £5m from Barcelona as a result of a release clause. He’s one of the Blaugrana’s youngest ever goalscorers.
There is a lull in activity here as both sides struggle to gain a foothold at the moment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:59 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Chelsea make two changes – Marc Guiu comes on for Jackson, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replaces Lavia.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:58 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
City are knocking it around but there isn’t a lot of penetration to their play – but they do score a disallowed goal!
They try the simple clip in to Haaland and he takes it down on his chest before failing to get the shot away properly. He rakes his boot across the leg of Colwill as he tries to shoot, and Lewis fires the ball into the back of the net on the rebound, but it’s overturned and Haaland is instead given a yellow card.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:54 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
All of a sudden it’s Chelsea with all the chances! They come forward again and the cross comes in. Fernandez heads it past the goal but Gusto is there to clip it back in – it’s headed clear, though Lavia comes in to head back towards goal, and Jackson is there to wrestle with the defender and get a shot away from point blank range, but it’s straight at Ederson! Bit chaotic there.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:52 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
Pedro Neto comes on for Christopher Nkunku, who’s probably been Chelsea’s best player so far today.
City are starting to try and impose themselves a bit more on this half, but it’s Chelsea with the best chance so far. They work the ball to the right wing and it’s Fernandez to fizz in an early cross. It’s a great ball, right into the gap between ‘keeper and defenders, but Rico Lewis tracks back well to put it behind for a corner.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:49 , Chris Wilson
56 mins
Scrappy over the last couple of minutes, with both sides giving away cheap fouls and sloppily losing possession.
Foden hasnt been able to have the same attacking impact as Savinho yet, with City often forced to go backwards rather than forwards (or inside) at the moment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:44 , Chris Wilson
52 mins
CLOSE! City collect possession as well and it’s moved to De Bruyne near the edge of the box. His pass in is deflected perfectly into the path of Silva, who then squares it to Haaland in the box.
The Norwegian opens up to curl it into the far corner, but he hasn’t wrapped his foot around it enough and it’s a fairly simple save for Sanchez.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:43 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
Gusto gives it away cheaply before doing brilliantly to track back and win it back, but Caicedo’s clipped ball into Jackson is collected by Ederson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:41 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
A slow start to this half, with City taking plenty of possession but not creating anything with it.
Palmer slips it through to Fernandez in the box, but he collides with Jackson and the opportunity goes begging.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:39 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
Sanchez with a poor pass straight to De Bruyne, but the Belgian can’t capitalise as he clips a cross beyond the sky blue shirts in the box.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:37 , Chris Wilson
The home side get the second half started.
City have brought on Phil Foden in place of Savinho – looks like that niggling injury got to the Brazilian in the end.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:36 , Chris Wilson
The teams are emerging from the Stamford Bridge tunnel now, so we’ll be back underway soon.
Chelsea certainly look like they can salvage at least a point here, though they have to be careful not to let this match run away from them.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:32 , Chris Wilson
A mixed half for both sides, defined by that moment of brilliance from Haaland.
Both teams had chances – City probably just about edged it on balance – but failed to apply the finishing touches on all but one occasion.
City look good going forward but a little more edgy at the back, while Chelsea have caused problems going forward and have overall done fairly well in defence bar that one moment.
We’re in for an interesting second half.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:28 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:22 , Chris Wilson
50 mins
More penalty shouts as Nkunku goes down under plenty of sliding challenges and blocks, but nothing given again. The Frenchman perhaps could’ve done better there, having been sent almost clean through by Jackson.
The referee blows the whistle and the two teams head down the tunnel at 1-0 to City.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:20 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
Gusto does well to stand his ground and dispossess Doku, and Chelsea go on the attack. It ends up falling to Enzo on the edge of the box, but he’s under plenty of pressure and never really has it under control. He collides with Dias on the edge of the box and there are shouts for a penalty, but nothing given.
The World Cup winner stays down for now, but he should be okay.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:17 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
There’ll be at least five minutes added on to what has been an entertaining, if unspectacular, half of football. Chelsea look buoyed by that disallowed goal and their forward players are combining nicely at times.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:16 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
Both City men are fine to play on, and their teammates are keeping plenty of the ball at the moment. When Chelsea do win it though, it’s in dangerous areas.
And there’s an example! Nkunku nips in to win possession and Chelsea sweep it wide to Palmer. He cuts inside and unleashes a fairly powerful shot but it’s straight at Ederson. The Brazilian should hold onto it, but he spills it and it falls to Jackson, who taps in!
However, the Senegal man had wandered offside as Palmer shot, so it’s disallowed!
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:12 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
A brilliant counter-attack chance for City but it’s ruined by Doku. Savinho does brilliantly to carry out of his half and release the Belgian on the overlap. City suddenly have a three-v-two with Haaland and De Bruyne in support – Doku tries to slide the Norwegian clean through, but it’s right at the defender and City have to settle for a long-range effort from Silva.
Both Savinho and De Bruyne are down and receiving treatment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:10 , Chris Wilson
38 mins
Fernandez tracks back brilliantly to dispossess Silva and get Chelsea out of trouble in their own box. Moments later he’s shooting in the opposition box after good combination work from Palmer, Nkunku and Jackson, but it’s deflected behind for a corner.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:08 , Chris Wilson
36 mins
Savinho has beaten Cucurella twice in as many minutes, but he couldn’t put the cross in on either occasion.
Moments after, Doku collects in a central area outside the box and fires in a deflected shot that Sanchez does well to tip over.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:06 , Chris Wilson
34 mins
Despite that touch Fernandez is one of the Chelsea players who’s having a good game so far, along with Nkunku and Lavia. Palmer is yet to really get into the game, but he’ll pick his moment.
A reprieve for Nico Jackson too, as he raced clear, beat a couple of the sliding challenges from City and slid a weak shot straight at a defender, but it was offside anyway.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:03 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
Chelsea fans think they have a shout for a penalty but in truth it’s a terrible touch from Fernandez, who was receiving the ball on the edge of the box under the challenge from Savinho.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:02 , Chris Wilson
30 mins
Rico Lewis slides in to intercept – he’s played well so far today, as he did in the Community Shield. You’d have thought City will call upon his flexibility many times this season, especially since he looks so comfortable in more attacking positions too. Have they already found the Kyle Walker replacement, or does his future lie in another position?
The match has calmed down now, with Chelsea happy to knock it around their half for the moment and City declining to press them.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:59 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
Chelsea are building better attacks now but the pace of it all is still pretty hectic, as Nkunku clips a ball over all the blue shirts and then Palmer delivers one straight to Ederson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:57 , Chris Wilson
24 mins
Chelsea have some sustained possession now but it’s very frantic and not very cohesive. Caicedo tries to fizz a through ball into Jackson, but it’s straight to Akanji.
