Swansea 2-2

Independent:

Bafetimbi Gomis converts after Thibaut Courtois red to help Swans earn point against 10-man Blues

Chelsea 2 Swansea City 2
Jack Pitt-Brooke 

 For Jose Mourinho this was far from the perfect start to Chelsea’s title defence, nor the ideal preparation for next Sunday’s trip to Manchester City. His team were outplayed by Swansea City, who held them to a 2‑2 draw which flattered the champions. Thibaut Courtois was sent off, ruling him out of next Sunday’s game, meaning Asmir Begovic will make his first Chelsea start at the Etihad Stadium.

Begovic will be facing a City side who must surely fancy their chances given how Chelsea played here, with – despite their well-earned status – as little authority as they showed against Arsenal in the Community Shield last weekend. The curious lack of midfield reinforcements this summer may have to be addressed before the transfer window closes.
For Swansea City, though, and for neutrals, this was a very enjoyable start to the Premier League season. They played with more courage and ambition than most sides show at this ground. Andre Ayew, Jefferson Montero and Bafe Gomis were all excellent, as Swansea created enough chances to record an unlikely victory. They did not quite manage it, despite playing most of the second half with a one-man advantage. If they play like this every week, though, they will have a good season.
Many Premier League teams will come to Stamford Bridge this year and sit back, cowed by the champions, hoping to escape with minimal damage. That is not the Garry Monk way, though, and he put out a team that was far more ambitious or expansive than many would have chosen. Andre Ayew made his Swansea City debut, wide on the right, supporting Bafe Gomis.
Swansea began assertively and, even before all the fun started, Gomis had two chances to put them ahead. He headed one Jonjo Shelvey corner just wide before racing away from John Terry, only for the Chelsea captain to catch him up just in time.  Oscar's whipped free-kick went all the way into the far corner   New signing Andre Ayew produced a lovely bit of skill to equalise 
Chelsea knew they were in a real game and responded with quick, incisive attacking football of their own, even if their first goal – like their second – owed something to good fortune. Oscar had a free-kick wide on the left, which he whipped low towards goal. Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic tried to touch it but missed. Lukasz Fabianski, anticipating a touch, stayed central as the ball flew into the far corner.
Unperturbed, Swansea continued to play, and found a deserved equaliser from Ayew. When Courtois saved another Gomis header, Ayew got one shot away before collecting the rebound, dragging the ball into a shooting position and scoring.
For all Swansea’s courage, though, they did not have luck on their side, and went in at the break 2-1 down. Willian had the ball on the left and tried to curl in a right-footed cross. The ball hit Federico Fernandez and looped high into the air, over Fabianski and into the far top corner.  Chelsea celebrate after Willian's cross took a huge deflection and went in 
Swansea started the second half as positively as they had started the first. This time, though, they got their reward. Shelvey played another quick through ball to Gomis, who had escaped behind Chelsea’s defence. Courtois ran out to tackle Gomis but could only foul him. Courtois was sent off, Begovic came on, but Gomis sent him the wrong way from the spot.
Equal in goals but one man up, Swansea sensed their chance. Jefferson Montero was making life very difficult for Ivanovic and forced two saves from Begovic, the first from distance, the second from close range. When Gomis converted Taylor’s cross at the far post, only the offside flag stopped Swansea from taking the lead.  Thibaut Courtois was sent off after bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis   Gomis dusted himself off to convert the penalty 
While Swansea continued to push for a winner there was no question of Chelsea settling for a point. Mourinho stuck to an open 4-3-2 system, with Kurt Zouma on in midfield, which even became 4-2-3 for the last six minutes when he introduced Falcao. He fired one shot low at Fabianski, but that was it.

