El mediocampista del Manchester City terminó con la racha de 64 años sin que un español ganara el reconocimiento.
Rodri ganó el Balón de Oro 2024, prestigioso premio que otorga la revista France Football al mejor futbolista de la temporada. El jugador del Manchester City terminó con la racha de 64 años sin que un español obtuviera dicha distinción, luego de que Luis Suárez, con el Barcelona, lo ganó en la edición de 1960.
El Balón de Oro 2024 evalúa lo hecho en el 2023 y 2024, tiempo en el que Rodri presume cinco títulos obtenidos, tres de ellos a nivel de clubes con Manchester City: Premier League, Mundial de Clubes y la Supercopa de Europa, además de la UEFA Nations League y la Eurocopa que ganó con la selección de España.
A pesar de que Rodri solo marcó un tanto en la Eurocopa 2024, mismo que le marcó a Georgia en los octavos de final, fue elegido como el mejor futbolista de la edición del torneo de la UEFA, en el que destacaron la precisión de pases del español con 92.84 por ciento.
¿Cuándo había sido la última vez que un español ganó el Balón de Oro?
Rodri terminó con la racha de 64 años sin que un español ganara el Balón de Oro. La última vez había sucedido en la edición de 1960, en la que el Luis Suárez, como futbolista de Barcelona, ganó dicho reconocimiento, luego de que el nacido La Coruña ganó LaLiga con los blaugranas de la temporada 1959/1960.
¿Cuántos españoles han ganado el Balón de Oro?
Rodri se convirtió en el segundo futbolista nacido en España en ganar el Balón de Oro. Antes de que lo consiguiera el jugador del Manchester City, lo había ganado Luis Suárez en la edición 1960, quien, hasta el 2024, era el único en obtenerlo.
Alfredo Di Stéfano, ganador del Balón de Oro en 1957 y 1959, nació en Buenos Aires, Argentina, pero, a pesar de que jugó para la Albiceleste, se naturalizó español en 1956, situación que le permitió participar por dicho galardón, pues en ese momento el reconocimiento solo era para futbolistas europeos.
Ganadores del Balón de Oro 2024:
–Mejor jugador joven (Trofeo Kopa): Lamine Yamal.
–Equipo femenil del año: Barcelona.
–Equipo varonil del año: Real Madrid.
–Máximo goleador (Trofeo Gerd Müller): Harry Kane y Kylian Mbappé.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been awarded the Ballon d’Or after a stellar season that saw him pick up silverware with both club and country.
Rodri was handed the award at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, organised by the French magazine France Football in collaboration with UEFA.
“A very special day, for me, my family and my country,” Rodri said.
“I understand that because I have no social media, people don’t know me much. I am just a normal guy. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy my profession. And I try to be a good person. I am a very calm person.”
The 28-year-old won his fourth straight Premier League with City in May as Pep Guardiola’s side held off Arsenal’s challenge, winning their last nine games to clinch the title. He is the first player from England’s top tier to be crowned since Cristiano Ronaldo won in 2008 during his first stint with Manchester United.
Rodri’s stiffest competition for the Ballon d’Or came from Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, who refused to travel to Paris for the ceremony after discovering that he would not take home the trophy. Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting.
Vinícius, 24, had been a leading contender to win the 2024 men’s prize after leading Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double last season, but sources told ESPN earlier on Monday that neither he nor his fellow Madrid nominees — eight in total across the various awards — would attend the event.
Madrid had been honoured earlier in the ceremony as the men’s team of the year, and Carlo Ancelotti received the coach of the year award, though no representatives of the last Champions League winners were present to accept it.
Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga made it clear what he thought of the vote, calling it “football politics.”
“FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro,” the France international wrote on X along with a photo of him and Vinicius celebrating together.
The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.
Rodri was part of the Spain team that won Euro 2024, starting every game except the third group stage match against Albania, and claimed the player of the tournament prize.
He went a world-record 74 games unbeaten for club and country from March 2023 to May 2024, avoiding defeat (other than via penalties) until City’s loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Rodri becomes the second men’s player born in Spain to win the sport’s most prestigious individual prize, and the first since former Barcelona star Luis Suárez claimed it in 1960.
Real Madrid’s legendary striker Alfredo di Stefano won the award twice, in 1957 and 1959, though he was born in Argentina. The past four Ballons d’Or Féminin have been won by Spanish women (Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022 and Aitana Bonmatí in 2023 and 2024).
“Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder,” Rodri said on stage at the ceremony.
“Today many friends have written to me and have told me that football has won, for giving visibility to so many midfielders who have a job in the shadows and today it is coming to light.”
Rodri is likely to miss the rest of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sept. 22. He collected the prize on crutches on Monday.
That knee injury came just days after he said at a news conference that players could go on strike in response to the ever-growing number of games in the football calendar.
“I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family and come back stronger,” Rodri said when asked about his recovery.
Earlier in Paris, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player over the previous season, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé shared the Gerd Müller trophy for most goals in the season, while Aston Villa and Argentina stopper Emiliano Martínez retained the prize for best goalkeeper in the world following his country’s Copa América title.
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters was used in this report.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in the league with the same number of points as Arsenal, but have dropped points in two successive matches.
City have struggled in the absence of Rodri, who sustained an ACL injury ruling him out for the rest of the season, and Kevin De Bruyne who could make his return against Fulham.
But City will be hoping their dominant 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions LEague has had a similar effect on their league form.
Fulham have started the season in solid form, currently in sixth after winning three and losing just one of their opening six matches.
