Chelsea lost their Carabao Cup Round of 16 tie against Manchester United by a disappointing 2-1 margin. Marcos Alonso was penalised for a rather soft challenge on young star Daniel James in the first half, which resulted in the awarding of a penalty. Marcus Rashford sent Willy Caballero the wrong way to opening the scoring for the visitors.
It wasn’t until the second half that Chelsea got their equaliser. A forward pass from the keeper was collected well by Michy Batshuayi, and he brushed Harry Maguire’s challenge off with ease. The forward launched a driven shot into the bottom corner that gave Sergio Romero no chance. Marcus Rashford then scored the goal of the game, when he launched a 30-yard free-kick into the top bins of Caballero’s goal.
Here are the Chelsea Player ratings from their loss against Manchester United.
Willy Caballero – 6
Was helpless with both goals as he was under Marcus Rashford’s mercy on both occasions. Didn’t have too much else to do but stepped up with an assist for Michy Batshuayi’s goal.
Reece James – 6.5
The youngster continues to showcase his quality to the Chelsea fans, and more importantly to Frank Lampard. He played in some neat crosses and could be an excellent long-term right-back option.
Kurt Zouma – 7
Sturdy at the back as usual with some solid no-nonsense defending from the Frenchman. Apart from the two set-plays that Rashford finished, the Englishman was afforded no scraps in the Chelsea third.
Marc Guehi – 6.5
Rather uneventful ninety minutes for the young Chelsea academy graduate. Like the rest of the Chelsea defence, didn’t have too much to deal with in terms of defending, but worked hard moving the ball forward.
Marcos Alonso – 6.5
Although the Spaniard gave away the penalty that Rashford put away, the contact on Daniel James was incredibly soft. He was a consistent out-ball when the Blues were under pressure.
Billy Gilmour – 7
The youngster showed himself in excellent light for the 70 minutes he was on the pitch. Moved the ball well in midfield and ensured that the Blues kept the ball ticking.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
Another good display from the Croatian international, with just a few blemishes here and there. He picked up an unnecessary yellow card in the closing stages of the fixture as well.
Jorginho – 6.5
Wasn’t his usual influential self in midfield tonight but still did a reasonable job of keeping the Chelsea attack moving in the right direction. He attempted some long balls into the box as well.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
The youngster’s finishing and decision making in the final third need to improve before he can become a regular in the Chelsea side. Had the best chance of the game in the second half but failed to take it.
Michy Batshuayi – 8
Although the Belgian international was a spectator for large parts of the tie, he did burst into life for phases during the game. He outmuscled Harry Maguire on the way to scoring a special goal for the Blues as well.
Christian Pulisic – 5.5
His creativity and invention from the weekend seem to have run out as the American struggled on the fringes of the encounter. Was replaced by Pedro at the 70-minute mark.
Substitutes
Mason Mount – 5
Didn’t make any impact whatsoever. Could’ve done better to keep control of the ball after coming on.
Pedro – 5
Gave the ball away a couple of times and offered nothing in terms of attacking creativity.
Tammy Abraham – 5
The Englishman got no supply from the Blues’ fatigued midfield, and could hence, not do much to alter the result on the night.
