Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top four were dealt a serious blow after a 2-1 defeat away to Manchester United. The Blues actually took the lead in the fixture, with Willian continuing his excellent form with another goal. Romelu Lukaku netted United’s equaliser as the sides went in level at the break. Antonio Conte’s side failed to control the game in the second half, and the home side took a deserved lead through Jesse Lingard. Despite bringing attacking reinforcements in Pedro, Olivier Giroud, and Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea failed to find a way back into the game, and return to London with no points. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated in the defeat to Manchester United yesterday:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Had little to do in the first half, apart from picking the ball out of the net after Lukaku’s goal. The Belgian made a great save from his compatriot Lukaku, before being able to do nothing about Lingard’s winner.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Had a tough task up against Anthony Martial, but coped well. Did his job defensively against a talented forward, but would be disappointed about conceding twice.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Got a wack in the head in the build-up to Lukaku’s goal, and he was perhaps better off staying down. Lukaku was a handful, and the Dane did his best against the fired-up Belgian.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Strong and powerful in defence, and made a few bursting runs forward. He perhaps should’ve done better for Lingard’s header.
Victor Moses – 6
Enjoyed a lot of time on the ball on the right side, but his crosses often failed to find their targets. But was good defensively, and won the header which eventually lead to the opener.
N’Golo Kante – 6
Typical Kante as usual, broke up the play when he needed to, and made a number of excellent runs forward.
Danny Drinkwater – 7
Did a job in the central of midfield. Quiet and understated, the Englishman’s performance wouldn’t be one that jumped out, but he was impressive at Old Trafford.
Marcos Alonso – 5
Provided a brilliant cross for Morata, whose effort came off the crossbar. Other than that, the Spaniard was rather quiet on this occasion.
Eden Hazard – 6
Provided a great assist for Willian’s goal, but was reluctant to shoot in the United third. He was subbed off for Pedro, in what Conte described as a “tactical decision.”
Alvaro Morata – 5
Hit the crossbar early on, but offered little going forward. Failed to hold the ball up, and was dominated in the air by United defenders. Had a goal perhaps unfairly ruled out for offside.
Willian – 8
Another goal for the Brazilian, who can’t stop scoring at the moment. His powerful finish went through David De Gea, who might’ve done better. Hopefully, Willian can continue this form next weekend.
Substitutes
Pedro – 5
Came on for Hazard, and offered very little going forward.
Olivier Giroud – N/A
The Frenchman should’ve been brought on earlier, as he wasn’t given enough time to make an impact.
Cesc Fabregas – N/A
Like Giroud, should’ve been on the pitch earlier. Couldn’t make an impact.
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