Chelsea managed to keep their unbeaten record intact as Ross Barkley scored a very late goal to give the Blues a much-deserved point against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge where the game ended with a lot of drama and two goals apiece. The Blues dominated proceedings in the first half even though they didn’t test David De Gea much. Their passing and movement kept the United team on edge and Mourinho’s men were hardly able to find a foothold in the game. Antonio Rudiger scored from a corner when he gave his marker Paul Pogba the slip to score a thumping header in the first half.
The second half was different as United were more proactive and in the faces of Chelsea players. The Man United players pressed them and played with intensity. The equaliser can be termed as slightly unlucky for Sarri’s men as there was a pinball kind of situation and the ball fell perfectly on Martial’s feet who finished well. David Luiz was sucked in by Mata and that allowed United to score their second goal. This time it was a pure class finish from Martial as he slotted past Kepa. It was Ross Barkley to the rescue at the very end as he made sure that Chelsea’s unbeaten record stayed intact. This is how Sarri’s men fared on the day.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6
Wasn’t called into action in the first half much. Saved well down his right in the second half from a powerful shot from Mata. Couldn’t have done anything for the goals he conceded as Martial had plenty of time and space to pick his spots.
Cesar Azpilicueta 6
Often his forward runs allowed Martial space. However, it was his cross which resulted in the second goal. Had a mixed game overall.
David Luiz 5.5
Looked solid in certain moments but he was the one who allowed Mata to go through for the second goal. Could have scored twice from a header. His last effort hit the crossbar through which Barkley scored as he was following up.
Antonio Rudiger 8
A performance of the highest order from the German whether it was defensively or distribution. Scored a goal from a thumping header.
Marcos Alonso 5
The Spaniard plays a very high risk-reward game as he always loiters high up the pitch. Was out of position for the second goal and as a result, Luiz got dragged. Lacked the final ball while he was up the pitch. A disappointing performance overall.
Ngolo Kante 6
Took a good shot from long range and linked up play well. Nicked the ball here and there. Not too impactful but wasn’t bad in what he did.
Jorginho 6
Controlled the game in the first half but when United pushed on in the second half, he was found wanting. Pogba troubled him when he made his forward runs.
Mateo Kovacic 7
The Croatian was preferred over Barkley and dominated proceedings in the first half with his link-up play and good runs. Was subbed for Barkley later.
Eden Hazard 6
A frustrating game for the Belgian as he was fouled a lot of times. One can say that he went missing in the second half, but United should also be given credit as they took special care of him by knocking him left right and centre.
Willian 6
Put in a good corner through which Rudiger scored. Troubled Shaw on various occasions in the first half. Didn’t have that much impact in the second and was substituted.
Alvaro Morata 5
The Spaniard was a frustrating player to watch if you are a Chelsea fan. Always going down on slight contact and looking for cheap fouls. Had one decent run and attempt in the second half but he cut a sorry figure for the rest of the game. Sarri should stick with Giroud upfront.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley 6
Didn’t have much impact after coming on but credit to him for being in the right place at the right time to score the late equaliser from close range.
Pedro
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Olivier Giroud
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
