3 Premier League defending champions who lost on opening weekend

#2 Chelsea vs Burnley (2017-18 season)

Chelsea v Burnley - Premier League

Chelsea kicked off their Premier League title defense against Burnley. The Clarets secured their place in England’s top flight with a 16th place finish in the 2016-17 season. The Blues had just won their second league title in three seasons but the match turned out to be a chaotic affair.

Gary Cahill was sent off in the 14th minute to reduce the Blues to 10 men. Burnley put in a sizzling first-half performance. They raced to a 3-0 lead thanks to a brace from Sam Vokes and a goal from Stephen Ward.

The Pensioners managed to pull two goals back courtesy of Alvaro Morata and David Luiz. However, they finished the game with nine men after Fabregas was sent off for a second bookable offense. Chelsea failed to score an equalizer and fell to a 3-2 home defeat to the Clarets.

Antonio Conte’s side went on to finish fifth that season, five points behind Liverpool in fourth. That was enough to secure a spot in the following season’s UEFA Europa League. They did finish the season with some silverware though, beating Manchester United 1-0 in the final to win the FA Cup.

#1 Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (2021-22 season)

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - Premier League

Manchester City showcased their class last season, winning the Premier League title by a comfortable 12-point margin over their nearest rivals Manchester United. That win made it two league titles in a row for Pep Guardiola’s men, and their third in four seasons.

The Cityzens also came into this season as favorites to make it two Premier League trophies in a row. A good start was pivotal in their opening game against hosts Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.

Spurs were without their talismanic forward Harry Kane but it proved to be no problem. They secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of a goal from Son Heung-min. City had the lion’s share of possession and more shots on target in the game. But Spurs proved more resolute in defense to earn themselves a winning start to their Premier League campaign.

FULL-TIME | A disappointing afternoon, as Spurs take all three points.⚪️ 1-0 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/DftY6jnG84

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 15, 2021

It was their third straight defeat away to Tottenham and third loss in their last four competitive games in all competitions.

Their next match will be at home to newly-promoted side Norwich City. It'll be an opportunity for the defending champions to bounce back in front of their supporters next weekend.