Showdown at the Bridge what was it was called as Antonio Conte’s men hosted a familiar face in Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in the blue part of London. Football’s primary colours clashed in what promised to be a belter of a cup game. The match was even as both teams went after each other tactically deploying a back three but it was advantage Chelsea before the halftime came to a close itself as Herrera saw a harsh red after a second yellow for lunging in at Eden Hazard.
N’golo Kante seems to love Manchester United and his clinical finish beat David De Gea who just took a step in the wrong direction. United maintained their rigidity but Chelsea ensured they held the lead and the match in their grip.
The Best & Worst Chelsea Players Rated In Their FA Cup Win Over Manchester United
1) GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
Made a terrific and an ever so crucial one on one save against Rashford. Hardly had anything else to do except keep the flow ticking from the back.
2) RWB: Victor Moses – 7/10
Won the battle against Young on the right, grew stronger defensively and on offence as the game proceeded. Good overall performance.
3) CB: Caesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
Good reading ability portrayed today. Needs to work on his shooting ability though if he really wants to have a go at things.
4) CB: David Luiz – 6/10
Had to deal with Rashford’s pace throughout the game but he won the aerial and physical battles even though he had a tough day. His lack of judgement nearly cost Chelsea a goal though.
5) CB: Gary Cahill – 6.5/10
Aware, composed and calm. Didn’t have much to do even though he too like Luiz had to ensure Rashford was in check.
6) LWB: Marcos Alonso – 6/10
Hardly had anything to do. A silent game but not a bad one.
7) CM: N’golo Kante – 8/10
Engine! Once again a performance that will surely be playing positive tunes on the Chelsea faithful. His clinical goal with United down to ten opened the deadlock and provided a major boost for Chelsea. The Frenchman kept Pogba in check throughout.
8) CM: Nemanja Matic – 6/10
Asserted himself today, kept the flow going for Chelsea from midfield. He breathed easy after Herrera got sent off.
9) RF: Willian – 7.5/10
His dazzling feet and sharp decisive movements troubled United the entire evening. He nearly got two goals after two wonderful hits but it certainly is a match he would cheer about looking back in the future.
10) LF: Eden Hazard – 7/10
His trickery and deceiving nature had United players working their socks off. He was a constant threat with his ability and nearly got a goal if not for the heroics of De Gea. Overall, it was a brilliant performance from the Belgian.
11) ST: Diego Costa – 4/10
Did nothing but playacting on the pitch, going down for everything and crying out appeals. Poor and shambolic!
