Fans convinced Manuel Akanji picked his Instagram photos 'very carefully' after Man City's win over Chelsea

Fans are convinced that Manuel Akanji 'very carefully' picked the photos he uploaded to Instagram following Manchester City's win against Chelsea.

Man City kicked off their latest Premier League title defence in the perfect way on Sunday by beating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Pep Guardiola's side are looking to win an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title, and will take encouragement from beating a side that took four points off them last season.

City are notorious slow starters when it comes to the first month of a new season, but Erling Haaland gave them an early lead when he dinked a cute finish over Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea threatened more in the second half and City had to dig deep, before Mateo Kovacic sealed the win with a superb solo effort five minutes from full-time.

Manuel Akanji began his third season at City by starting in central defence alongside Ruben Dias, and the Switzerland international put in a typically solid display.

As is customary among footballers these days, after the game Akanji shared some photos of himself in action with his Instagram followers, although fans noticed something about his choice of images.

Two of the three photos the 29-year-old uploaded showed him brushing off Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, and some fans think he was making a point.

Akanji shared a photo of him battling with Fernandez [@manuelobafemiakanji]

Fernandez was the centre of controversy earlier this summer when he was filmed leading some of his Argentina teammates in a racist chant following their Copa America final victory against Uruguay.

The chant made reference to the backgrounds of French players, some of whom were born in African countries but represent the France national team.

Fernandez was criticised by several Premier League players including his Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana. The Argentine apologised to his black teammates when he reported for pre-season training.

City's Akanji was born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and Nigerian father.

On X, one fan suggested that "Manuel Akanji picked his IG photos very carefully."

Another commented: "Enzo getting bullied there!" while a third fan said: "Bro is taking enzo to Manchester inside his pocket."

A fan of a different club admitted: "I hate Manchester City but any picture that shows Enzo being put on his a*** gets my seal of approval."