Chelsea: (4-2-3-1) Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas (Zouma, 76), Matic; Willian (Falcao, 84), Oscar (Begovic, 54), Hazard; Costa.
Swansea: (4-2-3-1) Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Shelvey, Ki (Cork, 41); Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero (Routledge, 71); Gomis (Eder, 79).
Referee: Michael Oliver
Man of the match: Ayew (Swansea)
Match rating: 9/10

=================

Observer:

Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois pays penalty as Swansea peg back champions
Chelsea 2 - 2 Swansea

Amy Lawrence at Stamford Bridge

José Mourinho was right. This is the real deal, what people want, what they can’t wait to devour. This was that edge-of-the-seat, don’t-dare-blink, full-pelt competitive heat of football that counts. Every point counts. And here, in quite intense fashion, Chelseadropped two on game one of their title defence.

An engrossing match twisted and turned, with both Chelsea and Swansea taking turns to swing their swords, charge on the offensive and retreat to catch their breath. In a topsy-turvy encounter the home team led twice and the visitors bounced back to equalise. It was all played out with a generous twist of drama. The most extraordinary moment denied Chelsea a winning start when Thibaut Courtois was sent off in a reckless attempt to stop Bafétimbi Gomis from advancing past him. Swansea’s powerhouse attacker maintained his composure to tuck away the penalty and earn Garry Monk’s team a proud result.
Mourinho had suggested his team would have to offer more to defend the title than to win it, and here was proof of the complexity of the challenge. There was a lot to digest. While Mourinho was at great pains to avoid getting tangled up in another conspiracy fandango so early in the season, in the wider analysis Chelsea sent out mixed messages here. At times they were dazzling, displaying the synchronicity and zest that a confident team of winners can ooze. At others they were frayed, as Swansea strutted their own stuff and exhibited a mix of power and panache to unsettle the best of defences. They also bristled with the desire to win even with 10 men.

There was so much to take in packed into the 90 minutes. The opening notes seemed to blend seamlessly from last season’s songbook. Within seconds Eden Hazard – the current Footballer of the Year – was gliding at speed through the Swansea half. Diego Costa, fit enough to reclaim the position he occupies in inimitable fashion, hassled a defender and nudged at the opposition goalkeeper just because he can’t resist it
Oscar crafted the lead midway through the first half. When César Azpilicueta won a free-kick just a fraction outside the corner of the penalty area, the Brazilian delivered with whip and fizz. Both Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic tried to get a nick on the ball, but neither were needed as the ball curled past Lukasz Fabianski.
Swansea, determined to avoid being overwhelmed as they were against Chelsea last season, recovered with character and wit. The sparkling Jefferson Montero stood up a wonderful cross for Gomis, who powered in a header that Courtois reacted to superbly to beat out. André Ayew picked up the rebound and steered in the equaliser, showing neat footwork to carve out space for the shot at the second attempt. The new boy from Marseille was overjoyed.
It was riveting stuff, and back came Chelsea to retrieve the lead within a minute as Willian’s effort spun off Federico Fernández’s foot and looped over the helpless Fabianski. The game was finely poised. Yet despite moments of excellence from Chelsea, Swansea sensed there were goals to be plundered themselves. And when another one came, it was fuelled by high drama.
Chelsea were stunned when Jonjo Shelvey’s delightful chipped pass sent Gomis marauding goalwards. He was met by Courtois, whose attempted tackle caught the Frenchman at thigh level on the edge of the penalty area. The result was a penalty for Swansea and a red card for Courtois. The delay as Asmir Begovic prepared himself to come on and face the spot kick had no ill effect on Gomis. He was coolness personified as he slotted in for 2-2.
Monk felt it was entirely merited. “The message to the team is we can take anyone on,” he said. “I wanted the team to showcase what we can do on the front foot and to come to a place like this, after the goals we conceded last season, we wanted to put that right. It’s just one game, one point, but to come and do it here where we suffered last season should give us confidence.”
Mourinho chose not to talk about the red card other than to suggest it “changed everything”. Despite that, both teams had a whiff of winning the game.

