All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou cut an irritated figure as he snapped back at a reporter following his side's 1-0 loss to Arsenal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Tottenham lose 1-0 at home to Arsenal
• Postecoglou snaps at reporter post-game
• Insists he "always wins things" in second season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Spurs fell to a disappointing North London Derby defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, leaving manager Postecoglou ruing his side's profligacy in front of goal. After the match, a journalist questioned if he still felt Tottenham would challenge for trophies this term – before responding in an irritated fashion. The former Celtic boss reiterated his statement from the build-up to the game claiming he "always" wins things in his second year in charge of a team, and chastised the reporter for asking him the same question in an awkward exchange.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT ANGE POSTECOGLOU SAID

  When asked if he thought Spurs could win silverware this season, he told Sky Sports: "Yes, absolutely. If I can answer the question or are you going to keep asking? I will correct myself. I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year… nothing's changed. I just sort of said it now, I don't say things unless I believe them."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pressure may be mounting on Postecoglou after the loss, one that saw Spurs slip to 13th in the Premier League with four points from as many games. Fans believe the Australian should be getting more out of this team but he remains confident Tottenham can end their 16-year wait for a trophy. While he has lifted silverware in his second seasons at Celtic, Yokohoma F. Marinos, and more, this is his biggest test yet in management.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Postecoglou's team will hope to pick up a much-needed victory when they host London neighbours Brentford next weekend. Before that, they travel to Coventry City in round three of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Arsenal now appear favourites to sign a £60 million striker for manager Mikel Arteta, coming after they contacted his agents in pursuit of a deal.

Arteta hoping for Tottenham favour as Arsenal chase title

Both the Gunners and Man City are in equally imperious form heading into the final day, with the duo winning their last five Premier League games and showing absolutely no sign of letting up.

Arsenal offered chance to sign "great" forward in £50m+ transfer

The player looks like he’ll be allowed to leave his current club this summer.

By
Josh Barker

May 12, 2024

Arsenal currently top the table after their 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday, courtesy of Leandro Trossard's tap-in at the near post after 20 minutes, but they're still relying on a slip up from Pep Guardiola's side to stand any chance of clinching their first domestic crown in two decades.

The Sky Blues are usually unstoppable at this stage of the campaign, but Arsenal deserve a lot of credit for replicating that air of invincibility lately. Arteta's men are right on City's heels, and ironically, arch north London rivals Tottenham could do them a major favour this evening.

Interestingly, Guardiola is yet to taste a league win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since Spurs moved to their state of the art new ground, but they did manage a 1-0 victory there in the FA Cup earlier this season. Despite potentially helping Arsenal, Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou insists his side will go all out to get a result, especially since Champions League football is still on the cards for them.

"You think the majority of our fans are not going to want us to win? I don't see it that way. I think the majority of our fans will create the atmosphere they always create at our games," said Postecoglou on their clash with Man City.

"We've got a game of football to win and that's what we'll try to do. Man City haven't won it yet and if you think they have, then it becomes an issue because we're rolling out a red carpet for them and I'm not going to do that."

Amid this dramatic end to the season for Arsenal, and one which could have a fairytale ending if all goes to plan, sporting director Edu is already laying out transfer plans for next season.

Fabrizio Romano backs that Arsenal will sign an "important" new striker this summer as part of their strategy for 2024/2025, regardless of whether they do end this season as champions.

Arsenal appear favourites to sign Zirkzee after contacting agents

One forward who's been repeatedly linked is Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee, with the Netherlands ace called "fantastic" and a striker who "has everything" by AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli.

TEAMtalk have an update on their pursuit this week, and they claim Arteta's side have already approached his agents. They add that Arsenal are in a "strong position" to sign Zirkzee this summer, mainly because, if he leaves Bologna, a move to England is seen as most likely.

