Chelsea suffer defeat in opener

Chelsea finished with nine men as the defence of their title began with a 3-2 home defeat by Burnley on Saturday.

Chelsea had captain Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas dismissed on a bad day for Antonio Conte’s team.

Two goals from Sam Vokes and another from Stephen Ward had Burnley 3-0 up at halftime.

Chelsea’s club-record signing Alvaro Morata came on just before the hour and the former Real Madrid man soon opened his account and, despite David Luiz pulling another goal back with two minutes left, it was Burnley’s day.

Wayne Rooney marked his return to Everton with a superb header on the stroke of half-time which proved enough for a 1-0 win over Stoke at Goodison Park.

Neighbours Liverpool, however, were denied by a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw at Watford.

The Reds were twice behind before two goals in two minutes after the break from Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah put them 3-2 up.

However, Miguel Britos scrambled home a controversial equaliser as time ticked down.

New boys Huddersfield romped to a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace but another promoted side Brighton went down 2-0 at home to Manchester City.

Brighton looked to be holding on before a Sergio Aguero goal and an own goal from Lewis Dunk secured the points for the visitors.

West Brom beat Bournemouth 1-0 at the Hawthorns with Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi nodding in the winner.

Southampton and Swansea had to settle for a point each after their goalless draw at St Mary’s Stadium.