Montero was on a mission to unpick Chelsea at will. Defenders of Ivanovic’s ilk don’t often experience the kind of chasing he endured trying to keep pace with the Ecuadorian’s wizardry.
Even with reduced numbers, Chelsea were able to press and probe, but with wariness of what might befall them at the other end. Could they somehow seize victory from the jaws of difficulty and disappointment? Hazard, who after a bright start had been peripheral by his standards, roused himself to dart into the box and drive an angled shot which hit Fabianski. Hazard began to bewitch Swansea, dominating the momentum almost single-handedly. On came Radamel Falcao to see if he could make the difference.
When the stakes overheated, Ashley Williams took a yellow card for hoiking down the increasingly determined Hazard mid-dribble in stoppage time.
At the end of it all, both teams looked wrung out and exhausted. The fun and games have only just begun.

============================

Telegraph:

Chelsea 2 Swansea City 2
Thibaut Courtois sent off as champions stumble
Matt Law

If this season’s Premier League title race is destined to be the tale of two goalkeepers, then owner Roman Abramovich may well have felt the first pang of remorse during Chelsea’s opening-day draw.
The fear for Chelsea this season is that they will be made to regret Abramovich’s decision to allow Petr Cech to move to rivals Arsenal.
Thibaut Courtois proved last term and again during this game that he is a superb goalkeeper, but now he must stand on his own two feet without the protection of Cech behind him.

It is certainly questionable whether Cech would have risked the kind of challenge that Courtois produced to earn a red card and effectively end Chelsea’s hopes of starting with a victory against Swansea City.
When Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho needed a hero from the substitutes’ bench, there was no Cech to call on as he is now the man Arsenal will rely on for miracles between the posts.

Asmir Begovic is undoubtedly a fine deputy, as he displayed with some good saves, but how the Chelsea fans will long for Cech if Courtois suffers a more difficult second season in England.

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.
The visitors could have easily added to goals from Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis, while there was more than an element of bad luck about Federico’s Fernandez’s own goal.
Swansea manager Garry Monk decided the best form of defence would be to try to attack the Blues, as he named an adventurous line-up that included new signing Ayew, who enjoyed an impressive goalscoring debut.
Monk’s men could and should have been ahead before Chelsea opened the scoring through Oscar.

Gomis rose highest to meet a corner from midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, but his header was directed narrowly wide of the post. The pair combined again in the 15th minute and the Frenchman really should have opened the scoring this time.
Shelvey split the Chelsea defence with a wonderful pass and, although, he looked offside, Gomis was allowed to continue and checked inside Gary Cahill. As the striker hesitated, however, Terry blocked his shot and Cahill recovered to hack the ball clear.

Swansea were almost made to pay the ultimate price for that miss, as Chelsea went straight up the other end and fit-again Diego Costa went down under a challenge from Fernandez as he powered into the area.
Costa and the home dug-out appealed loudly for a penalty, but referee Michael Oliver instead awarded a corner and replays suggested the official was right.
Oliver did, however, give Chelsea a 23rd minute free-kick on the left from which Oscar caught out the entire visiting defence.

Oscar’s set piece was meant for either Cahill or Branislav Ivanovic. Both men failed to connect with the ball, but did enough to put off the Swansea defenders and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianksi, and it curled into the net.
Swansea reacted to the blow superbly and were level just six minutes later. Courtois made an incredible save from a Gomis header and Terry and Cahill both threw their bodies in the way to stop Ayew’s initial follow up. But the forward displayed a cool head to drag the ball back and leave the Chelsea duo on the ground before finding the back of the net.
Monk’s team fully deserved their equaliser, which is why the nature in which Chelsea regained the lead 92 seconds later was doubly cruel. Willian tried to put in a high cross from the left, but the ball deflected off Fernandez and looped past the despairing Fabianski and into the net.
Swansea started the second half in the same positive manner they finished the first and Shelvey caused Mourinho’s defence more problems with a corner that struck the post.
Shelvey was also the architect of the 52nd-minute moment that led to Swansea equalising and Courtois being sent off.
It was Shelvey’s brilliant pass that sent Gomis clear of the Chelsea defence and one-on-one with Courtois, who raced from his line but took out the Swansea man.

