Efficient, controlled and ruthless enough to win without hitting top speed, this was Manchester City proving that Diet Pep has a long way to go before challenging the full-fat version. Chelsea have taken a huge leap of faith with the appointment of Enzo Maresca, who was plotting how to take Leicester City out of the Championship a year ago, but based on their ineffectiveness in defeat against the champions it is going to be a while before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital see their occasionally baffling project come together.
The gulf in class and experience was vast. At times, as City made the ball do the work, it was like watching a team of dads outmanoeuvre enthusiastic kids who had only met earlier in the day. In truth, Chelsea were never in it after that inevitable moment when Erling Haaland crept away from Levi Colwill, took a clever flick from Bernardo Silva and set City on their way with the first of what will surely be another prosperous season in front of goal.
