Chelsea vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today
Follow all the fallout from Stamford Bridge
The Champions League trophy and the Super Cup were on display at Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s stroll to victory over Crystal Palace. The silverware glittered in the sun. Thomas Tuchel’s team shone, too. The European champions dispatched Patrick Vieira’s side with the minimum of fuss.
Two first-half goals from Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic meant Chelsea never really had to build up a sweat. Trevoh Chalobah, the academy graduate making his Premier League debut, added a third after the break. It was all too easy.
A long winter lies ahead but the promise of more glory hung in the warm west London air. With Romelu Lukakuwaiting in the wings and options galore in the squad, Tuchel cannot fail to be optimistic. Chelsea were bright, their passing and movement were sharp and they allowed Palace little room to gain a foothold in the game.
Vieira, by contrast, must have felt a shiver. The Frenchman said before the game that his team will need time to adjust. With their 4-4-2 setup and lack of ambition it looked like Roy Hodgson had picked the side. Their lack of ambition and general aimlessness bodes badly for the season. Relive all the action below:
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Head to head record:
The home side have a very good record against Leeds over the last three decades.
In all competitions, the Yorkshire side have only emerged victorious on five occasions. With the last coming in the FA Cup in January 2010.
Leeds’ last win in the Premier League in this fixture came in September 2002, thanks to a header from Harry Kewell.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Man Utd team news now in:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire; Fred, McTominay; Pogba, Fernandes, James; Greenwood.
Leeds starting XI is in:
Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Struijk, Ayling; Koch, Klich; Harrison, Rodrigo, Raphinha; Bamford.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
After a 17 year absence, Leeds returned to the Premier League last season.
The two games between these two sides couldn’t have contrasted more.
The first game ended in a 6-2 win for Man United at Old Trafford.
The second ended in a goalless draw at Elland Road.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Transfers;
Manchester United have strengthened significantly during this summer transfer window, with Jadon Sancho returning to England from Borussia Dortmund in a £75m move.
Rafael Varane has traded in Madrid for Manchester, as the French World Cup winner is closing in on a £35m move.
Leeds, meanwhile, have been somewhat quiet in comparison. Marcelo Bielsa and co. have brought in Junior Firpo from Barcelona for around £13m, in addition to winger Jack Harrison joining from Man City for £11m.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Need something to read before kick off?
Here’s our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney asking the question if the Premier League is as competitive as it sells itself to be.
New Premier League season marks a return to football as it is meant to be
From the return of supporters to hopes of a competitive environment, 2021-22 will bring new storylines, successes and excitement to the English game
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
And here we are, the first Saturday of a brand new Premier League season!
It feels as if Euro 2020 only ended a few weeks ago, and now we are back into the full swing of club football once again.
And what an opening game on this Saturday. A War of the Roses clash at Old Trafford.
Team news will be in shortly.
Manchester United host Leeds
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Manchester United host Leeds in today’s early Premier League kick-off.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are aiming to mount a serious title charge after finishing second to rivals Manchester City last season. The signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane have been a real statement of intent, however, the latter will not be available to make his debut due to minor details that are yet to be finalised in his contract.
United will also have to contend with the absences of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Dean Henderson against a Leeds side who will be full of confidence after finishing last season in ninth place, closing out with four victories in succession.
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