“I’m quite happy in terms of performance”: Chelsea boss praises players despite defeat Man City

Enzo Maresca lost his first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea as Manchester City beat them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, beginning their latest title defence in style.

Man City’s superior quality and game management ultimately won out in a battle between Pep Guardiola and another coach formerly under his tutelage.

It took just 18 minutes for back-to-back Premier League Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland to open his account for the new season.

Mateo Kovacic doubled the lead with a fine finish late in the second half.

And despite the defeat, Enzo Maresca was pleased with what he had seen from his side, telling Sky Sports: “I think we competed very well for much of the game. We were similar if not better.

“The performance was there but we didn’t take the chances. Probably the big difference was inside the box. I’m quite happy in terms of performance… We don’t like to lose. We just need to continue.”