Moments after, Nkunku thinks he’s won the ball and is clean through, but he’s penalised for pulling Akanji back.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:53 , Chris Wilson
22 mins
Problems for Chelsea now, as the midfield can’t get a hold of the match. Silva ships a pass across to De Bruyne, who has plenty of space as he opens his body up to shoot, but it’s wide of the far corner.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:51 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
GOAL! Out of nothing, but is it offside?
Doku has it on the left wing and he fizzes a pass into the box. Silva can’t control it but he can stretch out a leg to poke it to Haaland. The Norwegian still has a lot to do, but he takes a touch into his path, shrugs off the challenge from Cucurella and reverses a little chip past Sanchez for 1-0!
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:48 , Chris Wilson
18 mins
No clear-cut chances for either side yet, but both teams are looking sharp in periods. City are beginning to keep the lion’s share of the ball though.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:46 , Chris Wilson
15 mins
Cucurella does well to win a foul off Doku as the Belgian looked to get onto the end of the one-two into the box. At the other end, Dias does well to, shepherding Jackson off the ball on the edge of the City box before winning a foul.
Lavia brings down De Bruyne near halfway and City have possession as De Bruyne’s early cross finds the gloves of Sanchez.
Doku and Savinho have already switched wings.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:43 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Poor again from Doku, twice in as many minutes. He works some space on the right to get past Cucurella but ends up losing out to the Spaniard, and then moments later Savinho does well to get the ball across but the Belgian skews a shot well wide.
Chelsea go up the other end but it’s a little pedestrian before Palmer is dispossessed by Kovacic.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:41 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
A quick counter from Chelsea ends with Gusto playing in an early cross that Gvardiol does well to dive in and put out for a corner. Palmer swings in an inviting cross, but Fofana can only volley it wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:39 , Chris Wilson
8 mins
Some nice touches from Savinho take him past Cole Palmer before he slots a pass into the path of Bernardo. The Portuguese’s cross is put behind for a corner, and City concede a foul when the ball is delivered in.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:38 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
Chelsea have their first real attack but Rico Lewis extinguishes it after tackling Nkunku on the edge of the box. Chelsea win back possession after a sloppy pass in midfield from City, but neither side is in a rush to commit numbers forward at the moment.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:35 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
Savinho’s first involvement sees a deflected cross land in the gloves of Sanchez. Moments later, Doku clips a cross towards the back post that just flies out behind the goal. Poor from the Belgian after good work from Haaland to win possession.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:32 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
Rico Lewis’ first foray forward ends with the young full-back finding the side netting with a cross. Chelsea not out of their half yet.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea vs Man City
16:31 , Chris Wilson
1 min
City get us started at Stamford Bridge! City take their first steps in the hunt for five in a row.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
16:27 , Chris Wilson
The two teams are coming out of the tunnel now, with both sides looking focused today.
Plenty of underlying story lines before kick-off today, from the omission of Sterling to the choice of Enzo Fernandez as captain.
Another story is Erling Haaland – this is his 100th appearance in a City shirt, and he’s scored NINETY goals.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
16:25 , Chris Wilson
We’re five minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Will Pep Guardiola’s side do their usual business, or will Enzo Maresca’s young side provide an opening week surprise in the Premier League?
We’ll find out soon.
Head-to-head
16:20 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of the head-to-head between these two teams – Chelsea have won 77, with City winning 66 and 41 ending as draws.
The two teams drew in both their league meetings last season, playing out one of the matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, with City running out 1-0 winners.
The most famous match between the two came in the Champions League final in May 2021, where Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea won their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal.
That final was the last time Chelsea beat City in any competition – Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.
16:15 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca confident Chelsea can ‘close the gap’ but new manager admits he needs time
16:10 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca promised it is only a matter of time before the club is ready to challenge at the top of the Premier Leaguetable, as he prepares to kick off his Stamford Bridge tenure at home to Manchester City on Sunday.
The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago.
That period initially saw the Blues, who last won the league in 2017, slump from being Champions League regulars to the obscurity of mid-table before recovering to put in a strong finish to last season under former boss Mauricio Pochettino and qualify for Europe.
Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad
16:02 , Lawrence Ostlere
Raheem Sterling’s agent has issued a statement seeking “clarity” on the forward’s future after his omission from the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City.
Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku were named as the starting front three, while 18-year-old summer signing Marc Guiu was one of a number of forward options preferred to Sterling on the bench.
A member of the 82-cap England international’s off-field team admitted that they were surprised at Maresca’s decision to leave the 29-year-old out entirely against his former club.
Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad
Is Chelsea vs Manchester City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture today
16:00 , Chris Wilson
With 30 minutes to go until kick-off, here’s a reminder of how you can watch this afternoon’s match.
When is Chelsea v Manchester City?
Chelsea v Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
Is Chelsea vs Man City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
What the managers have been saying
15:50 , Chris Wilson
Guardiola named Chelsea – as well as Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Spurs and Newcastle – as a potential title rival earlier in the week, pointing to “the amount of players and their quality and the manager”.
“Six or seven teams will be there and if you drop a little bit, you will be away. This is the reality that I have felt since the first season I arrived here and after we proved to ourselves that we can do it and to try to do it again. It’s simple.
“There are 114 points to play (for) and we start from zero like everyone. Now we have to conquer again because they are not going to just give us the Premier League for the 24-25 season.
“I understand when people say we are favourites – and we have to accept it. When you win four in a row and six in seven, it is normal that you are favourites. We have to live with that – but I know what we have to do. It is point by point that we must win and, of course, every season it becomes more difficult.”
His Chelsea counterpart has said that Chelsea have been “doing well since day one” and “are improving things”.
“It is too early for the team to be where I want it to be. But I am quite happy because in terms of the process; I think the team is ahead of where I expected.
“For me, a good season would be so I can see day after day, month after month, a team that is improving. For sure with timing, we are going to close a little bit of a gap between us and the teams that are higher than us in this moment.”
On Pep Guardiola, he says that “after eight or nine years together, you can do so many different things”.
“Pep is not a manager that is always doing the same, he is always changing. For us, it will be exactly the same. It will be a tough game but exciting to start against the champions.
“We are going to try and instill our game, to win games and to make us happy, and also the fans.”
I cannot take credit for former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success – Pep Guardiola
15:40 , Chris Wilson
Despite the links between himself and Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola insists he cannot take any credit for his former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success as a manager.
The pair will go head-to-head on Sunday in Maresca’s first game as Chelsea boss when City launch their bid for a record-extending fifth-successive Premier League crown at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca helped City win the treble under Guardiola in 2022-23 and – after winning the Sky Bet Championship title in his first season as Leicester manager – the Italian replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea in June.
City have made just three changes to the side that won the Community Shield. The injured Oscar Bobb is replaced by Savinho, while in midfield, McAtee and O’Reilly drop to the bench in place of De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.