Oliver had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and showing Courtois a red card. Mourinho was incensed on the touchline, while Terry’s appeals earned him a yellow card. Replays showed the foul took place right on the edge of the area and Cahill was tracking back to cover.
Begovic was handed his Chelsea debut in the most difficult of circumstances, replacing Oscar, and his first act was to pick the ball out of the net after Gomis had scored the penalty.
Begovic, though, quickly produced a good save from the superb Jefferson Montero, who terrorised Ivanovic, to keep the scores level.
Gomis thought he had netted what would have been the winner shortly afterwards, meeting Neil Taylor’s cross at the back post, but he was rightly flagged offside.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois 6; Ivanovic 5, Cahill 7, Terry 7, Azpilicueta 6; Fabregas 6 (Zouma, 76, 6), Matic 6; Willian 7 (Falcao, 84, 6), Oscar 7 (Begovic, 54, 7), Hazard 6; Costa 6.
Swansea City (4-2-3-1): Fabianksi 7; Naughton 6, Fernandez 6, Williams 7, Taylor 7; Shelvey 8, Ki 6 (Cork, 41, 7); Ayew 7, Sigurdssson 6, Montero 8 (Routledge, 71, 6); Gomis 7 (Eder, 79, 6).

====================

Mail:

Chelsea 2-2 Swansea:
Bafetimbi Gomis nets equaliser for visitors after Thibaut Courtois sending off as Premier League champions are held at Stamford Bridge
Sami Mokbel

If Jose Mourinho needed a reminder of how difficult it will be to retain Chelsea’s title, he got it from this home draw with battling Swansea on Saturday evening.
However, the fact that Garry Monk’s side left Stamford Bridge bitterly disappointed not to have won tells you everything.
To compound Chelsea’s problems, their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, a doubt prior to kick-off after sustaining a muscle strain during the warm-up, will serve a suspension after being sent off.
With just over three weeks left of the transfer window, Mourinho will be contemplating opening Roman Abramovich’s chequebook.
The manager, who refused to comment on the referee, did not blame Courtois for his red card. ‘Penalty, red card, one player less and 2-2. It obviously changed everything,’ he said. ‘If you try to win you expose yourself more.’
Mourinho’s first team of the new season had a familiar feel: both his big summer signings, Radamel Falcao and Asmir Begovic, started on the bench.
There a was debutant for Swansea, though, Monk handing an instant start to his free signing from Marseille, Andre Ayew.

And it was the visitors who carved out the first chance, Bafetimbi Gomis heading wide from Jonjo Shelvey’s corner in the seventh minute.
Chelsea should have fallen behind in the 15th minute as Gomis and Shelvey combined again. This time Shelvey’s beautifully weighted through-ball found Gomis, who escaped from John Terry. But the Frenchman took an eternity to shoot, leaving Terry enough time to make a crucial block.
It was a huge chance, which the expression of frustration on Monk’s face in the dug-out revealed only too clearly.
Seconds later, Swansea fashioned another opening, Courtois parrying Ki Sung-yueng’s fierce drive from the edge of the area.
Chelsea were rattled. But they responded as champions always do.They thought they should have been awarded a 17th-minute penalty when Federico Fernandez brought down Diego Costa. The Spain striker reacted with fury, though replays showed Fernandez getting a slight touch on the ball.
All this was forgotten in the 23rd minute, however, when Oscar’s inswinging free-kick from wide on the left evaded everyone on its way into the far corner, with Lukasz Fabianski rooted to his line.
Chelsea’s lead lasted only six minutes. Courtois leapt to keep out Gomis’s powerful header from a Jefferson Montero cross. Gary Cahill then looked to have saved his team with an instinctive block on the line to deny Ayew’s rebound — but the prostrate Ghana forward made no mistake with his second attempt, getting up to strike the ball wide of Courtois from close range.