Follow all the live action in the blog below:
Manchester City vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League updates
Man City take on Fulham in the Premier League
88’ GOAL! Rodrigo Muniz pulls one back (MCI 3-2 FUL)
82’ GOAL! Jeremy Doku makes it three (MCI 3-1 FUL)
47’ GOAL! Kovacic adds a second for City (MCI 2-1 FUL)
32’ GOAL! Mateo Kovacic fizzes in equaliser (MCI 1-1 FUL)
26’ GOAL! Andreas Pereira flicks Fulham into lead (MCI 0-1 FUL)
Manchester City FC 3 – 2 Fulham FC
Manchester City vs Fulham
17:03
Manchester City rack up a club-record equalling 30th Premier League game without defeat, as the Premier League champions edge out an enterprising Fulham side, winning 3-2 at the Etihad. A double strike from Kovacic ultimately proved decisive, as the influential midfielder equalised after Andreas Pereira had given the Cottagers a shock lead, then fired home a brilliant second shortly after the break. Second-half substitute Doku later lashed home City’s third, before a late goal from Rodrigo Muniz offered Fulham some hope of snatching a point. City – who finished with an inferior xG of 1.55 to their visitors’ 2.4 – sit second in the table, level with Arsenal and just one point behind leaders Liverpool. They will resume with a game against Wolves after the international break; meanwhile, Fulham host Aston Villa next time out. That’s all from today’s live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:55
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 3-2 FULHAM
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:54
Yellow Card Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:51
Yellow Card Ederson Santana de Moraes
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:51
There are to be at least five added minutes for stoppages at the end of this match, so Fulham can still hope to grab a late leveller.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:47
Substitution İlkay Gündoğan Matheus Luiz Nunes
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:47
Fulham are back on the ball, dominating possession, but they surely know that the chance to salvage something from this game has gone. It’s been a persistent display from the Cottagers, but they’ve just lacked precision in the opposition box.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:45
Manchester City have now scored five goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half this season, more than any other team in the Premier League. That killer instinct sets them apart from the rest.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:41
Assist Rico Henry Mark Lewis
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:40
Goal Jérémy Baffour Doku
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:40
It’s all Fulham now, as the Premier League champions sit back and defend, hoping to preserve their slim advantage. Whatever the final result, Marco Silva’s men will come out of this game with immense credit – they certainly belong towards the top end of the table.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Substitution Philip Walter Foden John Stones
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Gvardiol has to lunge in to block Jimenez inside City’s area, clearing his lines with a crucial challenge. Marco Silva is readying more substitutes, as he perhaps senses that a point could be up for grabs here.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Substitution Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Substitution Kenny Joelle Tete Timothy Castagne
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:35
Substitution Alexander Chuka Iwobi Reiss Luke Nelson
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:34
Another spell of pressure ends when Iwobi’s low ball into Jimenez just escapes from the Mexican striker, who looked poised to strike from the edge of the area. Cue frustrated groans from the away fans.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:33
Fulham continue to probe around their hosts’ penalty area, but Robinson and then Traore are both kept at arm’s length by City defenders. Marco Silva is urging his side on from the touchline – they proved during the first half that they can pose plenty of problems.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:30
For the first time in the second half, Fulham are enjoying an extended spell of possession. It’s all in their own half, however, and City are happy to sit back and stay compact in their team shape.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:28
SAVE! Ederson foils Traore again! The latter is set free down the left and arrows in on goal, but his Brazilian counterpart is quick to narrow the angle and smothers a close-range shot with a crucial save! City are still vulnerable to the counter-attack.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:25
CLOSE! Lewis controls the ball brilliantly and fires a first-time volley towards the target from 20 yards out, but it’s kept from sneaking into the net by an inadvertent touch from Haaland! His intervention sees the ball travel wide by a matter of inches – unlucky!
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:24
Substitution Sander Gard Bolin Berge Thomas Cairney
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:24
Substitution Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira Emile Smith Rowe
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:22
Yellow Card Calvin Chinedu Bassey
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:21
Substitution Jack Peter Grealish Jérémy Baffour Doku
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:20
Substitution Manuel Obafemi Akanji Kyle Andrew Walker
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:20
Again teeing up a team-mate on the edge of the area, Bernardo Silva lays a pass off for Foden, who fires over the crossbar from around 20 yards out. It was always rising.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:18
Now in total control – albeit with just a one-goal advantage – Manchester City’s chances of claiming maximum points are 87% according to Opta’s live win-predictor. Fulham? Just 2%.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:17
Rising to the challenge of replacing Rodri in the champions’ midfield, Kovacic has not only scored twice today but he’s also dictating play, picking the ball up from his defence and spraying it around confidently.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:15
Grealish tries to pick out Haaland with a cross into the box from the left flank, but Robinson is alert and heads it away. Fulham can’t full clear their lines, though, and City’s constant pressure resumes.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:13
Since half-time, Manchester City’s share of the ball has been a remarkable 87%. They are patiently probing around Fulham’s area, and the away side are not able to escape on the break like they did before the interval.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:11
City’s dominance of this second half continues, as Foden fires over a cross from the right and Haaland slightly mistimes his jump before heading the ball off target. That was well wide, but the hosts have stepped up several gears since the break – Guardiola will have made his thoughts quite clear.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:10
Kovacic has scored his third goal in the Premier League this season – already a new career high. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva has now set up three this term, and he has assisted four goals in eight top-flight appearances against Fulham.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:05
Goal Mateo Kovačić
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:04
Manchester City kick off, and we are back under way at the Etihad!
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:00
Should Manchester City merely avoid defeat today, they would extend their remarkable unbeaten home record to 50 matches, becoming just the fourth English top-flight team to reach that milestone, after Liverpool (85 between 1978-1981), Chelsea (74, 2006-2008; then 58, 2004-2006) and Sunderland (50, 1890-1893). However, as things stand they would slip three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool going into the international break.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:56
A brave first-half performance by Fulham sees the London club on level terms with Premier League champions Manchester City, as the half-time whistle blows with score at 1-1. After absorbing plenty of early pressure – with Gundogan and Haaland both missing good chances – the Cottagers struck first, when a moment of magic from Jimenez set up Pereira’s close-range finish. City bit back soon after, as Kovacic crashed in a low shot from the edge of the area following a corner. A wide-open encounter is reflected by both teams’ xG, with Fulham on 1.35 to their hosts’ 1.17 so far. Perhaps today is the day City’s long winning run over their capital-city counterparts finally ends?
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:49
HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 FULHAM
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:49
There will be just one minute of stoppage time added to the end of this first half, so Fulham’s job is almost done.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:47
Having been quite bold over the preceeding 20 minutes, Fulham are back in numbers now, aiming to keep the scoreline level until half-time. They surely deserve to been on equal terms at the break.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:46
MISS! After making his way to the left byline, Grealish stands up a lovely ball towards Bernardo Silva at the back post. The midfield maestro ghosts into the perfect position to finish, but his header loops over the far post and out of play! That should’ve hit the target!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:44
While Fulham may have only had half as many shots – and attempts on target – as their opponents so far, they have increased their possession share by almost 15% over the past 20 minutes. It’s impressive stuff from the Cottagers.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:42
Fulham are pushing hard for a second goal before the break, as Jimenez has a scuffed shot blocked by Kovacic, then City are forced to concede a corner. Marco Silva must be delighted with how his team are playing today: ususally they excel at Craven Cottage, but they’re taking the challenge to England’s dominant side in Manchester.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:39
Following City’s latest corner, Fulham break at speed again, confidently committing bodies forward in numbers. So far, they’ve caused their hosts plenty of problems in that manner; this time, it all comes to nothing.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:38
The hosts have got their tails up now, as Foden and then Lewis see shots blocked by Bassey inside Fulham’s area. Then, Gvardiol tests Leno with a low effort which seems to be creeping wide, but the German goalkeeper still tips it behind for a corner.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:34
Fulham have actually registered three of their four Premier League wins over Manchester City at the Etihad, albeit their most recent victory there was way back in April 2009, under Roy Hodgson. Can they do it again today, more than 15 years later?
