Ruthless Man United inflict 4-0 thrashing on Chelsea
Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling's improving physicality and finesse can help him excel as a central striker when he is deployed in the role, manager Pep Guardiola has said.
England international Sterling scored a superb hat-trick as the champions kicked off their Premier League defence with a convincing 5-0 victory at West Ham United.
Guardiola said that Sterling, who began the contest on the left of their attacking trident after record goalscorer Sergio Aguero dropped to the bench, had the versatility to perform in any position across the forward
Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United made the perfect start to their Premier League season by inflicting a 4-0 defeat on Frank Lampard in his first match in charge of Chelsea on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were in need of a fast start to the campaign to erase memories of a terrible end to last season and got it, as Rashford’s early penalty and three goals in 16 second-half minutes from Anthony Martial, Rashford and debutant Daniel James had Old Trafford in raptures.
Harry Maguire and Aaron WanBissaka also impressed at the back on their debuts after United spent £130 million ($156 million) on the pair over the summer to shore up a defence that conceded 54 Premier
line.
"Since we started this season in China and the Community Shield he's scored one goal minimum every game," Spaniard Guardiola told City's website.
"On the first day he played as a striker and for me striker will be an incredible position for him. He can play in three positions up front.
"They're incredibly talented players but they need the group .... When the team takes a step forward he plays better. But I know the special quality of the player, the consistent physicality and the finishing." League goals last season.
However, questions will be asked of Chelsea’s decision to let experienced defender David Luiz leave to join Arsenal earlier this week as the Blues struggled to contain the United counter-attacks despite dominating long spells.
Lampard’s first team selection was a bold one as he put his faith in youth with Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount handed starts, while £60 million signing Christian Pulisic was made to wait for his Premier League debut on the bench.
And Chelsea started the better as Abraham smashed a shot from the edge of the box off the post.
However, the heart of the Chelsea defence always looked fragile.