This was not in the script for the champions’ homecoming, but Swansea’s joy was short-lived. Just a minute later, Chelsea regained the lead thanks to a huge slice of luck.
Willian, instead of trying to beat Fernandez near the left-hand byline, swung his right foot at the ball and his effort took a wicked deflection off the Argentinian’s leg before looping over Fabianski into goal.
The Brazilian looked too embarrassed to celebrate, not that his manager cared. This was not vintage Chelsea, yet they found themselves in front at half-time.
Swansea were unperturbed, though, as they forced three corners in five minutes after half-time, Courtois denying Shelvey directly from one of these.
The Belgian’s next contribution was less convincing, though, as he saw red in the 52nd minute. Gomis sprung Chelsea’s attempted offside trap to home in on goal, Courtois rushed out to confront him but tripped him up. Contact looked to be on the edge of the box, yet referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and dismissed the goalkeeper.
Begovic replaced Oscar, but his first touch in a Chelsea shirt was to pick the ball out of the net as Gomis coolly slotted home the spot-kick.
This time there was no immediate response from Chelsea as Monk’s men smelt blood. Begovic twice denied rasping shots from Montero, who was having a hugely impressive afternoon.
Chelsea needed some inspiration. Mourinho, who had earlier replaced a subdued Cesc Fabregas with Kurt Zouma, belatedly turned to Falcao.
But Chelsea could not summon the wit to break Swansea down. Where they find inspiration now is a question Mourinho must answer.

================================

Mirror:

Chelsea 2-2 Swansea: 5 things we learned as champions are held following Courtois' red card

By John Cross
 
The Blues stopper saw red six minutes after the break, as Ayew and Gomis' strikes cancelled out Oscar's opener and a Fernandez own goal

Thibaut Courtois was sent off as ten-man Chelsea were left frustrated by Swansea in a cracking encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea keeper Courtois saw red after bringing down Swansea striker Bafe Gomis who then stepped up to fire home the resulting penalty to earn the visitors a point.
Chelsea took a 23rd minute lead when Oscar’s free kick deceived Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski and carried all the way into the the far corner.
Swansea were level after 29 minutes. Jefferson Montero’s cross found Gomis whose header was brilliantly saved by Courtois only for Andre Ayew to show great composure to score at the second attempt.
But Chelsea regained the lead less than a minute later when Willian’s cross took a big deflection off Federico Fernandez and looped over Fabianski.
It was a terrific game which boiled over just after half time. Courtois was sent off for bringing down Gomis, referee Michael Oliver sent off the Chelsea keeper and Mourinho’s men were down to ten men.
Gomis converted the spot kick past Chelsea’s substitute keeper Asmir Begovic who then proceeded to make two outstanding saves from Montero to at least secure a point.

Here's what we learned from Stamford Bridge:
Jose Mourinho hasn’t mellowed towards officials
This game was all about the penalty and sending off. Referee Michael Oliver got the penalty spot on but the red card was more open to debate as Gary Cahill was covering behind.
But don’t tell that to Mourinho. He went to war with officials last season, he’s just as angry this term and we can expect another appearance on Goals on Sunday before the season is out.
Chelsea need a Costa to get going

Wake up and smell the coffee, Jose. While Diego Costa’s long-running hamstring problems continue to hamper him, Chelsea look very short up front.
Costa’s pre-season has been affected by injury, he looked off the pace and even nervous as if his hamstring might ping at any time.
It’s a reflection of Chelsea’s striker options that Mourinho would rather risk a half fit Costa than start with Radamel Falcao or Loic Remy.
Chelsea need more

