Chelsea were embroiled in familiar Premier League high drama as the champions were reduced to 10 men and held 2-2 by Swansea City on Saturday in an entertaining start to the defence of their title at their home fortress.
The new season had earlier kicked off in unique fashion with a 22nd minute own goal by Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Walker giving Manchester United a 1-0 victory in an undistinguished season opener at Old Trafford.
Never before had the competition begun with a player putting the ball into his own net but the day’s late fixture at Stamford Bridge also featured an own goal, plus much, much more.
The rich entertainment included Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois being sent off and the danger of that rarest of events – manager Jose Mourinho losing a home match to inspired opponents.
The games involving the big guns, neither of whom were near their best, bookended a tough afternoon for the unfancied newcomers with Watford pegged back to a 2-2 draw at Everton after twice leading and Norwich City losing 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth, the romantics’ favourites after their extraordinary six-year march from near-bankruptcy to the Premier League, had their fairytale rudely interrupted at a vibrant, emotional Dean Court as Aston Villa defeated them 1-0 in their first-ever match in the top flight in 125 years.
Six minutes after Oscar had put Chelsea ahead with a 23rd minute free kick, Swansea’s new signing Andre Ayew equalised only for the hosts to restore their lead within 92 seconds thanks to a big, looping deflection off luckless defender Federico Fernandez from a Willian cross.
The own goal, which left goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski hopelessly stranded, seemed to have settled Chelsea only for Swansea to roar forward again, with Jefferson Montero in wonderful form, following the break.
A late attacking flurry from Spurs was repelled by the hosts’ new Argentine keeper Sergio Romero.
Romero, replacing David De Gea, dropped because Van Gaal felt his mind would not be on the job amid speculation over his possible transfer to Real Madrid, made three late saves.
Spurs had been firmly in control until Nabil Bentaleb carelessly gave away possession in midfield allowing United to rampage down the right flank.