Man United are also in the mix, but the 22-year-old is keen to play Champions League football and Erik ten Hag's side cannot offer that. Arsenal can, though, which makes them "best placed" to complete a deal for the £60 million forward as things stand.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr grabbed a point against Al-Ahli thanks to a fortunate equaliser deep into stoppage time in the Saudi Pro League.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Franck Kessie fired Al-Ahli ahead in style
• Al-Nassr grab equaliser in ninth minute of stoppage time
• Underwhelming start to the season by Ronaldo's team

• Getty Images Sport
  

  TELL ME MORE

  Ronaldo was honoured before the game with a special ‘900 goals’ shirt and tifo after his latest record-break exploits but couldn’t add to his tally in a first half low on quality and clear-cut chances. The Portugal star’s best opportunity came from a free-kick that flew harmlessly over the bar. Marcelo Brozovic also had sight of goal for Ronaldo’s side but saw a shot blocked by Edouard Mendy, while Roberto Firmino had a chance at the other end with a curling shot that drew a flying save from Bento.

  There was more drama in the second half with Al-Nassr penalty claims waved away when Talisca went down in the penalty area, before Franck Kessie smashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area after some good link-up play from Ivan Toney on his debut. Al-Nassr tried to hit back but had to wait until deep into stoppage time to rescue a point. Ronaldo's team also needed a giant slice of luck as Sultan Al-Ghannam's cross took a nick off Bassam Mohammed Alhurayji and sneaked past goalkeeper Mendy.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE MVP

  Kessie may not have ended up on the winning side but the former Barcelona midfielder deserved the MVP award for his quite brilliant strike alone. In a match devoid of quality, particularly in attack, Kessie's goal stood out, as he met his ball perfectly on the edge of the box and smashed it past a startled Bento and into the top corner. No goalkeeper in the world was keeping that one out.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIG LOSER

  The fact that the hosts' equaliser came via the boot of an Al-Ahli defender in the 99th minute tells you all you need to know about their attacking display as Al-Nassr's forwards struggled all night to create chances and trouble Mendy. Ronaldo seemed out of sorts after the international break and never looked like adding to his famous tally. The Portugal star wasn't helped by his team-mates either, with Sadio Mane and Talisca both struggling to provide any quality throughout the 90 minutes. A big improvement is needed if Al-Nassr are to seriously challenge for the title this season.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Both teams are back in Saudi Pro League action in a week's time. Al-Nassr come up against Al-Ettifaq, while Al-Ahli take on Damac.

West Ham United might have entered the final months of David Moyes' term of office as manager at the London Stadium, with rumours flying around the mill that sporting director Tim Steidten is targetting a fresh face for the dugout.

Eighth in the Premier League but four points behind Newcastle United – who hold the final European qualifying spot – having played an extra match, hopes of securing a fourth successive year on the continent are slim – with away fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City forthcoming.

Moyes has insisted that discussions will be held after the campaign's conclusion, but all the pointers hint at the outcome, with some exciting names being linked.

West Ham's manager shortlist

According to Caught Offside, the Irons are indeed set to part ways with Moyes and have identified Lille manager Paulo Fonseca as a possible successor.

The Portuguese's attacking style of play and past links to vacant jobs at Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have set him high on the pecking order, with the report claiming that a contract is being prepared to convince the 51-year-old to move to London. It's stated that talks are set to take place between the respective parties this month.

Thomas Tuchel is also on the club's radar and Steidten is a big admirer, but West Ham might find success down the prudent route and appointing Fonseca, a nine-time trophy winner.

Why West Ham must appoint Paulo Fonseca

Having been described as "perfect in the dressing room" with a preference to "play with quality and fast players behind the striker" by none other than Fabrizio Romano, Fonseca's nomadic managerial career has landed him comparative levels of success.

His two-year stint at the helm with Roma established his attractive brand of football but saw him manage just sixth and seventh-place finishes in Serie A, with the coronavirus pandemic and a change of ownership stifling his tenure.

Fonseca's tactical flexibility and emphasis on guiding academy talent to the fore is a big part of his appeal factor. Still, the principal 4-2-3-1 formation suggests that he could seamlessly wave his style into the Hammers playing squad.

Blending ball dominance and attacking football is something that West Ham supporters have not been treated to throughout Moyes' reign. Successful as it has been, the Scotsman's perceived negative tactics have left the fanbase yearning for a breath of fresh air.

