Chelsea owner Todd Boehly leaves the pitch early as Manchester City cruise to victory at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly decided he had seen enough after Mateo Kovacic's long-range goal doubled Manchester City's lead at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's champions began their Premier League title defence with a 2-0 win, putting the brakes on the first game of Enzo Maresca's reign.

Erling Haaland used his power and precision to open the scoring after 18 minutes before Mateo Kovacic stung his former club by adding a second goal six minutes from time.

That condemned Maresca to defeat at the start of a tenure that was met with massive scepticism following the controversial sacking of Mauricio Pochettino.

Boehly was present at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea began their second full season under the management of US private equity firm Clearlake Capital.

But cameras spotted the 50-year-old rushing out of his box immediately after Kovacic's goal put the game out of reach for the hosts.

He pushed his way through those sitting next to him without greeting anyone before rushing out the door, presumably to avoid the post-match traffic.

Boehly could perhaps have stayed at Stamford Bridge to work on Chelsea's next deal for the summer transfer window.

The Blues are reportedly in talks with Atletico Madrid for the return of Joao Felix, with a deal that would see Conor Gallagher complete his move to the La Liga giants.

Chelsea have been criticised for their treatment of Gallagher after the academy graduate – one of their best players last season – was exiled from the senior set-up at Cobham.

Boehly has faced intense criticism for his stewardship of Chelsea since completing a £4.25bn takeover in May 2022.

He has been accused of reckless spending after splashing out more than £1bn on new players in just over two years.

Felix's potential arrival has raised eyebrows, given Maresca's bloated attacking ranks saw Raheem Sterling and Romelu Lukaku among the big names left out of the matchday squad against City.

Pedro Neto became Chelsea's 11th signing of the summer after completing his £54million move from Wolves earlier this month.

The Blues have spent £185million since June 14 and now employ more than 50 senior players in an unprecedented situation.

Maresca will be excused for his opening defeat to City, but Chelsea will need to win a Europa Conference League play-off against Swiss club Servette in the next two weeks.

Chelsea travel to Wolves and host Crystal Palace in the Premier League after each game before the September international break.