Savinho – a mini-profile on City’s new signing
15:29 , Chris Wilson
So Savinho gets his first start for City, just over a week after making his debut for the club in the Community Shield win. The Brazilian played well on his debut, replacing Jeremy Doku and producing a similar display to the Belgian.
Savinho, who is just 20 years old, was signed for around £30m from City’s sister club Troyes. He was known more commonly as Savio last season when he played for Girona, where he got nine goals and 10 assists last season as the Catalan club qualified for the Champions League for the first time.
He has a similarly direct style of play to Doku, frequently looking to take his man on, and often utilising his speed and agility when dribbling. As a left-footer, he can play on the right wing but is often deployed on the left, as he was last week.
Despite his enjoyment when taking on defenders, the Brazilian also frequently drifts inside, helping out the attack from more central areas.
Line-ups
15:20 , Chris Wilson
Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Doku, Haaland, Savinho.
The teams should be announced within the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of that early team news.
Reece James’ injury woes continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring injury, though he is also suspended.
Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after missing long periods of pre-season, although Jackson is expected to feature.
Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a fractured leg, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Community Shield last weekend. Pep Guardiola also recently confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.
Kyle Walker and John Stones are back in training after returning late following the Euro 2024 final.
A new Premier League season awaits – but Man City’s legal case casts a long and inevitable shadow
15:00 , Chris Wilson
There are only a handful of people who know exactly what is happening in the Manchester City case and one of them had to promote the new Premier League season this week.
“It’s clear we have some regulatory challenges,” competition chief executive Richard Masters said. “But I’m confident we can navigate all of that and, by the time we sit down again in 12 months, a lot of that stuff will be clearer and we can have the way we always want it, which is the football front and centre.”
It’s quite a hopeful spin that is perhaps natural from the world’s most bombastic league, especially since this season could involve a storm like no other. This could well be the most controversial and consequential campaign in the English game’s history, that reaches both Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli in terms of its effects. It could change the face of the table, the future, the past, as well as the Premier League’s very image. An outcome of the City case is expected by April, but any time that late is almost even worse for the Premier League.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
14:50 , Chris Wilson
These two sides met three times last season, contesting an FA Cup semi-final as well as their two league games.
The first meeting threw up one of the games of the season at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer scoring a late penalty to equalise against his old side.
The second match was slightly less exciting, though no less interesting, ending in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
So the FA Cup tie was the only match where one side could find something to separate themselves from the other – City won that match 1-0, though Chelsea were kicking themselves come full-time as they had plenty of chances to win it themselves.
All the most recent evidence suggests that we’re in for a cracker this afternoon!
Chelsea transfers and rumours
14:35 , Chris Wilson
The transfer merry-g-round continues at Chelsea, with the Blues reportedly close to signing Joao Felix on a permanent transfer. Conor Gallagher would likely be going the other way, with the purported transfer of Samu Omorodion falling through.
Chelsea have also been linked with a host of other players, from heavily reported links to Victor Osimhen to less believable links such as Jadon Sancho.
In terms of players leaving, Ben Chilwell has been touted for a move, with Trevoh Chalobah almost certain to leave too after reportedly being banned from the first-team facilities.
Incomings:
Pedro Neto – £54m
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30m
Filip Jorgensen – £20.7m
Omari Kellyman – £19m
Marc Guiu – £5m
Aaron Anselmino – £17m (loaned out)
Renato Veiga – £12m
Caleb Wiley – £8.5m (loaned out)
Tosin Adarabioyo – free
Outgoings:
Ian Maatsen – £37.5m
Lewis Hall – £28m
Omari Hutchinson – £20m
Diego Moreira – £1.5m
Hakim Ziyech – free
Thiago Silva – free
Malang Sarr – free
Lesley Ugochukwu – loan
Alfie Gilchrist – loan
City transfers and rumours
14:25 , Chris Wilson
With City having sold Julian Alvarez while losing Oscar Bobb to a long-term injury, there’s plenty of speculation around the club’s potential transfer targets. The only major signing they have made so far is Savio (who is now known as Savinho) from Troyes – to much irritation in some parts.
The Cityzens have been linked to both Ebere Eze and Bruno Guimaraes, but with the window closing soon and both of those players commanding huge fees, don’t be surprised to see City go with more under-the-radar signings.
In terms of outgoings, Kalvin Phillips has now gone out on loan to Ipswich, while it remains to be seen whether Joao Cancelo will be of use to Guardiola this season.
Incomings:
Savio – £21m
Outgoings:
Julian Alvarez – £82m
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – £20m
Sergio Gomez – £8.4m
Tommy Doyle – £4.3m
Kalvin Phillips – loan
Enzo Maresca v Pep Guardiola
14:15 , Chris Wilson
A little bit of background on Enzo Maresca then, as alluded to in that article.
The Italian, who had a playing career with teams including Juventus, Sevilla and West Brom, took his first managerial role with Parma in 2021, subsequently being dismissed after failing to reach the promotion spots in Serie B.
But his first job in management had actually come the season before – he was hired by Man City as the head of their Elite Development Squad in August 2020, and won the PL2 title while there.
After his failed stint at Parma, he returned to City as Guardiola’a assistant in June 2022.
One year later, he was appointed Leicester manager, and his successful stint there led to Chelsea appointing him earlier this summer.
Enzo Maresca is only the latest Pep Guardiola clone – the problem is, they can’t all win
14:00 , Chris Wilson
Pep Guardiola’s closest challenger last season was his former assistant, Mikel Arteta. The Bundesliga was won by a team managed by one of his former players, Xabi Alonso, just as the previous season’s LaLiga had been, in Xavi. The Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 were claimed by Erik ten Hag, who was nicknamed “mini Pep” when he was in charge of Bayern Munich’s second team while the Catalan looked after the senior squad.
The Guardiolaisation of football is most apparent in England. The Manchester City manager’s greatest rival, and stylistic opposite, Jurgen Klopp is gone and his replacement is a self-professed Guardiola fan, in Arne Slot. Tottenham are under a graduate of the City Football Group, in Ange Postecoglou; so are England, temporarily, with Lee Carsley having arrived in Manchester in the same summer as Guardiola.
Enzo Maresca is only the latest Pep Guardiola clone – but they can’t all win
I’d take more satisfaction in Man City improving than title win – Pep Guardiola
13:48 , Chris Wilson
Pep Guardiola admitted he would take greater satisfaction this season from seeing Manchester City improve than in winning another Premier League title.
Six titles in seven years and a record-breaking four in succession have changed the 53-year-old Spaniard’s perspective.
His contract at the Etihad expires next year and speculation on his future will continue to mount until he decides whether or not to extend it.
The first meeting between these two sides came in 1907, with 177 matches played since.
Chelsea have won 77, with City winning 66 and 41 ending as draws.
The two teams drew in both their league meetings last season, playing out one of the matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, with City running out 1-0 winners.
The most famous match between the two came in the Champions League final in May 2021, where Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea won their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal.