Tuchel might have the pedigree but the Bayern boss has been labelled as a "destructive and power-hungry" coach by well-known presenter Mark Goldbridge and he might not be the best fit to propel West Ham back into Europe and then cement a lasting position of promise.

The German's foibles don't negate his evident prowess as an elite-level manager but after several years of frustrating tactics that have lingered over remarkable levels of success in east London, a chance of track seems to be the best way forward for West Ham.

West Ham in talks to hire Amorim alternative who's 'one of the best'

This CL-winning manager would be the perfect man to succeed David Moyes.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 1, 2024

Fonseca's attacking football would achieve just that, having "worked wonders" at Lille – in the eyes of reporter Zach Lowy. His impeccable presence in the dressing room only adds further appeal, surely making for perfect conditions to build from the illustrious heights of recent seasons.

Aidan Morris reflects on his hot start at Middlesbrough, push for a U.S. men's national team spot

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Morris on move to Championship
• Midfielder learning under Carrick
• USMNT to face Canada Saturday

• USA Today Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Aidan Morris joined Middlesbrough from the Columbus Crew this summer, making the move in a deal reportedly valued at around $4 million (£3m). The Crew Homegrown made his debut against Swansea City on Aug. 10 and, after just five appearances in all competitions, the 22-year-old midfielder has endeared himself to the local fans.

  In recognition of his hot start to life in the Championship, Morris was called into the USMNT for friendlies against Canada and New Zealand but, despite how easy he's made it look, Morris says this summer has been a challenge for him.

Advertisement

• WHAT MORRIS SAID

  "It's been a good transition," he said. "Life's not the easiest moving across the world, away from family and friends, but I've got great teammates over there, so they made the transition easy. Back in Columbus, Wilfred [Nancy] and his whole staff did such a good job with me there. Not only was it not easy for me to have success there, but I think the way he pushed me back in Columbus, it set me up well for different environments around the world, especially England.

  "In England, in this league, I think all you guys know if you watch it a lot. It's very physical. It lasts for 90 minutes. I think that's the biggest thing I've taken from it. It's chaotic, it's non-stop. I've tried to have a calming sense to it all and try to calm down games and control a little bit but, yeah, it's been a joy to see a different side of football."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  At Boro, Morris is learning from one of the best midfielders of a generation: Michael Carrick. The ex-Manchester United lynchpin is one of the game's more underrated holding midfielders, having won everything there is to win at Old Trafford.

  Carrick is someone that Morris grew up studying and he's enjoying the opportunity to study with someone who accomplished everything a player can.

  "It's funny," Morris said, "because I grew up watching him my whole life. My dad used to take me out of school to watch Manchester United growing up, so seeing him when I first got there was surreal. Now being able to work with him, it's been a joy. He's so knowledgeable, as you could see in his career. His vision of the game and everything was one of the best at the time.

  "I just try to be a sponge and soak in all the information I can with him around. We've formed a good relationship so far. Hopefully, we will go on to accomplish some good things and take them up to the Premier League."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MORRIS?

  Morris will look to make an impression with the USMNT if handed minutes on Saturday against Canada or on Tuesday against New Zealand. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, will be back in action on Sept. 14 when they host Preston.

Everton extended their unbeaten to four matches in the Premier League after securing a 1-1 draw away at relegation-threatened Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Friday night.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Elijah Adebayo's strike brought Rob Edwards' side level, with either side unable to find a winner in the second half.

Sean Dyche's men could've walked away from the encounter empty-handed, but Jarrad Branthwaite's last-minute goal-line clearance saved the Toffees from a 16th defeat in the league this season.

The Toffees failed to replicate performances from the victories against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Brentford, but still managed to avoid defeat – the sign of a good team that can avoid defeat despite not playing at their best.

However, one player in particular failed to impress, having little impact on the encounter after being brought on by Dyche during the second half of the game.

Andre Gomes' stats against Luton Town

After Idrissa Gueye's record of two goals in three games and James Garner's excellent recent displays, fellow midfielder Andre Gomes has found starts hard to come by under Dyche.

The Portuguese playmaker hasn't started since the Forest victory but was brought on in the 54th minute of last night's draw in the hope of changing the game in Everton's favour.

