WATCH: Mateo Kovacic scores against Chelsea and decides against celebrating

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic scored against the West London club while playing for Manchester City today at Stamford Bridge but decided not to celebrate. The strike ended the contest between the two teams as the defending champions started off on the right foot.

MATEO KOVACIC ARE YOU F*CKING MAD WHAT A GOAL

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— ⚡️🇧🇼 (@Priceless_MCI) August 18, 2024

Chelsea and Manchester City clashed on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. All eyes were at Stamford Bridge as the two teams looked to get off the mark and begin the campaign with three points.

For extra diversity, Doku and Savinho swapped flanks. Jeremy Doku was now on his preferred left side, which helped. Bernardo Silva was located by Doku right outside the box. Silva nudged it in the direction of Haaland, who is little outside the centre and to his left. After gaining in, the lucky Norwegian striker beat Robert Sanchez with a shot to put City ahead. Silva's intervention was flagged as offside by VAR, although it was actually just barely onside.

After passing to Christopher Nkunku, Nicholas Jackson found Cole Palmer in the right side of the box with a layoff pass. Palmer used his left foot to take the shot, forcing Ederson to save with his low right foot.Jackson seized the rebound and put it in, but the linesman called it offside right away. The decision was verified by a VAR check, and it will be soon. Chelsea had a difficult break since they would have preferred to tie the game right before halftime.

Inspite of the home team’s best efforts, Manchester City led by a significant margin at the end of the first half. With three attempts on target as opposed to Chelsea's lone attempt, the Citizens were clearly the superior of the two teams. Chelsea had a slight advantage in possession statistics, but most of their play has been made in the midfield, and the few chances they have had near the City goal have not gone well.

Chelsea tremble as Manchester City gain all three points

When the players returned, Enzo Maresca was hoping for a stronger performance. Despite the best efforts from the vibrant Chelsea squad, they were unable to break the solid Manchester City defence. To add more salt to their growing wounds, their former player Mateo Kovacic scored to increase the lead of the visitors.