Chelsea captain Reece James challenges Man City's Omar Marmoush (Image: Getty)
Chelsea were left to rue a glaring error from Robert Sanchez in their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
An error from debutant Abdukodir Khusanov allowed Noni Madueke to score into an open net within three minutes. But the champions fought back valiantly and another new signing, Omar Marmoush, was denied a goal by an offside flag.
City were not behind for long as Matheus Nunes' strike ricocheted into the path of Josko Gvardiol and the Croatian headed home.
The hosts took control of the match when Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored in the second half to give Pep Guardiola's men all three points.
Express Sport analyzes Chelsea players' ratings after their disappointing collapse at the Etihad Stadium.
Robert Sanchez 2
Khusanov played the role of the pantomime villain, but the Chelsea goalkeeper had other ideas. He didn't improve after missing an early effort from Gundogan, making the foolish decision to come off his line and Haaland punished him. Maresca's trust in him seems misguided at best and stubborn at worst.
Reece James 5
If he wants to become captain, he needs to play with more fire in his belly. There was nothing wrong with his display, but little to shout about either. He has 73 minutes under his belt, which is encouraging.
Trevoh Chalobah 4
A man-of-the-match performance last time out offered promising signs for the centre-back. And while he was exposed in the equalizer, he kept Erling Haaland quiet in the first half. However, he did not cover himself in glory for the second or third goal.
Levi Colwill 4
Booked for time wasting after 24 minutes, which could be a new record. The defender's return to the side was far from comfortable as Marmoush ran him ragged, and Foden's goal came from poor defending on his part.
Robert Sanchez was way off his line for Erling Haaland's goal (Image: Getty)
Marc Cucurella 5
Caught by Nunes' run to trigger the offside trap and generally didn't look comfortable on the ball. The Spaniard wasted a brilliant opportunity at the start of the second half.
Moses Caicedo 5
He struggled for control in midfield as City enjoyed complete control, but never stopped running. Made a number of fouls in the middle. Reserve.
Enzo Fernández 5
Returning to the team after illness, the Argentine didn't look 100 percent and was half a meter off the pace. However, his through balls caused City problems, especially in the second half.
Cole Palmer6
Eager to impress against his former club, the playmaker had a glorious opportunity to put Chelsea 2-0 ahead. However, his square pass to Jackson was slightly overshot and the chance proved begging.
Noni Madueke gave Chelsea the lead after three minutes. (Image: Getty)
Noni Madueke 6
He scored the opener after Jackson seized on Khusanov's error but neglected his defensive duties for City's equalizer. Has been a threat with Gvardiol so far on the pitch.
Jadon Sancho 5
He spent most of the first half on the periphery of the match, except for when he missed a golden opportunity to double his lead after a Khusanov block.
Nicolas Jackson5
His assist for the first game shows his alertness off the ball. Thereupon, the Senegalese's confidence evaporated, as evidenced by his reluctance to shoot. Now seven league matches without a goal and hanging on the clock.
Substitutes
Christophe Nkunku (at 61') 5
The Frenchman appears to be shaking things up as speculation continues over his future.
Pedro Neto (at 73') 5
After a disappointing few games, the Portuguese seemed eager to face his man, but failed to make much of an impact.
Malo Gusto (at 73') 5
Left waiting for City's third goal.
Unused: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Dewsbury-Hall, Acheampong, Guiu.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2005437/Chelsea-player-ratings-Man-City-Sanchez