However, he hindered the club's chance of claiming any more than a point from the fixture, losing 100% of the three duels that he contested after his substitution onto the pitch.

Gomes only managed nine passes, an average of one successful attempt every four minutes, whilst also giving possession away five times following his introduction.

The 30-year-old's poor display didn't stop there, committing two fouls, and picking up a yellow card for his troubles as his unsuccessful substitution was compounded.

The former Barcelona ace was handed a 6/10 rating by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley, with the Everton correspondent claiming he looked 'off the pace'.

Why Andre Gomes may have played his last game for Everton

In what has been another injury-hit campaign for Gomes, missing another 16 games this season, it is unlikely the club will be looking to extend his current contract at Goodison Park.

The Portuguese's deal at the club expires this summer, with the club potentially looking to offload Gomes given his poor injury record and his mammoth £112k-per-week wages, as per Capology.

His display against the Hatters was evidence that he's no longer up to the level needed for Everton in the Premier League, especially if the club are to build on the strong finish to the current campaign.

It also demonstrates that Dyche can't trust the experienced star to make a positive impact on games where they need a decisive goal, with the club needing to part ways with him this summer.

Ultimately, it's an unfortunate end to his Toffees career, especially given his awful luck with injuries, but unfortunately, football is a brutal industry, with the club needing to raise funds to avoid any further PSR breach next season.

Dyche let down by Everton star who had fewer touches than Pickford v Luton

The Toffees’ winning run came to an end at Kenilworth Road.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 4, 2024

Noel Buck has completed a loan move from the New England Revolution to Southampton, the clubs announced on Saturday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Buck completes move to Southampton
• Initial loan through January
• Midfielder currently playing for England's youth teams

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Noel Buck is heading to Southampton on loan from the New England Revolution, the two clubs confirmed on Saturday. have signed the midfielder on a loan deal through January 31, 2025 with an option to purchase. Buck will initially join Southampton's U-21s.

  The teenager has made 57 appearances in all competitions for the Revs since signing a Homegrown Player deal in 2022. Across 45 MLS appearances, he has five goals and three assists.

Advertisement

• Getty/New England Revolution
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Buck has been at the center of an international battle and, so far, England has been winning handily. The midfielder is eligible for both England and the U.S. men's national team, but Buck has opted to play for England thus far. He's featured for England up to the U-20 level and was a part of that squad as recently as June.

  “I feel like [the USMNT hasn't] really given me the time of day to be completely honest,” Buck said in September after arriving at a Revs game wearing an England jersey. “And when I get called to an England camp, you know, it’s an honor for me.

  “Wearing this shirt isn’t a symbol of like, screw the U.S. because it’s not. They just haven’t given me the time of day and I want to have a good time and really learn something there.”

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT WAS SAID

  "Noel is an extremely talented young player who is very deserving of this opportunity to join Southampton and test himself in a new environment," Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said. "It has been gratifying to watch Noel's growth as a player from his start in our Academy through his ascendancy to the first team. We look forward to seeing Noel continue his development during this loan spell in England."

  "Noel joins us with over 50 professional games under his belt with New England Revolution, and representing England at various age groups," Southampton Academy Director Andy Goldie added.

  "That experience, and how he performed on those stages, makes him a really interesting signing for us and the deal provides a great opportunity for us to work closely and learn more about his long term potential over the coming months."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR BUCK?

  Buck could make his debut as soon as Sept. 13, when Southampton's U-21s face West Brom's U-21s in the Premier League Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur central defender Micky van de Ven had a weekend to forget as he went viral for slipping for both of Newcastle's opening two goals on Saturday. The Netherlands international found himself slumped on the deck as Alexander Isak and then Anthony Gordon put the Magpies 2-0 up in quick succession in the Premier League at St. James' Park.

It has been a terrific campaign for the former Wolfsburg star, who has won 61% of his duels and completed 95% of his attempted passes in the division, since his summer move to Spurs, and he will be hoping to move swiftly on from his slip-ups against Newcastle.

At the moment, Ange Postecoglou does not have a natural left-footed centre-back available to rotate van de Ven with, as versatile left-back Ben Davies is his only other option in that position, and that could now be rectified in the summer.