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:33
Goal Mateo Kovačić
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:33
CLOSE! Fulham counter again, and Iwobi spins his marker before setting up a 10-yard strike for Traore. The winger can’t keep his effort on target, though, and despite beating Ederson he also lifts the ball over the crossbar! City are living dangerously here!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:28
Assist Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:27
Goal Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:26
After Tete charges upfield, past several tame challenges, Robinson swings over a low cross from the left; Lewis reads it and cuts out the danger, allowing Ederson to take back possession.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:24
A 25-yard free-kick from a central position is taken short to Lewis, who then tries to switch play but spectacularly fails. It’s another wasted set-piece situation for the hosts, who have lost a little of their early momentum.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:23
Manchester City’s long winning run over Fulham continued when they last met, when the reigning Premier League champions cruised to a 4-0 victory at Craven Cottage towards the end of last season. So far today, though, they’ve been kept at bay.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:19
SAVE! Ederson keeps the scores level! Powering his way past Lewis just outside the area, Traore almost finishes off a rapid Fulham counter-attack. He works his way clear through on goal, but Ederson races off his line to make a sharp stop! Great goalkeeping, but the Fulham winger should’ve scored!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:17
Bassey blocks a threatening low cross from the right byline, before Foden’s inswinging corner is met by Haaland at the back post. Under pressure, the latter can only guide his tame header straight at Leno. City are getting ever closer to making their 73% share of possession pay.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:14
After Iwobi’s hopeful shot from a wide angle on the right is deflected behind, Fulham’s subsequent corner is met by a leap from Jimenez. He can’t control his header, though, and City clear their lines.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:13
A rare foray upfield by Fulham results in Jimenez winning a free-kick from Ruben Dias, who holds his opponent back. However, it comes to nothing, and Manchester City resume their total dominance of possession.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:11
Once again, Foden tees up Haaland on the edge of the area. This time City’s star striker opens up an angle to shoot, but his low effort is slightly scuffed and runs straight towards Leno, who gathers the ball safely.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:10
Haaland steps up to the free-kick and drives it low and hard; however, it thuds into Bernardo Silva, who was placed on the ground in front of Fulham’s defensive wall. The hosts have made a mess of that set-piece routine.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:08
Lukic pulls Lewis back by the shirt and concedes a free-kick in dangerous territory, but he avoids a booking. City will have a chance to strike at goal from around 20 yards out, in a central position.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:07
JUST WIDE! Now Haaland comes close! Played in by a precise Foden throughball, the Norwegian striker takes aim but angles his low shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post! Fulham escape again!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:06
CLOSE! Gundogan misses a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring, firing wide of the right-hand post when left in space near the penalty spot! That’s a great opportunity spurned!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:05
Gundogan finds Haaland on the right byline, and the latter’s cutback is blocked behind for Man City’s first corner. Akanji attacks the cross, but commits a foul and concedes a free-kick to Fulham.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:02
Fulham kick off, and we are under way in Manchester!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:02
Emerging into the sunshine from the tunnel, both teams are out on the pitch, and kick-off is now just moments away!
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:58
Making just one change to the XI that started in Nottingham last week, Fulham boss Marco Silva brings Berge into midfield, replacing Smith Rowe. After scoring three goals in as many games, Jimenez starts up front; fellow striker Carlos Vinicius is sidelined by a calf injury.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:53
After making six changes in midweek, Guardiola recalls several senior stars, including goalkeeper Ederson and centre-back Ruben Dias. There is only one switch from the draw with Newcastle last week, though: Foden replaces Walker, with Lewis starting at right-back. Once again City will be without Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake and Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:48
SUBS: Steven Benda, Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz, Tom Cairney, Reiss Nelson, Timothy Castagne, Issa Diop, Emile Smith Rowe.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:48
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Sander Berge, Sasa Lukic; Adama Traore, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi; Raul Jimenez.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:42
SUBS: Stefan Ortega, Scott Carson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, James McAtee.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:42
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol; Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:37
Fulham have made their best start to a Premier League campaign since 2003, accruing 11 points so far to claim sixth place in the table – just three points behind today’s hosts. Since losing to Manchester United on the opening weekend, the Cottagers have put together a five-game unbeaten run in the English top flight, winning both of their last two matches. After beating Newcastle 3-1, last week they edged out Nottingham Forest, winning 1-0 at the City Ground thanks to a Raul Jimenez penalty.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:37
After being held to their second successive Premier League draw by Newcastle United last week, Manchester City then returned to winning ways with a comfortable success against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League. On the domestic front, Pep Guardiola’s side sit four points behind leaders Liverpool after the Reds beat Crystal Palace in today’s early kick-off, so they will be keen to continue their dominance over Fulham. City have won each of the clubs’ last 16 meetings across all competitions – the longest winning run one team has had over another throughout English football league history.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:32
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium!
Manchester City eased to a 4-0 victory against Slovan Bratislava in the second match of their 2024/25 Champions League campaign.
With over 20 shots in the game, Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with Phil Foden adding a second in the 15th minute. Erling Haaland and James McAtee doubled the visitors’ lead in the second half to ensure the comfortable victory.
Pep Guardiola’s side sit second in the Premier League after a somewhat disappointing draw against Newcastle last weekend, and they’re looking for their first three points of the new European campaign this week after drawing 0-0 at home to Inter Milan last time out.
The Cityzens have lost Rodri for the remainder of the season and will be without Kevin De Bruyne in the Slovak capital, though they come up against a Slovan Bratislava side that lost 5-1 to Celtic in their European opener on 18 September.