That final was the last time Chelsea beat City in any competition.
Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to be patient as he insists team is ‘improving’
13:18 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged fans to be patient with the team, promising it is only a matter of time before they are ready to challenge at the top of the Premier League table.
The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago, and he is preparing to kick off his tenure at home to Manchester City on Sunday 18 August.
“With time, we are going to close the gap. Hopefully it can happen very soon,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference, adding that he wants Chelsea fans to be the “12th man” this season.
Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to be patient as he insists team is ‘improving’
Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ before a ball is kicked
12:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester City start their quest for an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row when they travel to Chelsea on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side became the first club in the history of the English top-flight to win four titles in a row, but Kyle Walker believes it is already theirs “to lose”, despite finishing just two points above Arsenal last season.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, but we’ve done this four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose,” Walker told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.
Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ before a ball is kicked
Match stats
12:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.
Overall, City are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Chelsea (won seven, drew two).
No team has earned more points from their opening matches of the Premier League season than Chelsea , with 67. Only Man United have picked up more wins (21) than the Blues (20).
This is the first time Chelsea have begun a top-flight season with a match against the reigning champions since 1971-72, when they lost 3-0 against Arsenal.
Nothing lasts forever and the era of Manchester City is ending
12:27 , Lawrence Ostlere
Jurgen Klopp’s departure means Pep Guardiola stands alone. Only one manager who has won the Premier League still plies his trade in it and it is Manchester City’s serial champion.
Last season rendered Guardiola a history-maker in a new respect, the first manager to win four consecutive English titles. With Klopp gone, in a sense, he has eliminated the opposition. In another, he remains a marked man. “Everyone wants the crown that we have worn for four years,” he warned last week.
Guardiola’s capacity to create teams that can win both week in, week out and year in, year out adds to City’s powers of intimidation. They have a proven ability to reel off 12 or 15 straight victories. They could become the first English club to register five straight league titles, feats that have occurred in the recent past in France, Italy and Germany, but never here.
Nothing lasts forever and the era of Manchester City is ending
Cole Palmer hopes to bring ‘success and trophies to Chelsea’ after new deal
12:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
England international Cole Palmer has signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea.
The Premier League club confirmed that 22-year-old Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5million deal last September, has committed himself to the Blues until June 2033.
“I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” Cole told Chelsea’s official website.
“I achieved a lot in my first season here, and hopefully I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea.”
Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more
11:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester City, after their fourth title in a row, are aiming for a magnificent five-in-a-row – but will this be the season Arsenal finally get over the line and win a first top-flight crown in 21 years?
Liverpool will be an intriguing watch under new manager Arne Slot and a total of five clubs will take to the new season with a fresh look in the dugout, with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Steve Cooper at Leicester City and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.
Maresca at Chelsea will be a fascinating watch and how will Erik ten Hag fare at Manchester United after being given a new contract? The journeys of the newly-promoted trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will be interesting, too.
Below, our writers make their predictions for the next season:
Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, relegation, best signing, and more
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Doku, Bernardo Silva, Haaland.
Prediction
This should be a captivating game between two teams with aspirations of success come the end of the season. City, of course, are the better side and may well prove too strong for a Chelsea team adjusting to a new style of play under Maresca. The Italian has been heavily influenced by Guardiola having worked at City as a coach before his move to Parma in 2021. At this point, though, the mentor should get the better of his disciple.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City.
Team news
11:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
Reece James’ injury woes continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring injury, though he is also suspended.
Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after missing long periods of pre-season, although Jackson is expected to feature.
Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a fractured leg, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Community Shield last weekend. Pep Guardiola also recently confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.
Is Chelsea vs Manchester City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
10:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
When is Chelsea v Manchester City?
Chelsea v Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
10:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea host Manchester City in the standout fixture on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
The away side, after winning their fourth successive title in 2023-24, enter the season as favourites to win a fifth crown in a row, despite an uneventful summer transfer window. But Pep Guardiola’s side have very little room for improvement after years of constant success.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will begin a new era under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, and it is very much a baptism of fire for the Italian, whose side struggled in pre-season.
The Blues have made some big-name additions again in the transfer window, notably Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester.
While nothing will be decided for either side in this match, a positive start in such a big game could set the tone for the season ahead.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
10:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Good afternoon and welcome to TheIndependent’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the penultimate match of gameweek one of the 2024/25 Premier League!
The Blues head into the match with plenty of hope under new manager Enzo Maresca, while City enter looking to lay down an early marker for Arsenal and Liverpool and remind any doubters of their credentials as favourites.
And we’ll have all the build-up and live updates as they come in.
The game started off in a slow fashion, with Alejandro Garnacho breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute with a stunning strike, before Bernardo Silva equalised with just a minute of normal time to take the game to penalties at Wembley.
There were just two misses from Bernardo Silva and Jadon Sancho in the first five penalties, which included a goal from Ederson, before it went to sudden death.
Jonny Evans did not look confident stepping up for his side’s eighth and ended up firing over the bar, while Akanji rolled his into the back of the net to give Pep Guardiola’s side the victory.
Community Shield LIVE: Man City v Man United
Penalties: MCI 7-6 MUN – Akanji wins Community Shield for Man City in sudden death penalties
FT: Game is going to penalties MCI 1-1 MUN
GOAL! Bernardo Silva hits equaliser – MCI 1-1 MUN (‘89)
GOAL! Alejandro Garnacho breaks deadlock with stunning strike – MCI 0-1 MUN (‘82)
Half time: Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Premier League champions Man City face FA Cup winners Manchester United
Community Shield is a rematch of FA Cup final, won by United against their rivals
Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, O’Reilly; Bobb, McAtee, Doku; Haaland.
Manchester United’s missing piece exposed as Manchester City end Community Shield streak
18:00 , Chris Wilson
There are times in recent years when it has felt that Manchester City have had an annual ritual. Lose the Community Shield, win the Premier League. Their seasons started in disappointment and ended in glory. But, the runners-up three times in a row have finally got their hands on a trophy they value less than most. City came from behind in the game and then the shootout, showing resilience and a determination to beat Manchester Unitedwith a weakened team.
There was a redemptive moment for Manuel Akanji, who scored the winning spot kick in a marathon shootout. He had missed from 12 yards when Switzerland exited Euro 2024 to England but, after seven teammates had stepped up, was called upon to apply the final touch. There was a starring role for Ederson who, with City behind in the shootout, palmed Jadon Sancho’s penalty onto the post and then calmly scored himself. There was a remarkably eventful cameo from Bernardo Silva, who equalised in the 89th minute only to then miss City’s first penalty.
Manchester United’s missing piece exposed as Man City end Community Shield streak
Pep Guardiola explains reasons behind Man City selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid
Guardiola revealed he gave his approval to the World Cup winner’s move and accepted Alvarez probably wanted more first-team football after understudying Erling Haaland.
