Daniel Sturridge was the stand-out performer for Chelsea, who subdued Manchester City after a bright opening

CHELSEA

Petr Cech For all of City’s excellence at times, the Chelsea keeper rarely had a save to make and was left badly exposed by his defenders for the goal he did concede. 6/10

José Bosingwa A real mixed bag. Intelligent covering to deny Agüero a goal but lax for the opener and lucky not to concede a penalty on Silva. 6

Branislav Ivanovic Improved after a hesitant start that, had Balotelli gone down and not scored, could have resulted in a penalty and red card after just two minutes. 7

John Terry Slow to close down Agüero and outmuscled by the Argentinian for Balotelli’s goal, yet responded well in that individual battle and his composure aided Chelsea’s recovery. 7

Ashley Cole His delivery was not up to standard and he had little joy in behind Zabaleta. On the plus side, he defended intelligently against the dangerous Silva. 6

Ramires Struggled to impose himself in the early stages but central to the home team’s vast improvement when he did. Surging runs from central midfield caused constant problems for Yaya Touré. 8

Oriol Romeu His task was aided by Clichy’s red card, though he kept his composure throughout and the supply to Meireles and Ramires was superior to many Chelsea players’. 7

Raul Meireles Great technique to convert Sturridge’s centre and showed good invention, although his booking for a foul on Zabaleta could easily have been his second. 7

Daniel Sturridge Chelsea’s liveliest forward crafted the equaliser out of nothing, won the decisive penalty, was a constant outlet and gave Clichy a torrid evening. 8

Didier Drogba Willing to work the channels and instrumental in Kompany’s awkward evening, though had little opportunity in front of goal. 7

Juan Mata Unable to impose himself on a strong City defence or match Sturridge’s influence on the right, although his contribution improved greatly in the second half. 6

Substitutes Lampard for Meireles, 73; Malouda for Mata, 84; Mikel for Sturridge, 88.

MANCHESTER CITY

Joe Hart Despite the defeat and conceding two goals he, like Cech, did not have the busiest of nights. No chance with either of the Chelsea goals. 6

Pablo Zabaleta Micah Richards’s loss was not as harmful as City may have feared as his replacement dealt well with Mata and Cole while providing good support in attack. 7

Vincent Kompany Lacked his usual composure and command in defence. Distribution was careless at times and flirted with a second yellow card having taken out Drogba in the first half. 6

Joleon Lescott Was playing well in an inconsistent City defence before throwing his arms up and conceding the penalty that produced the league leaders’ first defeat of the season. 6

Gaël Clichy Easily beaten by Sturridge for the Chelsea equaliser and was often second best against the former City striker. Could have no complaints with his dismissal. 5

James Milner As industrious as ever but unable to lend much support to the visiting attack and, like Barry, was on the back foot throughout the second half. 6

Yaya Touré Misplaced his control en route to London, both in terms of his passing and discipline. Started superbly but for some reason lost composure and should have been punished for two swipes at Mata. 5

Gareth Barry Largely anonymous. Started well against Ramires but struggled to contain the influential Chelsea midfelder in the second half. 6

David Silva Operated in a deeper role and his influence was reduced as a result, although should still have earned a penalty when caught by Bosingwa. 7

Sergio Agüero Mirrored the City display as a whole. An irrepressible, strong and slick opening was eventually subdued . He cut a frustrated figure when withdrawn. 7

Mario Balotelli Stays out late but delivered early. Stayed on his feet to score when others would have tumbled under Ivanovic’s tackle and worked tirelessly in attack and defence. 7

Substitutes K Touré for Agüero, 64; De

Nani no longer stands in Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow, Frank Lampard is fading fast and David de Gea is improving rapidly

1 Manchester, the new Milan

Manchester, Mark Radcliffe once said, is “a city that thinks a table is for dancing on” and, in football terms, it is difficult to see anyone else gatecrashing the party. Sir Alex Ferguson’s message before this match was that Chelsea could not be discounted but there was little evidence to suggest André Villas‑Boas’s team can sustain a genuine title challenge to the Manchester clubs. Chelsea looked bright in flashes. They moved the ball well and got behind United’s defence but they also flirted with the idea of going down to the heaviest defeat of the Roman Abramovich era. The season is still in its infancy and nobody from Old Trafford will be presumptuous enough to write them off but, for the team that beat Arsenal 8-2 in their last home match, this could conceivably have been another score more reminiscent of a 1950s match.

2 Nani is his own man

At Old Trafford they still find it perplexing that Nani did not even make it on to the shortlist for last season’s player-of-the-year awards – and the sense of grievance is fully justified. Nani has not always been the crowd’s favourite but since he developed into a serious footballer it is difficult to think of too many wide players around the football planet who possess a greater penetrative edge. Nani complained recently that whenever he is interviewed he is always asked about whether he feels he is still living in the shadow of Ronaldo. The truth is he has become a formidable player in his own right. Here’s a statistic: Nani versus Ronaldo, goals and assists over their first 100 league matches for United – 52 versus 31.

3 Will the old Torres return?

The thing about Fernando Torres is that everyone seems to think it is only a matter of time before the old player comes back, the devastating striker who gave the impression he could score from any angle and once came to Old Trafford and subjected Nemanja Vidic to one of the worst ordeals he has suffered in United’s colours. Torres, to give him his due, reminded us that he can distinguish between the frame of a goal and the door of a barn and when he clipped his shot over David de

Manchester United fancied to win their 20th title, while QPR are strongly tipped to go straight back down

Who will win the Premier League?

