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Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City are not starting the season at their best level but that his team behaved like champions as they began their Premier League title defence with a 2-0 win at Chelsea. Guardiola revealed after the match he was not expecting such a good performance given Man City were missing key midfielder Rodri from the squad, while the likes of Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Nathan Ake were on the substitutes' bench after returning late for pre-season following UEFA Euro 2024. Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic earn 2-0 win over Enzo Maresca's Blues at Stamford Bridge "I didn't expect it. We are away from our best so three points is the good news, " Guardiola told Sky Sports. "The bad news is we have 65 games ahead of us! "We have an advantage, it's our ninth season together so we know each other well. Of course there are mistakes you have to improve but we talked, the difference in being champions was our body language, how did we behave? "It's the bad moments in the season and in the games that define the big teams. For me, it is an honour to be in charge of these guys. I'm so fortunate, I could not say more. “If you are the best team in England for 38 games, you are going to defend the crown. We have to behave like we were, a champion team. Especially in the bad moments, I like to see that. " Erling Haaland, the Premier League's top scorer in 2022/23 and 2023/24, scored his first goal of the season in the 2-0 win, and Guardiola says the Norwegian is starting the campaign in good condition. “I had the feeling that he feels better than last season at this stage, ” added Guardiola. "Always he felt tired but with the Euros not being there, he is rested and feels good. “The goal was magnificent. His contribution was defensively and in midfield too. “These are numbers like [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, that controlled everything in the last decade. His numbers are that level. To do that in this country is unbelievable. ” Guardiola did, however, confirm some bad news for Man City, with winger Oscar Bobb set to be unavailable until next year due to a fractured leg sustained in training earlier this week. “Oscar Bobb will probably be out until January, " Guardiola told Via Play. “We will welcome him with open arms when he is back, this win is for him! " Alex Keble explains how Man City tactically outclassed a Chelsea side still adjusting to a new system Pep Guardiola pays Erling Haaland a huge compliment after the striker took his tally to 91 goals in 100 matches for Man City Or enter your details Incorrect email or password You have been entered into the competition. You will receive email confirmation of your entry with further details. You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information. You have been entered into the competition. You will receive email confirmation of your entry with further details.