It’s not just up front. Chelsea’s lack of transfer activity leaves them short elsewhere. They need strengthening in defence and in midfield. And sometimes just a new face can give a squad such a lift.
Jose Mourinho has been bristling with frustration. I think his squad needs strengthening if they are to retain their Premier League title.
Swansea’s new signings
Only one of Swansea’s new signings started the game. And Andre Ayew seized his opportunity and really impressed.
His composure for Swansea’s equaliser, to drag the ball back in a frenetic penalty area, was sheer quality. Looks a terrific addition.
Jefferson Montero is a well kept secret
Hidden gem? Jefferson Montero again impressed for Swansea
Before you start, I’m well aware he’s got a shedload of caps for Ecuador. But I’m not sure how much recognition he gets in the Premier League. It’s almost like he’s gone unnoticed - unless you are the opposing full back.
His lightning pace is a nightmare to play against, he always finds a way to create some space and his crossing often leads to danger. His run and cross led to Swansea’s equaliser and his pace terrorised Branislav Ivanovic.

Player ratings
Chelsea: Courtois 5; Ivanovic 5, Cahill 7, Terry 7, Azpilicueta 6; Matic 6, Fabregas 6 (Zouma, 76); Willian 7 (Falcao, 84), Oscar 6 (Begovic, 54, 7), Hazard 6; Costa 5.
Swansea: Fabianski 7; Naughton 6, Fernandez 6, Williams 6, Taylor 6; Sung-Yeung 5 (Cork, 41, 6), Shelvey 8, Sigurdsson 6, Montero 8 (Routledge, 71, 6), Ayew 7, Gomis 8 (Eder, 79).

===========================

Express:

Chelsea 2 - Swansea 2: Gomis penalty earns Swans a valuable point after Courtois red card
Colin Mafham

His champions were given the fright of their lives by an inspired Swansea whose manager Gary Monk readily admitted had set out to put on a show.They did that alright and left The Special One keeping his mouth shut even though he was probably privately seething.Truth to tell, despite what Mourinho did say, his side were second best yesterday for long periods. And if it hadn't been for Thibault Courtois - who was sent off in the second half for stopping Bafetimbi Gomis in his tracks illegally - he could well have been on the end of the shock of the day.Mourinho professed himself satisfied with his side's first half performance, grudgingly refused to recognise Swansea's impressive contribution, and diplomatically stayed silent over his keeper's sending off.
He said: "Don't expect me to come in after a bad result and analyse the opposition's performance.
"But a draw at home is only acceptable in special circumstances. The players know this is a bad result, but we have a point."
The point here is, though, that Chelsea's two first half goals by Oscar and Willian, both had a touch of good luck about them.
And Courtois's saves up until his departure were crucial as Andre Ayew and the ever so impressive Gomis cancelled them out.
Given the two previous results Mourinho thought he had taken no chances on this one, gambling on Diego Costa with a youthful new haircut and lingering doubts about his dodgy hamstring.

That didn't seem to bother the combative Spaniard who, quite frankly, looked as fit as a fiddle at first. And, oh boy, he needed to be because battling Swansea showed scant respect for the champions before - or, indeed, after - Oscar fired Chelsea in front on 22 minutes.
In fact, with a masterful Jonjo Shelvey pulling the strings in midfield and Gomis proving a handful all afternoon, they frightened the life out of Mourinho and co.
Garry Monk probably wasn't a happy bunny at the way Oscar's modest free kick went unimpeded through the wall past a startled Lukasz Fabianski - especially after Gomis and Ki had both tested Courtois just before that.
And the poor bloke had good reason to wonder if Lady Luck was a Chelsea fan as both Courtois and his replacement Asmir Begovic denied Swansea.
If ever justice was seen to be done it happened six minutes after the break.
Gomis, who had terrorised both John Terry and Gary Cahill for the best part of 50 minutes, got away from them again and Courtois had little option but to stop him in his tracks.
It was an option that saw the keeper sent off and the Frenchman slotted the resultant spot kick in the bottom corner of the net.
Mourinho protested, but on reflection even he will probably admit that was no more than Swansea deserved - even though he wouldn't say so.
Monk replaced man of the match Gomis with his new £5million  striker, Eder, with 10 minutes to go because, he  revealed afterwards, he had run himself into the ground - as did most of his team-mates.
They had put on the show they set out to "showcase the talent we have in the squad" and left with plenty of  people liking what they saw.
Mourinho, who had a go at his medical team in frustration at the end, left knowing that if Swansea are anything to go by the rest of this season is going to be a lot tough than the last one.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ibramovich, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas (Zouma 76),  Matic; Willian (Falcao 83), Oscar (Begovic 52) Hazard; Costa.
Swansea: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki (Cork 41), Sigurdsson; Ayew, Shelvey, Montero (Routledge 71); Gomis (Eder 79)

