Chelsea and Swansea split the spoils in four goal thriller

Spirited Swansea City shocked Premier League champions Chelsea, reduced to 10 men, by clinching a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in their first outing of the new season.

The past two encounters between these teams resulted in Chelsea routs, but the Swans more than held their own here, making for an enthralling match up, and a fantastic opening day advert for England’s top tier.

Jose Mourinho’s men were buoyed by Diego Costa’s Blues return, and the bullish striker showed no signs of injury as he volleyed into the side netting and jostled powerfully with Swansea stopper Lukasz Fabianksi in the first few minutes.

It was Costa’s opposite number Bafetimbi Gomis who had the clearest sight of goal first, however, as a lively Jonjo Shelvey split open Chelsea’s defence in the 14th minute to put the French forward through on goal, but his weak shot was cleared easily.

Garry Monk’s men were soon left to rue that chance not taken, as Oscar curled a free-kick into penalty area soon after to give the hosts the lead. The Brazilian’s set piece was missed by both blue and white shirts, with Fabianksi slow to react and Gomis the culprit for poor marking.

The Swans did not seem disheartened by the blow, as electric Ecuadorian attacker Jefferson Montero continued to steal the show and pose problems down the left flank, drawing defenders to him before hitting a dangerous ball into the area.

Gomis’ bullet header was met with equal force by Thibaut Courtois, but fell kindly to Andre Ayew, who followed up his first blocked shot by lashing in a cool and composed finish past the Belgian on his Premier League bow.

In somewhat of a sucker-punch, however, just 90 seconds later, around the 29th minute mark, Willian’s speculative shot-cross deflected off an unlucky Federico Fernandez and past a helpless Fabianski to put the Stamford Bridge side back in front.