Liverpool down Chelsea in the Premier League season

LONDON: Two goals from Sadio Mane just after half-time eased champions Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over 10-man Chelsea in the Premier League season's first heavyweight clash, at Stamford Bridge, on Sunday.

A dull game never threatened to live up to the eight-goal thriller when the side's met in July, and it proved all-too-easy for Liverpool to lay down the season's first big marker although Chelsea were architects of their own downfall.

Chelsea managed only one goal attempt in the first half but were solid enough until Danish defender Andreas Christensen was sent off shortly before the interval for hauling down Mane.

Mane headed Liverpool in front five minutes after the interval and four minutes later took advantage of a dreadful error by Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as the hosts crumbled.

Liverpool gave new midfield signing Thiago Alcantara a debut off the bench but the Spaniard's first impact was to offer Chelsea a lifeline by fouling Timo Werner to concede a penalty with a little under 20 minutes remaining.

But Jorginho's effort was saved by the otherwise redundant Alisson Becker to spare Liverpool any late tension.

Liverpool have won both their opening games while Chelsea have three points.

Leicester City came from behind to secure a 4-2 home win over Burnley on Sunday which was also a milestone 100th Premier League victory for their manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Foxes top the table, leading a group of five teams on a maximum six points from two games, with a superior goal difference after their opening 3-0 success at promoted West Bromwich Albion. Agencies

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