Champions Chelsea cruise to first win
New England captain John Terry capped off a good week with the opening goal
Also In The News
|
Juan Carlos Ferrero easily overcame fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the Cincinatti Masters. |  |
Sunday, 20, Aug 2006 09:38
Chelsea got the defence of their Premiership title off to a perfect start after a 3-0 win over ten-man Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
John Terry and Frank Lampard added to their goals for England in midweek with first half strikes while Didier Drogba grabbed the third for the Blues.
Italian striker Bernardo Corradi had a nightmare debut for Stuart Pearce's side after receiving a red card for two bookable offences in the second half.
Jose Mourinho handed a Premiership debut to record signing Andriy Shevchenko and started with former City star Shaun-Wright Phillips in midfield due to the Blues' long injury list.
Chelsea, who are unbeaten in 45 League matches at home, took the lead with their first chance of the game after Terry nodded past Nicky Weaver following Arjen Robben's free kick.
Lampard doubled the hosts' lead on 25 minutes after receiving Michael Essien's pass and firing a low shot past Weaver via a deflection off Richard Dunne.
Essien nearly capped off an impressive display with a goal a minute before halftime but his swerving shot was well saved by Weaver.
Corradi then ended City's chances of salvaging a result after two bookings in the space of fifteen minutes.
The former Valencia and Lazio striker upended Paulo Ferreira and was then given his marching orders for a rash foul on Essien.
Essien reacted angrily and pulled Corradi's hair and also received a yellow card.
Drogba then upstaged Shevchenko's debut with a stunning diving header on 78 minutes after an overlapping run and pinpoint cross from Wayne Bridge on the left.
Shevchenko was denied a first Premiership goal in the closing stages after being judged offside when he netted from close range.
Today's result means the Blues begin their campaign with their eighth successive home win and are away at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.