Kevin McCarra A well-equipped and fairly settled Manchester United, even if Wesley Sneijder never arrives. However, Manchester City are gradually improving and may still be active in this transfer window.

David Pleat It should be extremely competitive, and though I think Chelsea really have a great chance I’ll go for Manchester United. They have the vibrancy of youth about them, and their strength in depth is impressive – they’ve got six pretty decent wingers.

Richard Williams Manchester United, because they have the squad depth and the group dynamic – and Ferguson will want a 20th title for the club as he celebrates his 25th year in charge and his 70th birthday.

Paul Hayward Manchester United. Villas-Boas will need time at Chelsea, City still face a big leap and Arsenal lack hardened winners. A strong United nucleus supports emerging youth.

David Lacey Manchester United. United may still be in transition but already fresh talent is starting to bud and Alex Ferguson does know how to win championships. Potential rivals still look short.

Paul Wilson Manchester United. If I have said that once I have said it a hundred times, and all of those were before their classy showing in the Community Shield. Apart from the fact that they have all the experience in the world, I just don’t see this being the season for City, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool. Or anyone else, needless to say.

Who will be the first manager to leave his job?

KM – Bookies say Steve Kean or Neil Warnock, but dismissal is a Newcastle speciality, as Alan Pardew will realise. No stability there since Sir Bobby Robson lasted five years (1999-2004).

DP – This is none of my business, really, but I can see three managers who for different reasons might find themselves under pressure. Steve Kean at Blackburn and Arsène Wenger at Arsenal could find themselves the subject of supporter pressure, while there is a chance of conflict at Newcastle destabilising Alan Pardew.

RW – Steve Kean (Blackburn), because far from persuading Kaká, Robinho or Ronaldinho that their destiny is at Ewood Park, the chicken-plucking owners have been selling players, and the Scot is likely to pay the price.

PH – Steve Kean (Blackburn) was a punt by the club’s Indian owners and would be cheap to fire. Venky’s would rush to protect their investment if results were poor.

DL – Neil Warnock (QPR). Rumours about Warnock’s position were rife long before the season started and despite the denials he will need some early wins if he is not to become an early casualty.

PW – I’m not keen on this sort of betting market, but were I forced to place a bet I would probably be looking at Messrs Kean, Warnock, Pardew and McLeish. Kean looks favourite, though Blackburn could continue to behave unpredictably and Villa may be the ones to panic if things should start badly.

Who will be relegated?

KM – It looks particularly tough for newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Wigan, 16th in last two seasons, could be under strain.

DP – I’d go for Blackburn, Wigan and QPR. Many teams are going to struggle, though maybe Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich might move clear. Swansea and Norwich won’t be far away, but I can see them both surviving.

RW – QPR, because not even Neil Warnock’s powers can overcome such footballistically ignorant owners. Newcastle United, for similar reasons. And Norwich City, because sometimes even great owners cannot ensure survival

PH – QPR, Wigan, Swansea. Chaos at Loftus Road will hinder Neil Warnock, Swansea will have to be content with parachute payments and Wigan can’t keep dodging reality. Blackburn will also be down there.

DL – Swansea, Wigan, QPR. Wigan cannot keep escaping and Swansea and QPR look short of the depth needed to sustain a successful campaign to stay up. Norwich may struggle but should be stronger this time.

PW – I’m taking Norwich to stay up and the other two promoted clubs to go down, with Blackburn. I have said that elsewhere, so I’ll have to stick to it, even though I am beginning to wonder if Swansea could be this season’s surprise package/breath of fresh air.

Who will prove the best summer signing?

KM – Ashley Young at £18m from Aston Villa. His pace, versatility and reliable final ball should be ideal for a club with Manchester United’s mentality.

DP – I remember saying six years ago that it was Edwin van der Sar, and I was proved right with that one. In 2010, though he joined in January, I thought Stuart Holden was a great signing for Bolton. This time I’ll go for Phil Jones at United. He might struggle to push his way past the established centre-back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but I’ve got a feeling they might play him in midfield, alongside a creative player – whether it’s Anderson, or perhaps Wesley Sneijder if they sign him. I can see him playing regularly.

RW – Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa). It may not be the easiest of seasons at Villa Park, but the underrated Frenchman has enough talent and drive to provide inspiration for his young colleagues.

PH – Sergio Agüero exudes glamour and will bring more ingenuity to Man City’s attacking play. His skill could inspire the rest of the team. Will combine well with David Silva.

DL – Charlie Adam (Liverpool). Adam made Blackpool watchable last season and the range and subtlety of his passing should restore the sort of quality in midfield which Liverpool have been lacking.

PW – Hard to say at this stage, because the transfer window is still open. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea really have signed the new Didier Drogba, and also to see where all the Liverpool midfielders fit in. For the money, Charlie Adam could be best value of all.

Premier League 2011-12Premier LeagueManchester UnitedManchester CityChelseaArsenalLiverpoolBlackburn RoversWigan AthleticSwansea CityNorwich CityQPRKevin McCarraDavid PleatRichard WilliamsPaul HaywardDavid LaceyPaul Wilsonguardian.co.uk