Sergio Aguero found a way past an inspired Asmir Begovic as Manchester City secured a slender 1-0 half-time lead over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.
With Thibaut Courtois serving out a one-match ban, all eyes were on Begovic as the ex-Stoke City goalkeeper was handed his first start in a Chelsea shirt.
Less than 60 seconds elapsed before he was given something to do, as fit-again Aguero latched on to David Silva's through ball, but Begovic pulled off a smart save to deny the Argentine.
Manuel Pellegrini vowed to attack the Premier League champions, and the Chilean made good on his word as the hosts began laying siege to Chelsea.
Begovic - one of two keepers to earn a clean sheet at Eastlands last term - pulled off two more big saves on 17 minutes to keep out Aguero in what shaped up to be an intriguing personal duel.
Given an extended summer break after helping Argentina to the Copa America final, Aguero displayed further sign of rust by poking wide of the mark, but it proved a sign of things to come.
On 32 minutes, the Sky Blues yielded tangible reward for their dominance when the diminutive striker combined with Yaya Toure before slotting beyond Begovic.
Ramires dragged his effort harmlessly wide of goal in the closing stages, before Eliaquim Mangala could, and perhaps should, have doubled the lead when his close-range header flew past the post.
Shane Callaghan
