Manchester United hosted Chelsea in their first game of the season at the Old Trafford and emerged victorious comfortably by securing a 4-0 win.
The Blues started the game strongly and looked like the better side. Emerson came close to scoring as he hit the post, but Manchester United got their first goal soon which completely changed the game. Kurt Zouma made a reckless error in the box, and Rashford dispatched the ball from the spot to give the home side a 1-0 lead at half time.
Manchester United sat back and played on the counter in the second half. Martial scored smartly from close range as Pereira delivered a fantastic cross. The next goal came quickly after the second as the aways side were sloppy and Rashford got his brace. Chelsea were definitely in the game until the hour mark, and their first-half performance didn’t reflect in the final scoreline. New boy Daniel James also got in on the act as Pogba set him up after a brilliant run from his own half.
Chelsea managed more shots on goal and target as well, but United were too good on the break. Also, the Blues were naive in their approach in the second half. Here is how Lampard’s men fared.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6
No blame for any of the four goals he conceded. Didn’t have to make many saves as whatever came his way went in.
Andreas Christensen 5
Could have probably gone for the ball when Pereira crossed from the right for United’s second goal but instead he stood his ground. Looked calm in possession.
Kurt Zouma 4
Made a basic error when he brought Rashford down. It was completely unnecessary, and that goal changed the game completely. Improved in the second half but it was too late by then.
Cesar Azpilicueta 3
Played like an inexperienced campaigner as his positioning was way off while defending. Provided a lot of attacking intent in the first half. Played Rashford onside for the third goal and had to be partially blamed even for United’s second.
Emerson Palmieri 6.5
Looked bright while going forward and came close to scoring. Justified his selection over Alonso. Did his defensive duties well and held his own in a sorry overall performance at the back from his team-mates.
Jorginho 6.5
Looked really effective in the first half as he got on the ball and moved it well. Shielded the back four well but was left exposed in the second half as Chelsea pushed for a winner. Took one yellow for the team as he took out Lingard.
Mateo Kovacic 5
Looked calm in possession and can’t be blamed much for Chelsea’s woeful defensive performance. Played in a deep role.
Ross Barkley 5.5
Played on the left, which is probably not his prefered position. Did alright but lacked the pace to go past his man. Took one decent attempt at goal.
Mason Mount 5.5
Showed glimpses of his ability but still needs to improve a bit to thrive at this level. An okayish game for the youngster.
Pedro 3
Ran around like a headless chicken for the most part. Could have released Giroud for a clear cut opportunity but picked the wrong pass. Provides work rate, but not enough quality when he gets on the ball. His poor passing made his side vulnerable on the counter.
Tammy Abraham 6
The game could have been entirely different if he had taken his early chance where he managed to hit the post. Worked hard and was a threat in the first 45. Lost his way in the second half as he wasn’t able to hold up play. However, showed enough evidence that he can be the main striker this season.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic 5
Wasn’t able to get much into the game as Chelsea looked deflated and out in the last half hour.
Olivier Giroud 5
Wasn’t given enough service by his team-mates after he came on.
N’golo Kante 6
Wasn’t fit to play the full 90. Clearly a big miss in the defensive midfield role. Stopped a few threats after he came on.