Follow all the latest Champions League updates with our live blog below:
Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City LIVE
REPORT: Man City defeat Slovan Bratislava in their second Champions League match
FT Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
74’ GOAL! James McAtee scores fourth (SLB 0-4 MCI)
58’ GOAL! Haaland adds a third (SLB 0-3 MCI)
15’ GOAL! Foden doubles the lead! (SLB 0-2 MCI)
8’ GOAL! Gundogan scores! (SLB 0-1 MCI)
ŠK Slovan Bratislava 0 – 4 Manchester City FC
Manchester City brush Slovan Bratislava aside, but performance hints at key weakness
22:19 , Sonia Twigg
Manchester City eased to their first victory of this season’s Champions League as they brushed Slovan Bratislava aside 4-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday.
Early goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden put them in command before Erling Haaland’s 42nd goal in 41 appearances in the competition and another from substitute James McAtee added the gloss.
City also hit the woodwork three times in a dominant performance that added impetus to their campaign after their draw with Inter Milan earlier this month.
Phil Foden said after the match: “Yeah amazing. Great result, great atmosphere as well. It’s nice to play in the Champions League again.
“Very happy with the performance, I know there’s still things I can work on and get better, I’m still a little bit rusty. Like I said I’m happy with my performance and the team performance.
“I love it, the atmosphere is very good, it was a great experience.”
Full time: Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:49 , Sonia Twigg
FT: City may leave Bratislava disappointed they didn’t add more goals to their tally.
After having the opening shot of the game, the home side did not find a foothold in the game, and City eased to victory.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:46 , Sonia Twigg
90 minutes: There will be two minutes of added time.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:45 , Sonia Twigg
88 minutes: Doku wins a corner. Gundogan takes it and Stones heads it towards the goal, but it’s a good save from the Slovan goalkeeper.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:40 , Sonia Twigg
84 minutes: Doku has caused problems down the wing all match and shows no signs of stopping as he puts another ball in the box looking for a player in burgundy, but it’s cleared and City will mount another attack.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:38 , Sonia Twigg
80 minutes: City are on the hunt for a fifth, the ball is pulled back towards Grealish, but he wasn’t quite ready and nothing comes of it.
GOAL! James McAtee! Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:31 , Sonia Twigg
74 minutes: GOAL! James McAtee scores his first Champions League goal after being chipped in by Phil Foden and he takes a touch before firing into the back of th net.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:27 , Sonia Twigg
70 minutes: City have had 20 shots tonight, but still just the three goals to show for it. Bayern Munich scored nine in their opening Champions League match and after the first round of fixtures were top of the table.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:26 , Sonia Twigg
69 minutes: With all the substitutions, the intensity of the match has just dropped slightly, although City continue to dominate possession.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:20 , Sonia Twigg
63 minutes: Changes for Slovan, the captain has just been taken off by his dad, the coach. He also spent time in Man City’s youth team along side Kieran Trippier many years ago.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:17 , Sonia Twigg
60 minutes: That will be Haaland’s last involvement and he comes off to be replaced by James McAtee, Ruben Dias on for Akanji.
There was a brief VAR check for a penalty, but City have not been given a chance to add to their tally.
GOAL! Haaland strikes – Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:15 , Sonia Twigg
58 minutes: GOAL! The moment Slovan get forward they are broken immediately and Haaland is played straight through the middle of the two centre backs, he takes the ball round the goalkeeper and just slots it into the back of the net.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:14 , Sonia Twigg
57 minutes: City are struggling to turn their possession into goals, it might be entirely last-ditch defending with the occasional punt up front for Slovan, but they have still not conceded since the 15th minute.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:10 , Sonia Twigg
53 minutes: Chance! Haaland has moved cleverly at the far post to beat his marker, he jumps high but his header is way off target.
Another chance for City goes begging.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:07 , Sonia Twigg
50 minutes: It’s just wave after wave of City attacks, Doku has a cross blocked, then the ball doesn’t quite fall for Haaland and it’s scrambled clear.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:04 , Sonia Twigg
47 minutes: Foden has been nutmegged! He might have scored already but he has been completely done there, that was a nice bit of skill from the Slovan player.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:02 , Sonia Twigg
46 minutes: The second half is underway
Half time: Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:53 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the first half:
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Half time: Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:46 , Sonia Twigg
Half time: Phil Foden could have had a hat-trick himself, and City have hit the woodwork three times in addition to their opening two goals.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:45 , Sonia Twigg
43 minutes: City will be pleased with how they’ve gone at half time, although it remains to be seen how big a part goal difference will play in the final table and they could be on the hunt for a few more in the second half.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:40 , Sonia Twigg
40 minutes: Foden fires another volley wide after the goalkeeper stuck his leg out to deny a Savinho ball across the box.
Gundogan hits the woodwork for a third time! The goalkeeper was just watching the ball but it hit the woodwork between the post and crossbar.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:38 , Sonia Twigg
38 minutes: Foden has had another shot but drags it wide, Slovan then had a chance to try and build possession and ended up with a free kick in the City half which will relieve some pressure, even though it doesn’t beat the first man.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:35 , Sonia Twigg
35 minutes: After 34 minutes of play, Slovan have completed less than 50 passes, while City are nearing 250.
That sums up the discrepancy between the sides in this Champions League clash.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:33 , Sonia Twigg
32 minutes: But after committing, Slovan are almost hit on the break, Doku sprints forward and puts the ball across the box, but it’s just behind Erling Haaland and he cannot capitalise.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:32 , Sonia Twigg
30 minutes: It is starting to feel like a case of when rather than if City will add another. The crowd have kept going inspired by the person on the mike.
Slovan get forward, but the ball doesn’t fall in the box for them to create anything.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:27 , Sonia Twigg
26 minutes: POST! Foden tried his luck from distance, the goalkeeper can only parry it onto the post and hope it bounced favourably which it did.
City have a strong lead and they could easily have more!
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:24 , Sonia Twigg
23 minutes: Post! Doku has hit the woodwork! Another chance for City, and they’re already comfortably ahead.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:21 , Sonia Twigg
20 minutes: Slovan are just camped outside their box and cannot get clear, it’s going to be a long night for them if this continues.
The crowd have not stopped though.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:17 , Sonia Twigg
17 minutes: Haaland should have made it three! He had a great chance to put the ball into the back of the net, but it was too close to the goalkeeper who was able to make the save.
GOAL! Phil Foden scores! Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:16 , Sonia Twigg
15 minutes: GOAL! Phil Foden doubles City’s lead! It was a perfect strike in his first start this season, expertly curled into the corner.
Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Man City
20:14 , Sonia Twigg
12 minutes: As expected, City have dominated the possession and given the heavy beating at the hands of Celtic, Slovan might just have to weather the storm for as long as they can.
GOAL! Gundogan scores for City! Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Man City
20:09 , Sonia Twigg
8 minutes: GOAL! City have broken the deadlock, Gundogan scores his first goal since coming back to City, it’s deflected into the back of the net giving the goalkeeper no chance
Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City
20:04 , Sonia Twigg
4 minutes: Haaland drives on the edge of the box and pulls the ball back in the direction of Phil Foden, but the ball is behind hi and the home side are able to clear.
Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City
20:03 , Sonia Twigg
2 minutes: Chance! Slovan Bratislava have had an early chance! They break on the counter attack and the shot is just wide of the goal!
Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City
20:01 , Sonia Twigg
1 minute: Man City kick the game underway
Slovan Bratislava v Man City
19:58 , Sonia Twigg
The teams are out, the Champions League anthem is being played, and the match is about to get underway.
Slovan Bratislava v Man City
19:55 , Sonia Twigg
Instead of drums, Slovan Bratislava have a female violinist and another woman playing the electric guitar, they are getting the fans well and truly up for this one.
Slovan Bratislava coach on facing Man City
19:50 , Mike Jones
Vladimír Weiss Sr said: “We will welcome one of the best teams in the world. They won the Champions League a year ago.
“Our opponents are the favourites not only for this match, but for the whole competition. We have to enjoy it. I believe that with the fans behind us we can reach our limits.”
City head to Slovakia
19:44 , Mike Jones
Manchester City will take on Champions League debutants Slovan Bratislava on a run of only one win in four games and trying to adjust to the loss of lynchpin Rodri.
Pep Guardiola changed shape away to Newcastle at the weekend with Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis sitting in front of the defence, but they were far from their fluid best in a 1-1 draw and further refinements are clearly needed.
City are clear favourites in Bratislava, where avoiding defeat will see them match Manchester United’s record of 25 games unbeaten in this competition.
Man City’s Champions League successes
19:37 , Mike Jones
This is Man City’s 14th successive season in the Champions League. They have featured in every campaign since 2011/12 and have reached the knockout stages in each of the last 11.
Having claimed the club’s first Champions League title in 2022/23, Pep Guardiola’s side won all six group games for the first time last season to finish six points clear of RB Leipzig in the standings.
That was the seventh successive season in which City had come first in their group.
City then beat Copenhagen in the round of 16 but lost an epic quarter-final against eventual champions Real Madrid – the third season in a row in which they had faced the Spanish side.
Slovan Bratislava vs Man City
19:30 , Mike Jones
Slovan have won all four home European matches this season – scoring 14 goals – as many victories as in their previous 13 games (six draws, three defeats).
Weiss Jr on his time at Man City
19:22 , Mike Jones
“I have the best memories of my time at City,” said Slovan Bratislava’s captain when reminiscing about the start to his professional career.
“It was an amazing achievement to break through to the first team at a young age with the players that were already in the squad. With time, there were better and better players and with Mancini coming in, my chances were getting smaller.
“I am always going to watch City, not just because they’re my first club but because they play the best football in the world for me. To watch City for me is a pleasure. I’m following the club and it’s a club that’s always going to stay in my heart.”
A City homecoming for Weiss
19:15 , Mike Jones
Vladimir Weiss Jr moved to Manchester as a teenager and came through the City Academy. He scored in the 2008 FA Youth Cup final as City’s youth side defeated Chelsea to lift the trophy.
Weiss then played five times for the senior team before joining Bolton Wanderers, Rangers and Espanyol on loan before eventually moving to Pescara on a permanent deal in 2012.
Now, he captains Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League and the former City winger will look to get one over on his old club.
Arsenal and Man City’s heated rivalry has just reached a new level of tension
19:07 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta eventually felt he had to speak, specifically in order to quieten things down. You couldn’t have a clearer indication of how the Manchester City–Arsenal tensions had reached a peak, after all, than Pep Guardiola himself willingly bringing up the “115 charges”. Some City officials had previously bristled at the media or anyone else mentioning the prospect of the club being punished, and yet here was their most important football figure putting it front and centre of the week’s biggest story.
That showed how affected Guardiola had been by Arteta’s admittedly open-ended comments from Tuesday. The Arsenal manager had spoken about how he has “all the information” on City, having worked at the club for almost four years. Arteta was actually talking about gamesmanship, given all the criticism of his own team over “dark arts”, but the way it was said could have easily been portrayed as talking about the hearing. Guardiola evidently felt that way.
The Slovan Bratislava manager spoke with praise about his opposit number tonight: “I like many coaches – Ancelotti, Klopp, Bielsa – but Guardiola is unique.
“He had changed football. Every player in the team plays in his position and all of them know what their job is on the pitch. This approach makes him a special and outstanding coach.”
Pep Guardiola makes six changes for his side’s match against Slovan Bratislava, with Ortega, Stones, Nunes, Savinho, Foden and Doku all coming into the side.
Man City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Nunes, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
The problem facing Man City stretches beyond Rodri’s injury absence
18:38 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City began without one of the outstanding individuals of last season. No, not that one. Or not just that one, anyway. Rodri was the most conspicuous absentee at St James’ Park on Saturday as, barring an injury to Erling Haaland, he will be for the rest of the campaign. But Phil Fodenstarted on the bench. His bit-part role has been camouflaged by the sudden realisation that Rodri will have no part to play in the next nine months, but it is less than six weeks since Foden was anointed PFA Player of the Year.
It is an understatement to say his candidature for a second successive award has had a slow start. City have played six league games this season. Foden has begun none. Euro 2024 was why he was an opening-day replacement against Chelsea. He missed two matches through illness, spent the next as an unused substitute and came on in the last two. Perhaps it is a fact that points to potential improvement for City: Foden, scorer of 27 goals last time around, could provide an injection of excellence for a Rodri-less side.
The problem facing Man City stretches beyond Rodri’s injury absence
Man City prepare to face Slovan Bratislava
18:30 , Mike Jones
The training sessions are done and dusted ahead of kick off at 8pm tonight.
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Stones on Rodri’s recovery
18:22 , Mike Jones
“[Rodrigo’s injury] was difficult news for us all to take. I spoke to Rodri yesterday and he’s doing well, recovering,” Stones said, “It’s sad for the standard he has set over the last season has been incredible.