Guardiola explains reasons behind Man City selling Alvarez to Atletico
Aaron Wan-Bissaka nears Manchester United exit as West Ham talks advance
Talks between the clubs are progressing well and United are expected to move for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazrouai if the right-back is sold.
Wan-Bissaka, who has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, is likely to cost around £17m.
It had been thought personal terms could be an issue, given his salary at United, but there is growing confidence that he will move on.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka nears Manchester United exit as West Ham talks advance
Pep Guardiola prepared to wait for right players despite Manchester City’s increasing need for ‘deputies’
19:20 , Chris Wilson
Pep Guardiola was staring at the start of a season that could span 48 weeks for Manchester City. He has often sounded the alarm about the impact of a crowded schedule for players and the Club World Cup will only add to it. He also reflected on the challenge City face to retain the Premier League title. “Everyone wants the crown that we have worn for four years,” he said. “I understand it.” Some of his rivals do more than merely want it: they seek to strengthen to secure it. Manchester Unitedhave been more active in the transfer market. “They’ve done it for many years, but it’s not news; just when City spend,” noted Guardiola. It could be seen as an observation or a dig.
And if it has been a quiet summer in the blue side of Manchester, with only Savinho arriving, Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid raises the question if City will be weaker this season. “I’m very pleased with the squad for the quality of human beings and the quality,” countered Guardiola. He has touted the introduction of the teenager Nico O’Reilly to the squad and the return of James McAtee from loan at Sheffield United, while admitting Sergio Gomez, another fringe figure, is a loss.
Guardiola prepared to wait for right players despite Man City’s need for ‘deputies’
Matthijs de Ligt poised for Manchester United transfer as fee agreed
De Ligt, who captained the Ajax team Erik ten Hag took to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, is likely to become the second centre-back United have bought this year, after Leny Yoro.
The 24-year-old has been a target throughout the transfer window and United, who were reluctant to pay a huge fee, reached a breakthrough in talks with Bayern.
Matthijs de Ligt poised for Manchester United transfer as fee agreed
Jonny misses from the spot as City beat United to Community Shield title
18:40 , Chris Wilson
A horror moment for Manchester United veteran Jonny Evans gifted the Community Shield to Manchester City after a penalty shoot-out.
Evans lifted his spot-kick over the crossbar before Manuel Akanji tucked in the winning penalty as Pep Guardiola’s side secured the first silverware of the season.
Alejandro Garnacho thought he had inflicted more Wembley misery on the four-time Premier League winners when he repeated his FA Cup final goalscoring heroics from just 77 days earlier with nine minutes remaining.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
18:25 , Chris Wilson
United’s focus will now turn to their first Premier League match, which takes place this Friday.
They play Fulham in the Premier League opener at Old Trafford – that game kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday, 16 August.
(The FA via Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
18:20 , Chris Wilson
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is last to speak to ITV. He says it was a “tough result to take”.
“When the performance is right, when you lose, everyone feels this. It hurts in your stomach. You have to feel pain and we have to hurt. We have to take this belief in to the league.
“We did very good to produce the second goal in the FA Cup final before half-time and weren’t able to do that here,” he adds.
On Jadon Sancho, he says that the England winger “is a very good penalty taker and today he missed but that is part of the game”.
“We managed to be on an equal level with Man City and got [Marcus] Rashford high on the pitch and good defending. We created chances, we got pressure in the ball and in possession we had some very good chances from this, so there are many positives we can take,” he adds.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
18:10 , Chris Wilson
City have their seventh Community Shield win, after victories in 1937, 1968, 1972, 2012, 2018 and 2019.
They begin their season a week on Sunday, as they return to London to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
That match kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August.
(Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:55 , Chris Wilson
Guardiola is next to speak to ITV.
“At this stage of the season, in Manchester I know what it means for the fans,” he says. “To start the season with a title is good”.
“I love the personality to take it, and he did it,” he says about Akanji. Regarding Ederson, he says that the Brazilian is “our best penalty taker, alongside Erling and Kevin”.
On Bobb, he says: “What action. He’s really good in small spaces, his work ethic is so aggressive”.
“[It was] a difficult game, and after 35 [minutes], we lost a lot of balls, and in transitions they are one of the best teams in the world,” he continues.
“The lesson is…it’s nice to play this game becausew you won something in the lats season. Now we see how the players come back, try and create a routine.
“The target is not to win the Premier League, but the next game.”
FT: Man City 1-1 Manchester United
17:50 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:45 , Chris Wilson
Oscar Bobb, who was awarded man of the match, is the next to speak to ITV. He says it’s a “great feeling” to win today.
“[It’s] the first time we’ve won it in three or four years, so it’s amazing,” he says.
“I think the belief, all the way through we had it, we kept going, and then it [the goal] came.
“I though it was going to be Erling, but Bernardo was there,” he adds
He’s asked if Ederson is the best penalty taker at City, to which he replies: “I haven’t seen him miss!“
“It’s another trophy, its a great start,” he says as he’s given the MOTM award.
17:35 , Chris Wilson
Trophy number 18 for Man City under Pep Guardiola. Not a bad return.
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Manuel Akanji was the first player to speak to ITV after the match, and he calls it “a great start to the season”.
“I let the others shoot first because obviously when you miss a penalty [as he did against England at Euro 2024], you don’t go into the next one with that much confidence. I told Ederson I would shoot it down the middle in training so I did it and it went in.
“It wasn’t easy. We played well, United got a bit better before it went to 1-0. Then it was a great cross from Oscar [Bobb] and Bernardo’s header.
“Ederson is probably the best penalty taker in our team, Erling [Haaland] as well. When Ederson takes the penalty I know it is a goal.
“I haven’t won the Community Shield yet so I’m really happy that I got this trophy as well and we look forward to hopefully win the next one soon.”
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:24 , Chris Wilson
City have avoided being just the second team – after United – to lose four Community Shield matches in a row.
They lost on penalties to Arsenal before winning the league last year – will we see the same outcome in May 2025?
For United, it’s a disappointing start to the season, but they know the importance of three points in their Premier League opener. The signing of De Ligt looks almost certain, but their midfield needs addressing immediately if they’re to get top four.
(The FA via Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:18 , Chris Wilson
A similar story for United, with players who probably shouldn’t even be at the club letting them down once more.
For City, their ever-reliable players get them through the game once more, with Bernardo Silva scoring the equaliser and even Ederson converting a penalty (as well as saving one)!
The trophy ceremony will be up soon.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:15 , Chris Wilson
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens – MAN CITY WIN THE COMMUNITY SHIELD
17:12 , Chris Wilson
Manuel Akanji’s penalty is blasted down the middle and City take the win in the curtain-raiser! They go one better than last season.
Plenty of antics once again from Onana, but for nothing in the end.
(Getty Images)
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 7-6 on pens
17:10 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
It will be Akanji to win it for City. He scores and City win the Community Shield!
