Swansea equalised when Courtois conceded a penalty and red card, bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis just inside the box, and the striker duly converted.
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Courtois produced an outstanding save down to his right to keep out Gomis’ downward header, but Ayew showed great composure and skill to drag the ball back before firing home from close range after his initial follow-up effort was blocked by Cahill.
South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-yueng of Swansea City injured his hamstring in the club’s Premier League season opener against Chelsea, though his coach expects to have him back in the fold in the next match.
In a hectic spell midway through the first half, Oscar put the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute, Andre Ayew leveled in the 29th and Chelsea’s lead was restored with an own goal by Swansea defender Federico Fernandez.
Begovic is now set to make his first start for Chelsea in a mouth-watering clash with Manchester City next weekend, with Courtois suspended.
Chelsea attempted to exact late pressure with the introduction of Radamel Falcao, but were unable to break down Swansea.
The constant haranguing of referee Michael Oliver and his assistants – there looked very few decisions he got wrong.
Championship playoff winners Norwich felt aggrieved after Crystal Palace carried on where they left off last season under Alan Pardew with goals from Wilfried Zaha and Damien Delaney either side of half time.
“To play 35 minutes with one player less in the first game of the season when our condition and sharpness is not at the top is even more hard so, under the circumstances, I have nothing to say against my players”, he said.
Monk appeared to be unhappy with the fact Gomis was penalised for a challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta and, as the Swansea manager made his point to the fourth official, Oscar caught out the entire visiting defence.
“For 90 minutes we were excellent, we really competed”, said Monk.
“My record at Stamford Bridge is something incredible so I never play for a draw”.
“I can’t be too critical”, said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, whose side won the Championship last season. “It’s just one point and one game, but to do it here should give the players confidence, although everyone knows how badly you can be bitten”.
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On goalkeeper David de Gea, left out amid interest from Real Madrid, Van Gaal added: “He is our best player for the past two seasons, chosen by the fans, so we can’t let him go so easily”.
