The Enzo Maresca era at Stamford Bridge was always going to get off to a tough start when taking into account their first opponents.
Chelsea were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City in a match where they offered very little threat on goal.
Perhaps the biggest positive for the Blues is the fact a number of players who have had their recent months and years tarnished by injuries were able to compete at a top level again.
Wesley Fofana laid down a marker at the back, while Romeo Lavia impressed Chelsea fans with his performance in midfield too.
Something that was notable about the Chelsea team which performed yesterday was again how young they were, with the average age coming right down without the likes of Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling involved.
Chelsea nearly break record for youngest opening day starting XI
In fact, Chelsea were close to breaking a Premier League record with just how young their starting XI was.
According to OptaJoe, the Blues named the second youngest starting side in the history of the competition, only beaten by their opponents 16 years ago.
Sterling’s omission from the matchday squad all together raised some eyebrows before the game, and his reaction also was interesting to see.
Raheem Sterling’s camp put out statement
Sterling’s camp put out a statement an hour before the game to state they were seeking clarity over his position in the squad.
Jamie Carragher is one pundit who criticised this action, and it now looks as if it will be difficult for the experienced star to make his way back into Maresca’s plans at Stamford Bridge.
As for other wide options, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke were all named on the bench for yesterday’s game, with the latter two not getting on at all.
Neto meanwhile left Chelsea fans saying he should be starting the next game, with the next Premier League fixture bringing him an early return to former club Wolves.
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