By Henry Vinter Chief Football Writer
WEMBLEY STADIUM — The arch of Wembley continues to serve as a triumphant gateway for this relentless Chelsea machine. On a damp afternoon in North London, the Blues didn’t just defeat Manchester City; they reaffirmed a psychological hegemony that has now spanned seven consecutive years in this season-curtain raiser.
The 3-1 scoreline perhaps flattered the champions of Manchester, but it perfectly illustrated the surgical precision with which Chelsea currently operate. This was a display of controlled aggression and technical superiority, orchestrated by a midfield that seems to breathe in unison.
The Breakdown
The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute through José Francisco Landeira. Exploiting a rare lapse in judgment from City’s Brayden Barnett, the world-class Spaniard latched onto the loose ball and dispatched a clinical finish from 23 metres out. It was a goal born of pure instinct, punishing the slightest hesitation.
Chelsea’s lead was doubled shortly after the interval. In the 54th minute, the effervescent Joseph Haigh rose highest just inside the six-yard box to meet a cross with a thumping header. At 2-0, the contest felt decided, the Blues’ grip on the silver handles tightening with every passing minute.
City did find a flicker of hope in the 78th minute when Andy Wilton, operating from the right flank, saw his well-struck effort clip the post on its way into the net. The goal was initially chalked off before a VAR intervention overturned referee Sam Rose’s decision, briefly injecting tension into the proceedings.
The Masterclass
However, any thoughts of a comeback were extinguished by the Player of the Match, Alberto Robles. The 26-year-old German, a £71m acquisition from Wolfsburg in 2055, capped a tireless performance with a beautifully placed shot in the 81st minute.
Robles was the game’s defining heartbeat, covering a staggering 14.2km and completing 60 passes with 81% accuracy. His 12 progressive passes were the scalpel that repeatedly opened up the City defensive block.
New Beginnings
While the result felt familiar, the afternoon offered a glimpse into Chelsea’s evolving depth. Kostas Themistokleous, the local lad who has waited patiently for his moment, made a highly anticipated debut as a 61st-minute substitute. Despite being on the transfer list, the young man played with a point to prove, joined in the debutant ranks by Nahuel Pelayes and José Henrique Arósio.
As the blue confetti settled on the Wembley turf, the message to the Premier Division was clear: the hunger remains undiminished.