Man Of The Match: Bafe Gomis. The Swansea striker made one and scored one and was the sort of handful John Terry in particular didn't relish at all.
Referee: Michael Oliver.

==================

Star:

Chelsea 2 Swansea 2: Courtois sees red as champions escape tricky clash with a point
SURELY this was not in the script.


By Tony Stenson
    
Chelsea were supposed to win at a canter, yet in the end held on for dear life with ten men after having their keeper Thibaut Courtois sent off.
Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis terrorised Stamford Bridge last night and showed what is needed to beat the champions.
He got under their skin with pace, muscle and skill and his performance will now be a blueprint for those who want to take down the title-holders.
Bookies lengthened the odds on Chelsea retaining the title after a mish-mash performance that promised much but offered little.
They also had Courtois sent off as they looked rattled by a side that opened last season by beating Manchester United.

He went in the 53rd minute for bringing down Gomis on the edge of the box after being sent clear by a fine pass from Jonjo Shelvey, just eclipsed in the man-of-the-match stakes by Gomis.
Referee Michael Oliver waved aside Chelsea’s claims for offside and awarded a penalty, which angered skipper John Terry.
He went to a linesman and complained, only to be booked. It led to manager Jose Mourinho stalking the touchline in anger when previously he had stayed calm.
Afterwards Mourhinho said: “I don’t want to talk about the penalty.
“Penalty, red card, goal. After that it was difficult.

“We played very well until the second half. I think the first half was high quality. With ten men we fought hard. We played very well in the first half and the game was under control.
“To play 35 minutes with one player less, the first game of the season when the condition is not sharp, it is difficult.”
But in all honesty his side had been outplayed and outfought by Swansea with Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard staying in the shadows.
Manchester United were the last side to retain the title in 2009 and few would bet on Chelsea following in their footsteps if they can not raise their game to a higher level than this.
Swansea were no lambs to the slaughter.

They showed real aggression and skill and could have taken the lead after 15 minutes.
Gomis seized on Shelvey’s long pass, cut inside Gary Cahill and Terry only for Courtois to block the shot and Cesar Azpilicueta to hack the ball away as it rolled towards goal.
Yet the inevitable happened in the 22nd minute.
Gomis fouled Azpilicueta on the edge of Swansea’s box and Oscar swung in a curling free-kick that avoided everyone before nestling in the back of the net.
This was no more than Chelsea deserved at the time. They had played the best football, moved well and seemingly attacked from all angles.

Swansea drew level four minutes later when Jefferson Montero crossed from the left and Courtois did well to keep out a Gomis header only for Andre Ayew to have one shot blocked before stroking in his second attempt.
Singing Welsh voices were dulled a minute later when Willian swung over a cross, only for the ball to deflect off the feet of Federico Fernandez and curl over the despairing Lukasz Fabianski and into the net.
But they did not lie down.
Their fight eventually paid off when Shelvey sent Gomis on a charge which ended with him being brought down by Courtois.

Gomis scored from the spot to level the scores at 2-2 after Chelsea had sent on sub keeper Asmir Begovic at the expense of Oscar.
And stand-in No.1 Begovic made a raft of fine saves as Swansea fed off Chelsea’s frustration.
Swans boss Garry Monk said: “If I’m going to be picky, I’m disappointed not to come away with three points.
“I thought the players were excellent. We wanted to come and attack this first game.”


========================