There were very few positives for Chelsea to take from their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, however Blues fans were wowed by the performance of one player.
Things got off to a nightmare start when Robert Sanchez was sent off just four minutes into the game, with the Blues seeing their chances of snapping a 12-year winless run at Old Trafford disappear.
Enzo Maresca made a number of substitutions in reaction to the red card, including replacing Cole Palmer, who was struggling with an injury.
Those who remained on the pitch struggled to drag their side back into the game, despite Casemiro’s own red card and Trevoh Chalobah’s late goal.
Chelsea fans wowed by Reece James despite defeat to Man United
The goal came from a pinpoint cross from Reece James, who was starting to look like his old self as he picked up very attacking positions down the right.
Chelsea fans took to social media to praise James after the game, with many hoping that this could be the start of him changing position slightly going forwards.
One user said: “A fit and healthy Reece James is the best right-back in world football.”
Another added: “Reece James proved to me today he was still ridiculous at football I got my win I don’t know about y’all.”
A third stated: “So frustrating. No idea what is up with Old Trafford but every time we go there it goes wrong. Reece James you are unreal.”
Another user claimed: “Reece James is showing Maresca that maybe he needs to be used as a real RB again…”
Finally, one user said: “Reece James without injuries would be the greatest right back to ever play the game.”
James getting back to his best at Chelsea
The England international had started just one game before this one in the Premier League for Chelsea, however his recent performances for England saw him feature back in the right-back position.
Maresca has made it clear he sees the club captain featuring in a more central role, but it could be time for him to move back out wide.
Micah Richards praised James recently for looking back close to his best, and if he is over his injury woes it could be a real positive for the Blues.
James has been regularly fit since January, and is now looking back to being a regular in the Chelsea side.
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