“We know what a key player he is for us, but we want him to be back quickly. We know it will be a long time, but we have a lot of quality players capable of filling in in that position.
“He was in good spirits. Now he knows what’s happened and knows his process to get back, he’s come to terms with it. He is over in Spain with his family. He needs to take time now to relax and recover as best he can.”
Stones ready to ‘fullfil’ Rodri role
18:15 , Mike Jones
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the campaign after having to undergo surgery in the wake of an ACL injury sustained in last week’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
City teammate John Stones says he is ‘100 per cent’ ready to fill the midfield void left by Rodri’s absence if called on by Pep Guardiola.
He said: “If called upon 100%. It happened a lot over the past two years, me going into midfield. It was difficult in the 2023 Champions League final as I was higher up, which was new for me [but] I enjoyed it.
“Whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them by the manager.
“And hopefully we can recreate even better moments than the Champions League final.”
(Action Images via Reuters)
Kovacic, Lewis, Stones? How Manchester City replace injured Rodri
18:08 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City appear to have suffered a major blow with Rodri set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal.
The midfielder was substituted in the first half of the clash of Premier League rivals at the Etihad Stadium, with the club confirming that he has suffered ligament damage.
It is an injury that may render the 28-year-old unavailable for the rest of the campaign, leaving Pep Guardiola without his key midfield fulcrum.
While the Manchester City manager often rotates elsewhere, Rodri is firmly established as a vital figure at the base of midfield and rarely misses the club’s biggest games.
But an expensively-assembled squad does provide Guardiola with a number of alternative options as he looks to replace the Spaniard:
Slovan Bratislava won two of their first three games against English clubs with both home first legs – 2-0 against Tottenham in the 1962/63 European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final and 1-0 against Derby in the 1975/76 European Cup first round.
They went on to lose those ties 2-6 and 1-3 on aggregate and have since lost seven of their subsequent nine matches against English opposition, drawing twice.
The last outing against an English team came in the 2019/20 Europa League where Slovan lost 1-2 at home and 0-1 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the group stage, making it five successive defeats by English teams.
Slovan play with ‘courage’ says Guardiola
17:52 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola is anticipating a tough test for his players this evening when they take on Slovan Bratislava and explained how watching their match against Celtic showed him that City’s opponents play with courage.
“This is a team that I would say plays with courage,” he said, “I saw the game against Glasgow Celtic and they were not scared to play.
“Not scared to link with their striker and they want to try it. The Champions League it doesn’t matter, I always have incredible respect for all the teams, especially when you play away.
“Hopefully we can be an aggressive team again and take a result.”
Guardiola provides De Bruyne update
17:45 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola says that he is hoping Kevin De Bruyne will be back in contention for selection after the October international break.
The midfielder was forced off during City’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan earlier this month and missed their next three matches with a thigh issue.
“Hopefully after the international break he [Kevin] will be back,” Guardiola said, “Everybody is ready – we will put out the best team possible to compete and beat them.”
Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery
17:37 , Chris Wilson
Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City confirmed the Spanish midfielder has successfully undergone surgery.
Rodri suffered ACL and meniscus damage to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“He had surgery this morning,” Guardiola said. “ACL and some meniscus. So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].”
Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery
Slovan Bratislava vs Man City prediction
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Man City should easily be able to make it a first win in Europe this term, even with rotations in the squad and probably the starting 11. They should also triumph in style and comfort.
Slovan 0-4 Man City.
Slovan Bratislava vs Man City predicted line-ups and latest odds
17:22 , Chris Wilson
Here’s how we think the two teams will line up against each other this evening though there is always the possibility that Pep Guardiola springs a surprise with the players at his disposal:
Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Nunes, Kovacic, Savinho, Foden, Grealish, Haaland
As for the latest odds from the bookmakers, it should come as no surprise that City are the overwhelming favourites to win this one despite playing away from home:
Slovan 50/1
Draw 17/1
City 1/25
What is the early team news?
17:15 , Chris Wilson
Rodri is Man City’s main injury concern with the midfielder out for the long term. Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are also sidelined, but City will hope Kevin de Bruyne is back to full fitness to play some part at least.
Lukas Pauschek is out for Slovan, while Kenan Bajric is a doubt. Their attacking line should include former Man City starlet Vladimir Weiss, now aged 34, and one of Slovakia’s starting forwards from their Euro 2024 last-16 clash with England, in David Strelec.
When is Slovan Bratislava vs Man City?
17:07 , Chris Wilson
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 1 October.
Most Champions League games are shown on TNT Sports in the UK. This game is on TNT Sports 1 and can be streamed for subscribers on the discovery+ app.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City
17:00 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City will be looking for their first win in the new Champions League format when they head to Slovakia on Tuesday, to take on Slovan Bratislava.
Pep Guardiola’s side are on an unusual run of just one win in four games across all competitions, though the others were all draws and they have faced Arsenal and Inter Milan in that run. Even so, failing to beat Newcastle last time out will have irked the reigning Premier League champions, as they lost top spot to Liverpool in the process and have now kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games.
Slovan Bratislava have won seven out of eight domestically and sit top of the Super Liga as a result, but were absolutely hammered by Celtic in their Champions League opener, losing 5-1 in Glasgow.
That result raised questions of competitiveness in this expanded league format, and even on home soil they must be fearing the type of scoreline an in-form Erling Haaland might be able to raise.
Good evening!
14:15 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Manchester City travel to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in their second league phase fixture.
City’s opening Champions League match ended in a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan and Pep Guardiola’s team head into this match in need of a win. They also drew 1-1 with Newcastle in their latest Premier League outing having also failed to beat a 10-man Arsenal team just before.
Slova Bratislava are perhaps the perfect team for City to face. They lost their first Champions League match 5-1 to Celtic and with City’s added firepower it could be another difficult night for the Slovakian side.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
Follow live coverage as Manchester City face Ipswich Town today in the Premier League. Reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
City are hoping to build on their impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea last time out after goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic get the champions off to a winning start to this campaign. Pep Guardiola has re-signed Ilkay Gundogan in the hopes that his former captain can bring an added layer of stability and experience to City’s midfield but it remains to be seen if the German will feature this afternoon.
For Ipswich, their return to the top-flight ended in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool after a solid opening 45 minutes at Portman Road. It’s another incredibly tough fixture for the newly promoted side but they will be hoping to spring a surprise of the champions.
