Thibaut Courtois was sent off as Chelsea's title defence began in stuttering fashion with Jose Mourinho's side held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge by Swansea City on Saturday (Aug, 8).
Dominant at home last season, the Premier League champions found themselves in the unfamiliar position of having to hang on for a point after twice losing the lead, the second time to a 52nd-minute penalty, converted by Bafetimbi Gomis and conceded by Courtois for a foul that earned the goalkeeper a red card.
Chelsea had taken a 23rd-minute lead through Oscar and restored their advantage with a Federico Fernandez own goal a minute after Andre Ayew had marked his competitive Swansea debut with a goal.
This was certainly not the way Mourinho had hoped to celebrate signing a new four-year contract, particularly in the light of an indifferent pre-season.
At least the Chelsea manager was handed the boost of seeing Diego Costa come through 90 minutes after another hamstring injury.
Chelsea's failure to make more signings in the wake of last season's success has prompted accusations the club risk standing still while their main rivals have strengthened.
Mourinho defended the approach in the build-up to this game, although he admitted he still wants to bring in a left-back to challenge Cesar Azpilicueta following the departure of Filipe Luis.
Initially it appeared to be business as usual on the pitch, with the hosts quickly hitting their stride against a Swansea side anxious to avenge the two heavy defeats they suffered at Chelsea's hands last season.
Garry Monk's side shipped nine goals in those two games, but after finishing eighth last term, the Welsh side are confident of making further progress, particularly following the addition of Ayew from Marseille.
An early header from Gomis flashed across the face of Courtois's goal to confirm the visitors' threat.
The balance of the game shifted, with Swansea dominating and Chelsea forced to hang on until the final whistle brought relief to Mourinho and his players.
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