Haaland Goal Gives Man City First Half Lead Over Chelsea

Jakarta, Todaysgist.com – Manchester City (Man City) temporarily leads 1-0 over hosts Chelsea in the first half of the Premier League, Sunday (18/8/2024).

The goal that put Pep Guardiola’s men ahead at Stamford Bridge Stadium was scored by Erling Haaland in the 18th minute.

Chelsea’s new coach, Enzo Maresca, carries a 4-2-3-1 formation. He fielded Nicolas Jackson as the lone striker. He is supported by the trio of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Christopher Nkunku. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia duet in midfield.

The back line is entrusted to Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and the defender who won Euro 2024 with Spain Marc Cucurella. The goalkeeper position is entrusted to Robert Sanchez.

In the Man City camp, coach Pep Guardiola deployed a 3-2-4-1 formation. The attacking line was entrusted to Erling Haaland who became the sole striker.

The Norwegian striker is supported by Savinho, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku. Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic duet in midfield.

The back line is entrusted to Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. They guard goalkeeper Ederson.

Chelsea finished sixth last season. Meanwhile, Man City won their fourth consecutive Premier League title despite Arsenal sitting at the top for most of the season. Pep Guardiola’s men then took over the top of the table and became champions.

Man City’s Oscar Bobb was expected to start the game following his impressive pre-season form, but the 21-year-old suffered a fractured leg in training on Wednesday (14/8/2024).

Both teams started the match by attacking each other, a Man City attack allowed Bernardo Silva to release a shot. However, his shot was blocked resulting in a corner. However, Kevin De Bruyne’s corner kick went unanswered.

In the 13th minute, Nicolas Jackson managed to break through the Man City penalty box. However, his effort was thwarted by the visiting team’s defenders.

Moments later, Kevin De Bruyne threatened from the left. He fired a shot after receiving a pass from Doku. However, his left-footed shot was caught by goalkeeper Sanchez.

In the 18th minute, Man City successfully scored a goal that put them ahead thanks to Erling Haaland’s action. Starting from Gvardiol’s pass, Doku then brought the ball from the left side. He then released a pass in front of the goal. The ball was touched by Bernardo Silva and then went to Haaland.

Haaland managed to take advantage of the ball and break through Chelsea’s goal despite being blocked by Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella. Haaland also scored his first goal of the season.

This goal was evaluated by VAR because Silva smelled offside. However, referee Anthony Taylor declared the goal valid.

In the 22nd minute, Man City again threatened Chelsea’s defense. Kevin De Bruyne was able to release a shot from outside the penalty box, but his shot went wide.

In the 32nd minute, Chelsea had a chance when Enzo Fernandez managed to break through Man City’s defense. However, when he received the ball he fell because of Savinho’s push. However, the referee considered it not a violation.

In the 34th minute, Nicolas Jackson got a chance after successfully breaking through the opponent’s penalty box. However, his shot was blocked by Gvardiol. The ball was then used by Gusto as a pass. Unfortunately, Nicolas Jackson who received the pass was caught offside.

Moments later, Man City pressed Chelsea again. After carrying the ball, Doku then released a shot from in front of the goal. The ball hit the Chelsea defender’s leg, and headed towards the goal. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez then managed to deflect the ball.

Chelsea could have actually broken through Man City’s goal in the 44th minute thanks to Jackson’s action. However, this goal was disallowed after the referee asked for VAR assistance. Jackson was considered caught offside.

The referee had decided on five minutes of extra time in the first half. However, the score of 1-0 for the away team’s advantage lasted until the first half ended.

Line-up:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
Middle: Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Christopher Nkunku; Nicolas Jackson
Coach: Enzo Maresca

Manchester City (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol; Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland
Coach: Pep Guardiola