Follow all the action from the Etihad Stadium below:
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town LIVE: Premier League updates
GOAL! Haaland adds his second with fine volley (MCI 3-1 IPS)
GOAL! Kevin de Bruyne puts the hosts into the lead after pressing high (MCI 2-1 IPS)
GOAL! Erling Haaland scores penalty to equalise (MCI 1-1 IPS)
Man City make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League this season, but they had to come from behind to secure a 4-1 victory. Ipswich took a surprise lead on seven minutes, after they caught City out on the break and Szmodics beat Ederson, who probably should’ve done better. City then retaliated with three goals within the space of four minutes to fire themselves ahead. The first through Haaland from the penalty spot, followed by a goal from De Bruyne after a mistake by Muric in the Ipswich goal. Before Haaland got his second when De Bruyne turned provider this time and the striker rounded Muric and found the back of the net. The woodwork saved Ipswich on two occasions, after Lewis and De Bruyne struck the bar late on in the first half. City continued to dominate the second period, but didn’t score their fourth until the 88th minute, when Haaland wrapped up his hat-trick with a fine strike from the edge of the box. Next up for City is a trip to West Ham, while Ipswich still search for their first points of the season, they’ll welcome Fulham to Portman Road. We hope you enjoyed the game, until next time!
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
17:02
FULL-TIME: MAN CITY 4-1 IPSWICH
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:59
Yellow Card Jack Peter Grealish
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:59
Plenty of additional time as been indicated by the fourth official, but this game is surely wrapped up for City now.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:57
Yellow Card Ali Ibrahim Karim Al-Hamadi
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:54
Substitution Kevin De Bruyne Matheus Luiz Nunes
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:54
Substitution Erling Braut Haaland James John McAtee
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:54
Substitution Axel Tuanzebe Samuel George Alan Edmundson
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:54
Substitution Omari Elijah Giraud-Hutchinson Conor Mark Chaplin
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:51
Goal Erling Braut Haaland
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:51
City have won a few corners in recent minutes, with De Bruyne whipping them into the box, but Ipswich have done well to clear the danger and prevent any more City opportunities.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:50
If Ipswich can pull a goal back now it would make for a very interesting final few minutes, but Ederson has hardly touched the ball in this second half. He’s had very little to do all game.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:46
Substitution Liam Rory Delap Ali Ibrahim Karim Al-Hamadi
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:46
De Bruyne has been excellent for City today, a goal and an assist for the midfielder, who has been involved in everything in attack for the hosts, a constant threat.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:44
As we head into the final 10 minutes of the game, it’s City who lead 3-1 and despite numerous chances to extend their lead, Ipswich have held firm in this second period.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:43
Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is the 14th different manager whose first ever Premier League away game comes against the reigning champions. None of the previous 13 have won (D2 L11), with Mark McGhee (1-1 v Man Utd in 1994) and Claudio Ranieri (3-3 v Man Utd in 2000) the only ones to earn a point.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:41
Ipswich manage to get the ball in the City penalty area, but it’s very scrappy and no one can get a good hold of the ball, so it bounces dangerously off four or five players, before Gvardiol finally clears.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:40
GREAT CHANCE! De Bruyne races in behind the Ipswich defence as a long ball is played through and he unselfishly tries to feed Haaland in the box, but his pass is a bit behind the striker, which allows Ipswich he chance to get a foot in. The second ball falls to De Bruyne, but he smashes it high over the bar.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:36
Substitution Samuel Joseph Szmodics Marcus Anthony Myers-Harness
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:35
Substitution Massimo Corey Luongo Jack Henry Philip Taylor
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:35
Substitution Jérémy Baffour Doku İlkay Gündoğan
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:34
Good block! De Bruyne whips a low corner into the box, which is met by Bernardo Silva, but his effort is fired into the legs of an Ipswich defender and the visitors manage to clear the danger.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:33
It looks like City are getting ready to make another change, with Grealish one of those getting ready on the sidelines. Gundogan could also come on to mark his return to City, following his transfer from Barcelona.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:30
GREAT SAVE! Muric with a fantastic stop to deny Haaland his hat-trick! Ipswich fail to clear a corner and De Bruyne whips a cross in from the right wing, which Haaland meets at the back post and powers a header towards the top right corner of the net. However, Muric gets a good hand to it, to tip it over the bar.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:27
It’ll be interesting to see when the Ipswich coaching staff decide to make some changes, you’d think they would be looking at some soon as we pass the hour mark and the score remains 3-1.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:25
Despite the scoreline, the visiting supporters are making a lot of noise in the away section of the Etihad, urging their side forward when they can get on the ball.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:22
Yellow Card Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:21
Delap is perhaps a bit lucky to get away with just a warning from the referee after he dives into Bernardo Silva and catches him late. The former City striker has had a tough afternoon up front for the Tractor Boys.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:18
Yellow Card Samuel Joseph Szmodics
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:18
City are unbeaten in their last 44 home games in all competitions (W37 D7) since a 2-1 loss to Brentford in November 2022. It’s the eighth longest such run among English top-flight clubs in history, and longest since Chelsea’s run of 74 between February 2006 and October 2008.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:16
We haven’t got up to the electric pace that we saw in the first half so far in the second period. But it’s still City seeing much more of the ball and looking to extend their lead.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:14
City have a few options on the bench to replace Kovacic, but it’s Stones who comes on to replace the midfielder.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:12
Kovacic is down on the pitch for City, he seems to be struggling with an injury after a coming together with Delap. He may have to come off, but is receiving medical treatment at the moment.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:08
The second half is under way!
