Patrick Rees
Full Time: Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
With Liverpool winning 4-1 against West Ham United yesterday, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United needed a positive result against Chelsea to get back to the second place on the Premier League log. Goals from Romelu Lukau and Jesse Lingard made sure that we got back to where we were a couple of days back.
With the victory, Manchester United have extended their lead to 6 points over 5th-placed Chelsea, while they are just 2 points clear of the third-placed Liverpool and 4 points ahead of the fourth-placed Tottenham.
Jose Mourinho’s men had a nervy start to the fixture and almost conceded an opener early in the game but Alvaro Morata’s attempt, right in front of goal, hit the frame and the chance went begging. Morata’s miss was soon forgotten as Willian gave Chelsea a well-deserved lead soon after the half-an-hour mark with a vicious finish.
The Brazilian’s strike was cancelled out by Romelu Lukaku soon before the break and the goal means he has now scored his first goal against a top-8 club this season, also his first against Chelsea in the league. As the game approached its final 15 minutes, United doubled their advantage when Lukaku’s cross from the right-hand channel was headed home by second-half substitute Jesse Lingard.
It was a brilliant feat to achieve, as we have lost just one of our last 35 home league matches against the defending top-flight champions (W20 D14). Having said that, here we look at how each player fared on the afternoon.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David De Gea: 5/10
Well, he is human after all. Willian’s goal was perfectly worked and agreed that United’s defence was at fault for it, but being subdued at the near post is so not De Gea. This wasn’t it for the Spaniard. There were a couple of occasions in the second period where the ball could easily have crossed the goal line. An utterly nervous performance from one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Antonio Valencia: 5.5/10
The skipper had an OK performance, to say the least. The Ecuadorian is simply one of the quickest players in the Premier League but his crossing has been a liability for the club. Got forward on a number of occasions and even defended pretty well but his final ball was always lacking. It was his cross that lead to Chelsea scoring the opening goal. Valencia, however, covered for De Gea at one point after the Spaniard failed to retain the ball.
Chris Smalling: 6/10
Smalling made some important interventions and rescued Victor Lindelof from a major scar by denying Pedro right in the area. Many would blame his positioning for Willian’s goal but let’s be practical. It was not his fault, as the entire backline was beaten by Eden Hazard’s explicit through ball.
Also, he was given the task of marking Morata and failed poorly in dealing with Marcos Alonso’s cross early in the game. But his mistake was overshadowed by the fact the Spaniard struck the post.
Victor Lindelof: 5/10
The Sweden international has been extremely inconsistent this season. At times, he has shown the moments of absolute brilliance, while sometimes, he has acted immaturely. Against Chelsea as well, he failed to catch up with the pace and almost gifted them the equaliser. He, however, was saved by Chris Smalling.
Ashley Young: 5.5/10
Ashley Young was troubled by Victor Moses on a number of occasions. Went head to head with Eden Hazard which gave Willian all the space in the world to go through on goal. Tried complementing Sanchez and Martial at times but failed to find enough space for launching a move. A similar showing to what he did at Wembley against Tottenham.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
Made some nervy tackles early in the game but grew perfectly as the fixture wore on. Stood firm as a wall, especially in the second period, and easily countered the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian. Despite not having the pace to match these two speedsters, his ability to read the moves allowed him to come out on top. Had one notable nervy moment when he gave away the ball in a promising position but the Blues failed to make the most of it.
Scott McTominay: 6.5/10
It was a big game for the local lad and was assigned a bigger responsibility; the task of marking Eden Hazard throughout the game. Hazard, known for his sheer pace and extreme footballing genius, was kept quiet by Ander Herrera the last time Chelsea visited Old Trafford. But with the Spaniard injured, McTominay was given the nod.
Did his job decently, but took a step wrong and this is when his side struggled. With Ashley Young taking on Eden Hazard (in the build up for the first goal), Willian made a clever run through the centre which McTominay failed to anticipate. The Brazilian was put through on goal and bang! The harm was done.
Would have rated him more if not for that one mistake.
Paul Pogba: 6/10
Although Pogba performed decently, there were signs that something is wrong with him. His movement, both on and off the ball was perfect and even got the better of N’Golo Kante on a number of occasions. He, however, was outpowered, which also includes Chelsea’s opener, where it was Victor Moses of all people who got the better of Pogba, that too in the air.
Anthony Martial: 5.5/10
Martial was given the first team nod ahead of Marcus Rashford but the Frenchman failed in his little audition. His only highlight of the game remains his assist for Romelu Lukaku. Was taken off for Jesse Lingard soon after the hour’s mark.
Romelu Lukaku: 8/10
A goal and an assist; what more do you want from a striker. A lot was said and done about Romelu Lukaku prior to the fixture and for all good reasons, to say the least, as his form against the top six clubs has been utterly disappointing.
The Belgian, however, ended the hoodoo with a composed finish in the first-half which, ironically, was his first ever league goal against Chelsea. Also played his role in United’s second as it was his ball which Jesse Lingard connected with, in the second half.
Alexis Sanchez: 6.5/10
A rather quiet performance from the Chilean, to say the least. Sanchez dropped deep at times and worked tirelessly to get a positive result. Came close to opening the scoring but his decision to take a second touch let him down. The 29-year-old, however, played his bit part in Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser. Was eventually sacrificed for Eric Bailly after United’s second goal.
Subs:
Jesse Lingard: 7.5/10
Made an immediate impact soon after his arrival and United looked sharper with him in the side. Thrown on in place of Anthony Martial, the England international scored the winner and helped his side win all three points.
Eric Bailly: N/A
Came on to replace Alexis Sanchez late in the game.