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 6-6 on pens
17:10 , Chris Wilson
MISSED!
Evans makes his way to the penalty spot – and he rifles a terrible effort over! So poor.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 6-6 on pens
17:09 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Dias is next for City. He confidently dispatches his penalty, with Onana going the wrong way once more.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 5-6 on pens
17:08 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Martinez steps up and sends Ederson the wrong way too! A stutter and then right into the side-netting.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 5-5 on pens
17:08 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
A superb pen from Nunes – the best of the day as he rifles into the roof of the net.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 4-5 on pens
17:07 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
McTominay up next, and he doesn’t look to confident, but his pen has enough power to creep past Ederson despite the Brazilian diving the right way.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 4-4 on pens
17:06 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Ederson steps up and dispatches confidently, winning the battle of the ‘keepers. He sent Onana the wrong way too!
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 3-4 on pens
17:06 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Casemiro is composed as he steps up and sends Ederson the wrong way. Ederson will take next!
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 3-3 on pens
17:05 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Savinho steps up and it’s as confident as you like, side-footing into the corner and sending Onana the wrong way.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 2-3 on pens
17:04 , Chris Wilson
SAVED!
Sancho steps up, and he doesn’t look to confident. He fires a poor penalty to Ederson’s left, and the Brazilian gets an arm to it.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 2-3 on pens
17:03 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Haaland is the next taker. He confidently sends Onana the wrong way. Not fazed at all.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 1-3 on pens
17:02 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Garncacho is another with a leisurely run-up, but he sends Ederson the wrong way and clips it wide into the side-netting. Great pen.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 1-2 on pens
17:02 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
De Bruyne is next for City. A small stutter in the run-up and he sends Onana the wrong way to get City on the board.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 0-2 on pens
17:01 , Chris Wilson
GOAL!
Dalot steps up for United and fires a low effort that Ederson reaches, but he can’t save it due to the power on it!
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 0-1 on pens
17:00 , Chris Wilson
SAVED! Bernardo Silva is the first taker for City.
He takes a leisurely run-up and hits it low, and Onana dives the right way and saves!
Man City 1-1 Manchester United: 0-1 on pens
16:59 , Chris Wilson
So we head to penalties. They’ll be taken at the United end. Fernandes is up first!
The Portuguese steps up with his usual run-up and slips it past Ederson into the opposite corner.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United
16:55 , Chris Wilson
95 mins
Kovacic skips past the challenge in midfield as City look for a late winner. They shift it across to De Bruyne, who plays in a dangerous ball that Onana eventually collects.
The referee blows the final whistle and the Community Shield goes to penalties for the fourth time in eight seasons.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United
16:52 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
A free-kick for United near the edge of the City box as it’s handled. Plenty of players up for United, but the ball in from Fernandes doesn’t even beat the first man.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United
16:51 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
Doesn’t look like we’re seeing Zirkzee today for United, which is a strange decision.
City attack as they look for the winner, and United are lucky to clear as they were wide open there.
Man City 1-1 Manchester United
16:50 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
Oscar Bobb comes on for Kevin De Bruyne, as the referee adds five minutes on for injury time.
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Manchester United
16:49 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
GOAL! City get for the equaliser.
Great play down the right wing from Bobb and Lewis, with the former getting in behind the United defence and clipping a cross over to the far post. Bernardo Silva has lost Pellistri, and he nods into a practically open goal!
Man City 0-1 Manchester United
16:45 , Chris Wilson
86 mins
Bernardo Silva gets the second booking of the day as he comes in very late on Garnacho.
Man City 0-1 Manchester United
16:44 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
Jadon Sancho has come on for Marcus Rashford, who will be pleased with his performance overall (though he should’ve had a goal).
City are looking for a goal now, with United dropping deeper as they look to keep their lead.
GOAL! Man City 0-1 Manchester United
16:42 , Chris Wilson
82 mins
GOAL!
The deadlock is broken. Collyer wins the ball and Pellistri ships it in field to Fernandes. He sweeps it wide to Garnacho, who drives into the box with a diagonal run, cutting inside and eventually releasing a low shot that creeps past Ederson!
16:41 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Bernardo Silva has come on for McAtee in the third City change so far.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:40 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
CLOSE! Close again from United as Rashford heads the corner back across goal, but McTominay narrowly misses as he tries to connect with it in front of goal!
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:38 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Another good chance for United there, and the commentators say that Erik ten Hag will be ‘pleased’ with the overall performance, but the finishing has still been lacking, as it often was last season.
Garnacho goes with the long-range effort and his shot is deflected behind.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:35 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
CLOSE! So close from United.
It’s so simple too, as a great pass over the top from Fernandes feeds Garnacho in behind the City defence. City are back-pedalling, and Garnacho plays a lovely ball straight to Rashford, who just needs to tap it in on target for a certain goal. But it comes off his ankle and hits the base of the post!
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:34 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
United resorting to counter-attacking mostly now, as City pile on the pressure, with Bobb and Savinho a constant threat on each wing.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:30 , Chris Wilson
70mins
A great pass from Onana sets McTominay away, but he’s fouled almost midway into the City half.
United have a breakaway attack and Fernandes is nearly through, but he doesn’t have the pace and rifles a shot straight at Ederson.
City counter, and a brilliant last-ditch challenge from Martinez prevents Savinho from a goalscoring opportunity.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:27 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Savinho’s first involvement sees him lay it off to Nunes, who wins a corner. City work it from the clearance, but Pellistri blocks at the back post.
City come again, with Savinho easily beating Pellistri, but there’s nobody to meet his cross.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:25 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
Nicely worked from United as Fernandes and Garnacho combine to get United to the edge of the box, before the Portuguese clips a ball into McTominay in the box, but the Scot can’t get it under control.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:23 , Chris Wilson
63 mins
City’s turn to make changes. Matheus Nunes and Savinho come on, the latter for his debut. Doku and O’Reilly make way.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:22 , Chris Wilson
61 mins
It’s United’s turn to press City in defence, though City play out in their usual manner. City attack, with Doku getting the better of Pellistri before Gvardiol curls an effort wide from outside of the box.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:19 , Chris Wilson
59 mins
United make four changes. Diallo, Mount, Maguire and Mainoo make way.
Pellistri, McTominay, Garnacho and Toby Collyer come on. Minutes in the legs for some, but those changes don’t exactly increase United’s chances of winning.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:16 , Chris Wilson
57 mins
Kovacic intercepts the loose pass from Casemiro, but Dalot does well to take it from Doku. United sweep it wide to Diallo, who eventually ships it to Fernandes, but his cross is headed behind by Lewis.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:14 , Chris Wilson
DISALLOWED GOAL!
It’s clearly offside, but it was brilliant from Fernandes.
He latches on to the through ball and cuts back, eventually curling a shot over Ederson and into the far corner.