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
16:01
City will be confident of scoring a few more after the break, although Ipswich did manage to grow into the game towards the end of the half and had a penalty shout of their own, when Davis was brought down by Savinho, but nothing was given.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:59
HALF-TIME: MAN CITY 3-1 IPSWICH
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:59
Ipswich took a shock lead after just seven minutes here at the Etihad, after a quick counter allowed Szmodics through on goal and he beat Ederson, who should’ve done better. However, their lead lasted just five minutes, after Savinho was brought down by Davis in the box and Haaland coolly converted the resulting penalty following a VAR check. A huge error in goal by Muric then handed De Bruyne a golden opportunity to make it 2-1 just two minutes later, which he gladly took. Before Haaland got his second on 16 minutes after racing in behind the Ipswich defence, rounding Muric and sending the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-1. City could’ve scored a few more, but the woodwork denied both Lewis and De Bruyne to Ipswich’s delight.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:53
City fancy getting another goal before the break, they are camped inside the Ipswich half of the pitch at the moment, who surely want the half-time whistle to blow sooner rather than later.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:53
CHANCE! City almost make it four just before the break, with Doku getting to the byline down the left wing and he pulls the ball back to De Bruyne in the six yard box. However, he fires it over the crossbar! He should’ve done better from there.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:51
We’re a minute into an additional five added on at the end of the first half, after the lengthy VAR check prior to the City penalty.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:48
This is a positive end to the half for Ipswich, they are seeing a bit more of the ball in the City half. However, they can’t seem to keep it for long enough to cause Ederson any problems.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:47
PENALTY SHOUT! Ipswich this time are appealing for a penalty! They manage to work the ball into the City final third, with Davis skipping inside from the left and racing into the box. The left-back then goes down under pressure from Lewis and Savinho, with the latter barging into the back of him. However, the referee isn’t interested and nothing is given.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:43
There’s not long left to play until the break now, will we see any more goals before the half-time whistle?
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:40
Into the wall! De Bruyne steps up to take a free-kick on the edge of the box, but he doesn’t get enough on it and the Ipswich wall do its job well.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:39
Morsy is shown the first yellow card of the game after he brings Savinho down in a dangerous position on the edge of the box.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:38
Stoppage in play here at the moment as Hutchinson is down on the pitch receiving some medical treatment, but it looks like the winger should be fine to continue.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:36
City have won 17 of their last 18 Premier League games against promoted sides (D1) since a 2-1 home loss to Leeds in April 2021.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:34
City could have scored five or six goals already here, they look excellent in attack so far today, with Ipswich struggling to keep them out of the final third.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:34
ANOTHER OFF THE BAR! This time it’s De Bruyne who strikes the woodwork! The midfielder is allowed far too much time and space on the edge of the box and he drills a superb effort towards the top right corner of the net. However, it cannons off the bar!
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:32
OFF THE BAR! Almost a fourth for City! They open up the visitors once again down the left wing through Doku and Ipswich fail to clear the danger, with the ball falling to Lewis deep inside the box. However, he can only power his strike against the crossbar! So close.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:29
Ipswich are continuing to try and play out from the back, but City are playing with a high press and really putting them under pressure, so it is proving difficult for the visitors.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:28
The pace of the game has dropped in the last couple of minutes after such a frantic opening period. They are keeping the ball well in the Ipswich half.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:25
Ipswich need to regroup and try and keep the ball a bit, get their composure back after a tough 10 minutes or so. City on the other hand look in complete control.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:25
Ipswich lost 2-0 against Liverpool in their opening match of 2024-25 – not since 2006-07 in the Championship have they started a league season with two straight defeats, while they last did so in the top-flight in 1985-86.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:24
What an opening we’ve had to this game! A remarkable turnaround by City after Ipswich took a shock lead. Some questionable defending by the visitors though, they can’t be happy with what’s gone on.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:19
Goal Erling Braut Haaland
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:17
Assist Sávio Moreira de Oliveira
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:16
Goal Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:16
CITY PENALTY! The referee takes his time watching the video replay of the incident, but after what seems like ages, he finally points to the penalty spot. City have the chance to equalise.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:15
PENALTY CHECK! Savinho races past Davis down the left and just sneaks into the penalty area, with the Ipswich left-back just sticking out a leg and Savinho goes to ground. VAR are taking a look at this one, it looked like he got the player rather than the ball.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:14
Penalty Goal Erling Braut Haaland
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:14
That’s shocked the home support at the Etihad, the Ipswich goal has come against the run of play, but they won’t mind one bit!
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:10
Goal Samuel Joseph Szmodics
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:10
Assist Benjamin Anthony Johnson
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:10
A lot of City’s play is coming down the left early on, with Gvardiol playing high up the pitch in an almost winger position. They look dangerous down that side.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:08
PENALTY SHOUT! Doku releases Gvardiol in behind the Ipswich defence down the left and he plays a low cross into the box. However, Muric manages to get a touch on it, before Greaves and Haaland battle to get to the ball first, which results in both of them on the floor and Muric gratefully pounces on the loose ball. Haaland immediately appeals for a penalty, but the referee isn’t interested.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:05
As you might expect it’s City who are controlling possession early on, with Ipswich having to get everyone back behind the ball to defend in numbers. City just probing in the visitors half at the moment.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
15:02
Here we go! Ipswich get is under way!
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:59
The teams are out here at the Etihad, so kick-off is just a few minutes away! Stay tuned for all the match action.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:59
This will be Ipswich’s first ever meeting with City at the Etihad Stadium – they won their last two visits to Maine Road, winning a Premier League game 3-2 in November 2000 and a League Cup tie 2-1 the following month.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:54
Meanwhile Kieran McKenna has made three changes to his side, with Johnson, Szmodics and Muric all coming into the starting line-up, as Walton, Burns and Chaplin drop to the bench. Delap makes his return to the Etihad after joining the Tractor Boys from City earlier this Summer.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:49
Pep Guardiola names the same starting XI that beat Chelsea, but there is a change on the bench after City confirmed the return of Gundogan from Barcelona yesterday in time for the midfielder to take his place among the substitutes today. Rodri still isn’t up to full fitness, so he misses out.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:46
IPSWICH SUBS: George Edmundson, Conor Chaplin, Marcus Harness, Jens Cajuste, Jack Taylor, Cameron Burgess, Ali Al-Hamadi, Conor Townsend, Christian Walton.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:46
IPSWICH (5-4-1): Arijanet Muric; Leif Davis, Jacob Greaves, Luke Woolfenden, Axel Tuanzebe, Ben Johnson; Sam Szmodics, Massimo Luongo, Sam Morsy, Omari Hutchinson; Liam Delap
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:45
MAN CITY SUBS: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Jack Grealish, Stefan Ortega, Ilkay Gundogan, Matheus Nunes, Issa Kabore, James McAtee.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:44
MAN CITY (3-1-4-1): Ederson; Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji; Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis; Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:38
Meanwhile newly promoted Ipswich travel to the Etihad looking for their first Premier League points of the season, having been beaten 2-0 at Portman Road by Liverpool on the opening day.
14:34
Manchester City got their title defence off to a winning start last weekend, with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to a goal from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic also got on the scoresheet against his former side.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
14:30
Hello and welcome to our LIVE match commentary of the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Ipswich Town at the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
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.