Tottenham's interest in left-footed Serie A monster

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are one of the clubs lining up a deal to sign Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The report claims that the Premier League side are set to provide 'rich competition' for the talented central defender's signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.

A left-footed centre-back, Calafiori has emerged as a transfer target for both Spurs and Italian giants Juventus, who are both seemingly in the market to bolster their respective defensive options.

The outlet adds that the interest from Tottenham has left the Old Lady panicking, due to the finances the English team can put on the table in comparison to Juventus.

It was reported in March that Bologna could demand a fee of €25m (£21m) for their star performer at the back. However, it remains to be seen whether or not that price tag will change by the time the summer transfer window opens for business.

Riccardo Calafiori's impressive season in Bologna

The 21-year-old defender has been a regular fixture at the heart of the Bologna defence, with 26 outings this season, and has showcased his qualities in and out of possession. As you can see in the table below, Calafiori is a ball-playing centre-back who wants to progress his team up the pitch to build attacks out from the back.

Along with his impressive play in possession, the £21m-rated Spurs transfer target has also been a dominant defender with a duel success rate of 62% in the Serie A across 26 appearances this season. Analyst Ben Mattinson once described the 6 foot 2 colossus as an "aerial monster" and claimed that he "dominates" opposition strikers in the air when the ball is played high.

This is backed up by his fantastic aerial duel success rate of 74%, which is higher than van de Ven's 52% and Cristian Romero's 68% in the Premier League this term.

Levy could now land "all-action" rising star in £30m summer deal for Spurs

The Lilywhites target has seen his value drop ahead of the summer transfer window.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 15, 2024

Tottenham's interest in his services has already left Juventus panicking and it is now down to Daniel Levy to get a deal over the line for the impressive performer this summer to bolster Postecoglou's options on the left side of his defence.

Arsenal appear to be eyeing up a move for a free agent, with the Gunners already having him at London Colney.

Arsenal transfer rumours

Mikel Arteta’s side have been in fine form in the Premier League in 2024, with the Gunners looking to pip both Liverpool and Manchester City to the title.

However, away from the pitch, sporting director Edu Gaspar already appears to be planning for the summer.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of players in recent months, including some high-profile names such as Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

However, the Gunners also appear to have their eyes on some young talent, looking to the future, with AC Milan starlet Franceso Camarda, Brazilian talent Douglas Mendes and Georgian teenager Vakhtang Salia all on the Emirates radar.

Another gem has now been linked with a move to north London, one who has already trained with Arsenal.

Free agent trains with Arsenal

According to reports from Denmark, relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal have recently had highly-rated goalkeeper Lucas Martin Nygaard training with them.

The 17-year-old has been without a club since leaving FC Nordsjaelland earlier this year and has also trained with Paris Saint-Germain. The report claims that the two sides have brought him to their bases to take a good look and decide on any offer.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal boss Arteta absolutely loves £60m midfielder

The Spaniard is a really big admirer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 6, 2024

No concrete offer has been made as of yet, but it looks as if Arsenal have their eye on Martin, who Denmark U18 manager Lasse Stensgaard recently called a “real winner”.

“He’s a real winner and he will do everything he can to win. He trains insanely well and gives it his all on the pitch, and that also means that he takes the lead in that part when we play the games. He sets a standard that we are here because we have to win and not just play the game.

“In the last couple of years, he has improved his saves so that he’s also a decisive player and can take some balls, so he’s not just primarily good with his feet, but also good at what is actually in the job description.”

A move to north London could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks or months, especially with Martin already visiting London Colney.

The Blues went down 2-0 at Stamford Bridge as they barely laid a glove on the defending champions following another tumultuous summer

Back in the summer of 2021, Chelsea beat Manchester City in the Champions League final. The Blues were back moving in the right direction as a team packed with homegrown stars won the club's second European Cup. City, on the other hand, were still waiting for their first taste of continental glory after another Pep Guardiola over-think in Porto.

Fast-forward just over three years, and the two teams couldn't be further apart after hurtling in opposite directions almost ever since. City have gone on to become an unstoppable force in the Premier League while getting over the line in Europe in 2023, while Chelsea have become the laughing stock of English football after a change in ownership that brought with it the biggest spending spree the world has ever seen, coupled with a cull of the Blues' beloved academy graduates to make room on the wage bill for countless big-money flops.

