Courtois foul earns Chelsea a draw with Swansea

Chelsea will be looking to start their journey to retaining the Premier League title on a high, when they kick-off the season against Swansea City in Saturday’s evening match.

And they were rewarded with a second equaliser when Shelvey’s through ball released Gomis – played onside by Willian – and prompted Courtois’s rash challenge on the striker on the edge of the box.

It was one of Swansea’s best performances under Garry Monk.

Elsewhere the team is as expected with the back five the same as it was for the vast majority of last season.

Chelsea was not the only side that had to rely on an own goal.

However, the visitors’ feelgood factor lasted little more than a minute as Chelsea regained the lead with something of a freak goal.

It was one of very few chances in a scrappy match which Louis van Gaal’s new-look United started with four pre-season signings.

“Even if you are a kit man, a doctor or a secretary on the bench you have to understand the game and you have to understand that you have one player less”.

Mourinho and his captain John Terry were both furious with the decision to send Courtois off, but there could be no arguing against the fact Swansea at least deserved a draw.

Ghana worldwide Ayew also added that he was pleased to score a goal on his Chelsea debut.

Jamie Vardy struck first with a header after 11 minutes and Riyad Mahrez scored in the 18th and from the penalty spot in the 25th.

Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher found the net for Sunderland in the second half, but a smart strike by Albrighton kept Leicester in control.

Oscar broke the deadlock with a free kick from the left which eluded the waiting Chelsea and Swansea players alike before unexpectedly landing in the far corner of the Swansea net.

He said: “When we came here last year we did well for 45 minutes but today we were excellent for 90″.

Leicester City finished the day on top of the table after Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez inspired them to a 4-2 home win over Sunderland at the King Power Stadium in Claudio Ranieri’s first game at the Foxes helm. The hosts started well enough but were unable to cope with Swansea’s increased intensity, leading to desperation on and off the pitch.