The first match of the season for Chelsea and Swansea City was fast-paced and high intensity for all 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea drew Swansea 2-2 at home with goals from Oscar (23') and and own goal from Federico Fernandez (30') for the Blues, and goals from Andre Ayew (29') and Bafetimbi Gomis (55') for Swans.
First Half
The Blues started out strong and put a lot of pressure on Swansea from the start, leading up to a 23rd minute goal from Oscar from a free kick. The Brazilian had a strong game before being replaced in the second half.
In the 29th minute, Ayew equalised after Gomis' effort was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois. Ayew's first shot was also blocked, but he stood and calmly put the ball in the back of the net to make the score 1-1.
Ninety seconds later Willian's attempted cross was deflected widely off of Fernandez into Swansea's goal to put the Blues back on top.
Chelsea had a strong, confident first half marked by excellent performances from Oscar and Diego Costa, who didn't manage to score but played the full 90 minutes and had Swansea's defence sweating at times.
Likewise, Swansea had a strong showing in the first half with Gomis putting pressure on the Blues' back line and Jefferson Montero beating Branislav Ivanovic down the left flank consistently. Eventually, their many chances resulted in a goal for Ayew during his debut for Swansea.
Chelsea's defence was not looking solid Saturday as Ivanovic could not keep up with the speedy Montero and Swans kept up the pressure consistently. On the attack, they were sharp, particularly Costa and goalscorer Oscar.
Second Half
The team as a whole seemed to decline in confidence and ability during the second half as Swansea remained steady, leading up to a 52nd minute red card for Courtois for a foul on Gomis just inside the box.
Gomis had beat the offside trap and taken a touch to control the ball when Courtois took him down with a late challenge at the top of the box. The red card was questioned as Gomis' touch had sent the ball wide instead of toward the goal, and it looked as if Ivanovic would have gotten between Gomis and the goal before he could have gotten a shot off.
Nevertheless, the foul was obvious and Courtois was sent off. Gomis' penalty shot levelled the score at 2-2. After the goal the Blues fell apart, and Swansea looked the better team.
Oscar was taken off to allow Asmir Begovic to come on, a questionable decision as the 23-year-old had been brilliant all game. Begovic played well, stopping several shots that could have seen the Blues leave with no points after the match.
Eden Hazard, Costa, and Willian continued to try to find the back of the net, but with no success. In the 83rd minute, Radamel Falcao came on for Willian but was unable to find a goal in such little time.
Meanwhile, Montero and Gomis were both taken out in the 71st and 79th minute respectively after both having a fantastic game and bringing the heat to last season's Premier League champions.
Press Conference
Jose Mourinho was clearly saddened by the result in the post-match press conference but refused to throw out accusations so early in the season, declining to comment on the referee's performance, including Courtois' red card and a denied penalty appeal for a supposed first-half foul on Costa.
The Portuguese did praise his team for their first half performance and didn't blame them for the draw.
"I think in the first half we played very well. My team was confident and you could see that even when they equalised.
"Penalty, red card, one player less, and 2-2. It obviously changed everything.
"If you try to win you expose yourself more. The good thing for me was very good first half, second half they fought."
The Special One also admitted the draw upset him:
"My record at Stamford Bridge is something incredible. I never play for a draw. Never. If today we lose, we lose.
"At home, a draw at home is only good in certain circumstances. Like last season when we were nearly champions."
What this means for Chelsea
As the intensity of the match rose, the collectedness of the team as a whole seemed to decline, ending in a disappointing draw for the Blues.
Because they only received one point for their first match, they'll be sitting lower on the table than they would have liked and will have to work harder to make it back to the top of the table, where Leicester City currently sit after a 4-2 win against Sunderland.
And with their next match being against Manchester City, taking an early lead will not be easy, especially since their starting goalkeeper will be sidelined.