It was against that backdrop that Chelsea hosted City on Sunday in their opening game of the new campaign, and to no one's surprise, Guardiola's defending champions ran out easy winners as Enzo Maresca was left to pick over the bones of a disappointing 2-0 defeat following his debut in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic cruised City to victory over a team they failed to beat last season, while drama surrounding the future of Raheem Sterling overshadowed Maresca's big day as his new boss Todd Boehly watched on from the stands at what was a muted stadium given the occasion.

Quite where Chelsea go from here is anyone's guess. The only certainty anyone was able to take away with them was that City will yet again take some beating.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Stamford Bridge…

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Pep Guardiola

  If there was a time to play City this season, it was the opening weekend. Four of the champions' biggest stars – Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones – were not in the XI at Stamford Bridge following their Euros heroics in reaching the final, and thus Guardiola was all but forced into the line up he selected.

  Despite that, his team barely had to get out of second gear all game as they eased to victory. Aside from initially having Jeremy Doku and Premier League debutant Savinho on the 'wrong' wings for the opening 15 minutes, Guardiola set his team up perfectly and clearly his squad doesn't lack for motivation despite all their success.

  If this is what City can do without some of their best players and with others still in pre-season mode following their own summer tournament travails, then imagine what they will be capable of once they get into a proper rhythm… The rest of the title-challengers will not have enjoyed what they saw in west London.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  LOSER: Enzo Maresca

  Given Maresca's previous life working under Guardiola, few managers will have been better prepared for their first meeting with City than the Italian. You wouldn't, however, have known it from the insipid display Chelsea served up on Maresca's competitive debut.

  Despite having an excited home crowd to entertain on the opening day, the Blues barely threatened, with Nicolas Jackson's propensity to drift offside ruining their best opportunities to cause the visitors problems in the first half. Maresca's side improved slightly after the break, but by the end they were chasing shadows as City toyed with them.

  Maresca has walked into an unenviable situation given the dysfunction that has enveloped Chelsea over the past two-and-a-half years, and though this wasn't the calamity of some of the Blues' pre-season showings, it did not inspire much confidence, either. Easier games are on the horizon, but the lack of atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge for much of the game told a story of a team that lacked any kind of fluidity.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Erling Haaland

  This was Haaland's 100th appearance for City and marked the start of his third season with the club. Unfortunately for everyone else in the Premier League, he once again looks in the mood to dominate the goal-scoring charts.

  This was a typical Haaland display; though he wasn't too involved in general play, he proved a nuisance for the opposition centre-backs, and when the time came, he provided a combination of power and precision to put the ball in the net.

  The Norwegian's goal – his 91st in a City shirt – was a thing of beauty, and one the man himself deemed "perfect" after he finally got his revenge on Robert Sanchez for a save the Chelsea goalkeeper made from him last season. The Spanish shot-stopper did keep Haaland from making it three opening-weekend braces in succession, but the two-time Golden Boot winner knows there will be more opportunities to add to his tally, starting with Ipswich at the Etihad next week.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Enzo Fernandez

  Chelsea had a lot of players who underperformed in this game. Jackson was culpable on more than one occasion, Christopher Nkunku failed to back up a promising pre-season and Sanchez looked shaky with the ball at his feet before hopelessly flapping at Kovacic's shot as it nestled in the goal. But perhaps the most disappointing display came from Enzo Fernandez.

  Despite the off-field issues that plagued his pre-season, Fernandez was handed the captain's armband in Reece James' absence, but lead from the front he did not. His first touch was off, he pressed as an individual rather than as part of any team-wide structure, and he spent as much time remonstrating with others as he did making a positive impact on the game.

  The Argentina international will perhaps feel he should have had two penalties in the first half, but on both occasions he was guilty of throwing himself to the ground after losing possession inside the penalty area. Chelsea fans have been calling on the £107 million man to stand up on a consistent basis as he enters his second full season in west London, so this was not a good early sign of any improvements being made.