The VAR check is quick, and it’s ruled out.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:13 , Chris Wilson
53 mins
Well played from Casemiro in defence to dispossess Doku in the box, but United can’t capitalise as ball over the top to Rashford is intercepted.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:11 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
The second half has started in a similar way to the first, with United knocking it around the back and City not bothering to press as of yet.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:09 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
United have started with more purpose than they had during a lot of the first half, but they’re struggling a little when they have the ball near the City box. The lack of centre-forward has been telling so far.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:06 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
Some great play from Mainoo to scoop a pass out of a tight area to Fernanfes. The Portuguese plays Rashford in behind the defence, though he can’t make anything as City get numbers back.
Kick-off: Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:05 , Chris Wilson
McAtee gets the second half started in London.
HALF-TIME: Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:04 , Chris Wilson
Both teams are back out onto the pitch now. No changes at half-time from either manager.
Both sides have new signings on the bench – United have the Netherlands’ Joshua Zirkzee, signed from Bologna, while City have new Brazilian Savinho, who spent the last season impressing for Girona in La Liga.
HALF-TIME: Man City 0-0 Manchester United
16:02 , Chris Wilson
A few minutes away from the second half now. Will we see penalties or will one of these sides take it in normal time?
A reminder that the Community Shield goes straight to penalties, rather than extra-time, if there’s no winner in the 90.
HALF-TIME: Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:55 , Chris Wilson
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
HALF-TIME: Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:50 , Chris Wilson
The referee blows the whistle and we go into the break at 0-0. Not a classic by any means – United probably with the better chances overall, but City dominated as usual in parts too.
Not a lot to read into for City, with a severely depleted squad but a clear plan. For United, there have been flashes of attacking innovation, but the way they played in parts won’t be the cause for a lot of hope among their fans.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:47 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
There’ll be two minutes of added time, as Mainoo can’t quite connect with a Fernandes free-kick.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:45 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
Great carrying from Kovacic as he wins the ball off Fernandes and surges towards the United box. He lays it off to Doku, who tries a shot from a similar to where he scored in the cup final, but this one is off-target.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:43 , Chris Wilson
41 mins
Great play from Lewis as he gets into the box, works the space past Mainoo and cuts the ball back, but Maguire is there to intervene.
Both Maguire and Casemiro are receiving treatment.
No shots on target yet from either side, but United with the best two chances of the game so far.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:40 , Chris Wilson
39 mins
A confident spell of possession from City as they look to take the sting out of the recent spell of United pressure.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:38 , Chris Wilson
34 mins
Fernandes with the long-range effort that hits Dias square in the face, and he has to take a time-out.
United come forward again and it’s another well-worked move, with Fernandes laying off to Casemiro, and the Brazilian playing the one-two with Mainoo on the edge of the box before shipping it wide to Rashford. He’s got plenty of space as he opens his body up to curl it towards the far post, but it’s wide.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:34 , Chris Wilson
31 mins
CLOSE! Brilliant from Amad Diallo!
Fernandes ships it down the line to the Ivorian, who plays a one-two with Casemiro. The Brazilian plays a lovely return to slip it behind the defence, and Diallo is one-v-one, but he tries to square it to Mount rather than shoot!
Maybe a bit harsh to say he should’ve shot, but some brilliant play nonetheless.
Dare I say, more impressive than anything I saw Antony do last season.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:30 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
Fernandes nicks the ball off O’Reilly and United spread it wide to Diallo. He runs at Gvardiol and squeezes in between him and Doku, but his shot is wide.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:29 , Chris Wilson
26 mins
United’s first foray forward in a while ends with Rashford playing a good cross-field ball to Fernandes, whose lay-off into the path of Diallo is slightly overhit.
Unitedeventually regain possession though, as Ederson fires a pass out of play.
62 per cent possession for City overall.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:26 , Chris Wilson
24 mins
CLOSE!
United give the ball away in defence, and it’s straight to Bobb. He turns and flicks it into the path of McAtee – he weighs up the curled effort in the box and it’s great technique, but he hits the post!
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:25 , Chris Wilson
23 mins
City are starting to press higher when United have the ball, forcing them into going long – and we know how that ends. United are struggling to threaten at the moment.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:23 , Chris Wilson
22 mins
Fernandes is chasing shadows at the moment whenever Onana punts the ball long up to him, which has happened on a few occasions.
A half-chance for City as Lewis carries and then, facing no pressure, bursts into the box before hanging up a cross, which is deflected towards the back post. Haaland can’t get clean contact with his back to goal.
Moments later, Bobb goes closest as he picks it up on the wing, cuts inside Martinez to find the angle, and blasts well over.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:19 , Chris Wilson
18 mins
Straight away, Doku wins the next battle against Dalot too, and follows it up by skipping past Maguire and into the box. He clips a cross backwards towards O’Reilly, but it’s too far back and the danger’s gone.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:18 , Chris Wilson
16 mins
Casemiro’s clearance earlier is the closest the ball has got to either goal so far.
Doku wins the latest battle against Dalot as the full-back brings the Belgian down on halfway.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:16 , Chris Wilson
14 mins
Nice feet from McAtee on the edge of the United box, but his cross can’t find a blue shirt.
Harry Maguire is briefly down as he collides with Haaland as the Norwegian chased a pass to Onana.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:13 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
City are starting to impose themselves now, having kept a large chunk of possession over the last five minutes or so, though it ends when the cross-field ball goes out for a goal kick.
Ridiculous from Jonny Evans as he fails to clear and gives away a needless corner.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:11 , Chris Wilson
9 mins
Bobb’s corner is a good one and Casemiro does well to head away at the near post. United clear the second corner, but Diallo fouls Lewis as he tries to win possession.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:10 , Chris Wilson
8 mins
United have actually set up with Fernandes more as a false 9, with Mount at 10 and Rashford on the wing. It would be nice to see Zirkzee at some point from a United point of view.
Bobb and Haaland look for the one-two on the edge of the United box, but there’s a little too much on it from the City striker. Moments later, they win their first corner of the match.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:07 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
So no De Bruyne, Silva, Foden, Walker or Rodri for City today, though looking at the United defence, you would probably still fancy City to nick it come full-time.
The presence of Jonny Evans and Casemiro at the start of the 2024/25 season will not be a comfort to any United fans, that’s for sure.
No chances at all yet, with both teams trying to settle.
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:03 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
A cagey opening couple of minutes, with neither side able to keep sustained possession. United are passing it around in their defensive third, with City happy to leave them to it for now.
Kick-off! Man City 0-0 Manchester United
15:01 , Chris Wilson
Bruno Fernandes gets us underway in the annual Premier League curtain-raiser.
Man City vs Manchester United
14:57 , Sonia Twigg
The teams are ut on the pitch and lining up for the national anthem and the match will get underway in just three minutes’ time
Matthijs de Ligt poised for Manchester United transfer as fee agreed
De Ligt, who captained the Ajax team Erik ten Hag took to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, is likely to become the second centre-back United have bought this year, after Leny Yoro.
