English champions Chelsea began the defense of their title with an easy 3-0 home victory over 10-man Manchester City in the Premiership on Sunday. Two first-half goals from John Terry and Frank Lampard put Chelsea ahead before Ivorian striker Didier Drogba sealed the victory 12 minutes from time. City new striker Bernardo Corradi was sent-off three minutes past the hour mark for a second bookable offense. The result put Chelsea in third spot of the Premiership table with three points while City lie 19th with no points. In the 11th minute, Terry grabbed the lead for Chelsea after towered to head home Arjen Robben's curling free-kick. England international midfielder Lampard added the second in the 26th minute after he collected Michael Essien's pass on the edge of the area before firing a low shot that took a deflection off Richard Dunne and went into the back of the net. Drogba sealed the victory in the 78th minute after he met Wayne Bridge's inch-perfect cross with a brilliant diving header past City keeper Nicky Weaver.
