PLAYER RATINGS: Which Chelsea defenders were at fault for Erling Haaland’s goal? Who looks set for a big season at Stamford Bridge? And which Man City star was man of the match?

Manchester City got their latest title defence underway with a comfortable victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Erling Haaland scored in the first half to open his account for the new season, while former Chelsea man Mateo Kovacic netted towards the end against his ex side.

It was Pep Guardiola against one of his former disciples in the form of Enzo Maresca, with the teacher getting the better of the student in Maresca’s first Premier League match as a manager.

Upcoming fixtures look a little more favourable for Chelsea, however, while the win for City meant they got three points on the board early doors to match last season’s closest rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

Mail Sport’s SAMI MOKBEL offers his player ratings from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea got off to a losing start under Maresca.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sanchez – 6

A mixed performance. Decent save to deny Doku from distance but his distribution was poor and should have saved from Kovacic.

Malo Gusto – 6.5

Had his hands full with Doku but stuck to his task. A very good right back – but can he displace Reece James? He has the game to make a fist of it.

Wesley Fofana – 6.5

Hopefully he can reignite his career after two injury struck campaigns. Some encouraging signs in coping with Haaland’s threat.

Levi Colwill – 5

Elegant and cool in possession but really should have been stronger in coping with Haaland for City’s opener and his sloppy clearance led to Chelsea’s second. 5

Marc Cucurella – 5.5

Enjoyed the summer of his life with Spain but was brushed off too easily by Haaland for City’s opening goal. Subbed in the closing stages.

Moises Caicedo – 6

Showed major improvements in his form towards the end of last season and continued with that positivity here, but should have been firmer with Kovacic for Chelsea’s second.

Romeo Lavia – 7

Missed virtually all of last season through injury and impressed on his full debut for the club. Unlucky to be subbed. Big season ahead.

Cole Palmer – 6.5

Still plenty to come from Chelsea’s player of last season once he is back to full fitness. Showed flashes of brilliance and his vision is radar-like. Frightening potential.

Enzo Fernandez – 6.5

Made captain despite the racism storm that overshadowed his summer and repaid that support with a strong display in the No 10 role.

Christopher Nkunku – 6

A threat down the flanks for Chelsea. Positive signs after an injury hit first season. Big onus on him to provide end product.

Nicolas Jackson – 6

Marginally offside for a would be equaliser when he really didn’t need to be. Involved in some of constructive build-up play before being subbed.

Enzo Maresca – 6.5

Chelsea will be just fine on the evidence of this. His team showed more than enough to suggest they will improve on last season.

Subs: Neto 5.5 (Nkunku 59); Guiu 5.5 (Jackson 67); Dewbury-Hall 5.5 (Lavia 67); Veiga (Cucurella 80) 

MANCHESTER CITY (4-1-4-1)

Ederson – 6

Lucky to escape after failing to hold Nkunku’s shot for Chelsea’s disallowed goal but redeemed himself with an instinctive save from Jackson.

Rico Lewis – 7

Will surely be a key part of England’s future post-Gareth Southgate. So much to admire about this kid. Eased through this game.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

Didn’t have it all his own way but a clean sheet to start the season is all he could have asked for.

Ruben Dias – 7

Experience and presence in the heart of City’s defence was key in helping City over the line on an awkward afternoon.

Josko Gvardiol – 6.5

Needed eyes at the back of his head to deal with Palmer’s clever movement, but a successful afternoon for the Croatian.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

Kept things ticking over smoothly in the midfield against his former team before firing home a brilliant second on the pitch he used to patrol.

Jeremy Doku – 7

Played a key role in Haaland’s opener and provided a potent threat for City the entire afternoon. So strong. Excellent.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

Just goes quietly about his business in the middle of park. Super footballer. Vital touch in the build up to the opener.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5

Not his most eye catching of performances but we grade the Belgian differently to others. Oozed cool and quality.

Savinho – 6

Promising showing on his debut for City but a clumsy challenge on Enzo in the box may have made it a different story. Subbed at half-time due to injury.

Erling Haaland – 7

The Norwegian, refreshed from a full summer off, is already up and running. Bad news for the rest of the Premier League. Booked.

Pep Guardiola – 7

His team are up and running. Had to ride their luck at times but City will be the team to beat… again. Clinical. 

Subs: Foden (Savinho 46)

Referee – Anthony Taylor 6.5