The 24-year-old has been a target throughout the transfer window and United, who were reluctant to pay a huge fee, reached a breakthrough in talks with Bayern.
The German club will make a loss on De Ligt, selling him for an initial €45m, plus a further €5m in add-ons, after buying him for €67m from Juventus in 2022.
Matthijs de Ligt poised for Manchester United transfer as fee agreed
Pep Guardiola reveals Jack Grealish injury
14:50 , Sonia Twigg
Pep Guardiola said to ITV ahead of the match: “We are here because we did something good last season. The rival deserves to be here because they won something.
“In the holidays the energy is gone but once you start the competitions the energy rises. Waiting for all the squad to come back and see how we are training and what is our mentality to see what is going to happen.
“Unfortunately Jack [Grealish] was a little bit niggles. He had some discomfort and didn’t feel good yesterday.
“The mentality will be to try and play.”
Erik ten Hag speaks ahead of the Community Sheild
14:46 , Sonia Twigg
The Manchester United manager told ITV: “The FA Cup final win was a long time ago, I almost forgot, it was last season so look forwards. It was a very good performance, we overperformed probably but we have to do that consistently.”
When asked about pre-season, he said: “Mixed, many players were not available. We just have one week and then this game before we have to go into the new season. I don’t like friendlies, I like real action.”
On the new season, he said: ““I’m always excited. The future. You start on zero, you have to prove yourself for a season. You want to win again, you want to make a next step so it is a lot about moving forward.”
Community Shield LIVE: Man City v Man United
14:45 , Chris Wilson
Just 15 minutes until kick-off now. Will this match go as expected and end with a fairly straightforward win? The bookies seem to think so.
But with a weaker-than-usual starting eleven for both sides, who knows what could happen as both try and get up to speed early on ahead of the beginning of the Premier League season.
A reminder that United kick off their season in the Premier League opener on Friday, 16 August, while City travel back to London to start their campaign against Chelsea.
Man City vs Manchester United
14:40 , Sonia Twigg
The players are out there warming up and here are some photos of them in action:
(Adam Davy/PA Wire)
(Manchester United via Getty Imag)
(Getty Images)
Head-to-head
14:35 , Chris Wilson
These two sides have played a total of 193 matches in all competitions, with the first match taking place in 1891. The first game with both under their current club names took place in 1902.
As it stands United have won 79 games, with City winning 61 and 53 ending as draws.
The most recent match was of course that 2-1 win in the FA Cup final for Manchester United, though City won both league games last season: 3-0 at Old Trafford and 3-1 at the Etihad.
14:30 , Chris Wilson
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
Match stats
14:25 , Chris Wilson
This match marks United’s first appearance in the Community Shield since a 2-1 win over Leicester in 2016 in Jose Mourinho’s first match in charge.
Both City and United have been runners-up nine times in Community Shield matches. Whoever loses today will be the first club to do so on 10 occasions.
The last time these two sides met in the Community Shield was in 2011, when City went 2-0 before a second-half United comeback stole the match in injury time, courtesy of a Nani winner.
Pre-match stats
14:20 , Chris Wilson
This is the eighth time in the history of the Community Shield that the match has been a repeat of the previous season’s FA Cup final, with the most recent two coming in 2007 (Man Utd v Chelsea) and 2017 (Arsenal v Chelsea).
This is the fourth consecutive year Manchester City are appearing in the Community Shield, though they failed to win the trophy in any of 2021, 2022 or 2023. Only United (1998 to 2001) have failed to win the Community Shield in four consecutive years.
Man United have won the Community Shield more times than any other side, with a total of 21 victories. United have won the trophy in their last four appearances.
Is Man United vs Man City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Community Shield fixture
14:15 , Chris Wilson
Around 45 minutes before kick-off now, so a final reminder of how you can watch today’s match.
When is it?
Man City v Man United will kick off at 3pm BST on Saturday, 10 August at Wembley Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on ITV 1, with coverage starting at 2.15pm. Subscribers can also stream the match via the ITVX App.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Is Man Utd vs Man City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
Community Shield is a perfect restart – except Man United face many of the same old issues
14:10 , Chris Wilson
For Erik ten Hag, the new start comes in the fixture that could have been his endgame. He could have bowed out against Manchester City at Wembley. Instead, reports of his demise proved exaggerated. Manchester United confounded expectations. He won the FA Cup and lost the sack race. Ten Hag’s reward was to keep his job, with a one-year extension triggered, and another Manchester derby in London, two months later and after making two summer signings.
There can be a sense of renewal to United, but also one that the past is inescapable. Ten Hag had hoped that injuries would be consigned to last season but Leny Yoro seemed to exhibit the characteristics of a 2023-24 United centre-back by promptly getting injured: the £52m teenager’s debut will be delayed for three months.
With Tyrell Malacia out and a further four doubts, he only has three senior defenders guaranteed to be fit to face the champions.
Community Shield a perfect restart – except Man United face all the same old issues
Pep Guardiola prepared to wait for right players despite Manchester City’s increasing need for ‘deputies’
13:51 , Chris Wilson
Pep Guardiola was staring at the start of a season that could span 48 weeks for Manchester City. He has often sounded the alarm about the impact of a crowded schedule for players and the Club World Cup will only add to it. He also reflected on the challenge City face to retain the Premier League title. “Everyone wants the crown that we have worn for four years,” he said. “I understand it.” Some of his rivals do more than merely want it: they seek to strengthen to secure it. Manchester Unitedhave been more active in the transfer market. “They’ve done it for many years, but it’s not news; just when City spend,” noted Guardiola. It could be seen as an observation or a dig.
And if it has been a quiet summer in the blue side of Manchester, with only Savinho arriving, Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid raises the question if City will be weaker this season. “I’m very pleased with the squad for the quality of human beings and the quality,” countered Guardiola. He has touted the introduction of the teenager Nico O’Reilly to the squad and the return of James McAtee from loan at Sheffield United, while admitting Sergio Gomez, another fringe figure, is a loss.
Guardiola prepared to wait for right players despite Man City’s need for ‘deputies’
Team news
13:40 , Chris Wilson
We’re expecting the line-ups to be announced any moment now…
Zubimendi, Neto, Solanke and more: Premier League transfers set to be completed before start of 2024/25
13:30 , Chris Wilson
The Premier League season is now barely a week away from starting – and while some clubs have done business already in preparation for 2024/25, there are no doubt lots of transfers still ahead before the window shuts at the end of the month.
While the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have made moves in defence, Chelsea have added squad options everywhere and champions Manchester City have brought in one attacking reinforcement, Liverpoolhave yet to do any incoming senior business at all, so expect that to change sooner or later at the very least.
Further down the table there are still moves in the works for West Ham, Tottenham, Newcastle and more, as top-flight teams look to get set for the campaign ahead.
