In a clash that has had massive implications on the league table itself, Premier League high-flyers Chelsea fell to their ninth league defeat of the campaign, after losing 2-0 at home to Manchester United. The Blues had a couple of decent chances in the early knockings of the game but were unable to take advantage of the opportunities. Goals from Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire were the difference on the night, while VAR ruled out a couple of Chelsea goals as well.
Chelsea Players Rated In Defeat Vs Manchester United
Willy Caballero – 6
The Argentine isn’t really to blame for either of the United goals, as they were both well-placed headers. Made a couple of decent stops and looked comfortable in possession.
Reece James – 7
Secure in possession and turned away well from danger on a couple of occasions. United ensured that he wasn’t able to deliver any of his usual balls of quality into the box.
Andreas Christensen – 5.5
The Dane looked composed on the ball in the early stages of the game but then took a hard knock to the face from Anthony Martial’s elbow. Failed to track the French striker for the first United goal where he should have arguably contested for the ball better.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
The German was confident in possession and worked hard in keeping some United runners in check over the ninety. Lost sight of the ball on the lead up to the Maguire goal though.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
The Spaniard put in a no-nonsense display down the right flank but didn’t create too much in an attacking sense. Lost Wan-Bissaka ahead of the United opener in the first half.
N’Golo Kante – NA
The Frenchman started the game as one of the Chelsea midfield three but had to be subbed off with what looked like a calf problem. Good news for the fans will be that he walked off the pitch.
Jorginho – 6.5
The Italian rang passes all around the park but was forced to go backwards on far too many occasions in the second half. Lacks the pace and energy required to take hold of such gritty games.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
The Croatian worked hard in the middle of the park and made some good forward surges in the first half. Was monitored well by the United midfielders in the second half, and he in turn struggled.
Willian – 5.5
The Brazilian had a decent pop at goal in the first half but did next to nothing since that point in the tie. Needs to work on his passing as well as movement in the final third of the pitch.
Michy Batshuayi – 4
The Belgian missed three glorious chances to open the scoring in the first half, and struggled to hold the ball up as well. He was nothing more than a spectator in the second half.
Pedro – 5.5
The Spaniard continues to cut a frustrating figure down the flanks for Frank Lampard’s side, as he aimlessly hobbled around the pitch. Some neat touches but no consistency whatsoever.
Substitutes
Mason Mount – 5
The Englishman tried to impart energy but was poor overall. Never really looked like troubling De Gea, apart from a free-kick which almost caught him out.
Kurt Zouma – 6
The Frenchman was extremely unfortunate to have had the goal taken away from him, as it was down to no fault of his own. A good presence in the air and won most headers that went his way.
Olivier Giroud – 7
Despite playing only 20 minutes, the Frenchman was easily the best player on the pitch at the end of the evening. Like his national compatriot, unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet.
