Champions Chealsea Draw at Home Against Swansea

The Blues twice took the lead at Stamford Bridge through
Oscar and an own goal but Bafetimbi Gomis equalised from
the penalty spot after the goalkeeper was
dismissed


 Chelsea were unable to begin their defence of the
Premier League title with a win, losing goalkeeper Thibaut
Courtois to a red card on their way to a 2-2 draw
with Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho's side took the lead when Oscar whipped a
free kick which was intended as a cross beyond Lukasz
Fabianski.
The visitors were soon level through Andre Ayew, who
equalised from close range, but the Blues went back in front
seconds later as Willian's cross deflected in off Federico
Fernandez.
But Swansea equalised again after the interval when
Bafetimbi Gomis converted a penalty, having been brought
down by the onrushing Courtois, who was shown a red card
by referee Michael Oliver.
Gomis had a goal ruled out for offside after his spot kick but
Swansea had to settle for a point - which was the least that
they deserved for an impressive display as Chelsea boss
Mourinho was unable celebrate his agreement of a new
four-year deal with a win.
Begovic is now set to make his first start for Chelsea in a
mouth-watering match against Manchester City on August
16, with Courtois suspended.

Diego Costa was passed fit to lead the Chelsea line despite
concerns over his troublesome hamstring, while Ayew was
the only Swansea new-boy in Garry Monk's XI.
Gomis looked poised to open the scoring after 14 minutes
when he cut inside Gary Cahill after racing onto Jonjo
Shelvey's incisive pass but John Terry denied him with a
crucial last-ditch tackle.
Costa wanted a penalty when he went down under a
challenge from Fernandez but referee Michael Oliver
correctly pointed for a corner as the Swansea defender got a
touch of the ball.
Chelsea looked dangerous going forward and they were in
front after 23 minutes when Oscar's free kick came through
a crowded penalty area and found the far corner of the net.
The champions' lead lasted only six minutes, though, as
Ayew made an immediate impact in English football.
Courtois produced an outstanding save down to his right to
keep out Gomis's downward header but the Ghanaian
showed great composure and skill to drag the ball back
before firing home from close range after his initial follow-
up effort was blocked by Cahill.
Swansea had barely finished celebrating when they fell
behind for a second time and there was a huge slice of luck
for Chelsea, as Willian's attempted cross struck Fernandez
and looped inside the far post.
The visitors again responded well as a Shelvey corner hit the
post early in the second half and they were back on level
terms with a numerical advantage 10 minutes after the
break.
Courtois was given his marching orders after racing out to
upend Gomis as he got on the end of another fine Shelvey
pass and the French striker picked himself to send Begovic
the wrong way from the spot.
Swansea were now dictating the game and Begovic twice
denied Jefferson Montero before Gomis's close-range effort
was ruled out for offside.
Lukasz Fabianski kept out Eden Hazard's effort at his near
post before Radamel Falcao came on as a late substitute but
neither side could come up with a winner, with Chelsea at
least ensuring that no team has ever lost their first game of
a Premier League season as reigning champions.