This Saturday evening, Chelsea hosted Manchester United at Stamford Bridge for a crucial encounter, where neither team could afford to stumble. On the occasion of this 33rd day of the Premier League, the Blues retained hope of qualifying for the next Champions League, with their 6th place, and absolutely had to react after their defeat against City. For its part, Manchester United had a more successful season and wanted to validate their ticket to the C1. However, Michael Carrick’s men remained on mixed momentum… only one victory in their last four outings. 3rd behind the giants Arsenal and Manchester City, the Red Devils also had to react after the defeat against Leeds. Tactically, the locals played in a 4-2-3-1, with their captain Enzo Fernández. Malo Gusto occupied the right lane, while the other tricolor, Wesley Fofana, was aligned in the axis of the defense. Moises Caicedo took his place in midfield. Offensively, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Estevao supported number nine: Liam Delap. For his part, Michael Carrick opted for the same system, with a central hinge made up of Heaven (19 years old) and Mazraoui. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro animated the midfield. Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha accompanied Benjamin Šeško in attack.
Furthermore, it was the visitors who obtained a good free kick from the start. However, this was not controlled (3rd). Fairly rhythmic, the game seemed to get carried away five minutes later, when Heaven and Shaw pushed Palmer in the Red Devils area. Michaël Oliver let the game play, before Estevao attempted the first strike of the match (10th) and was suddenly replaced – following a muscle injury – by Garnacho. The Mancuniens raised their block quite high and the Londoners were therefore trapped by this pressing. Well on his legs, Mbeumo served Cunha behind in the Sanchez area, but the Brazilian completely missed his control and then mowed down an opposing defender (25th). If Fernandes thought he would score before the half-hour mark, it was Delap who scored the first goal of the match… but the flag was raised for an offside position (38th). Thirsty, it was ultimately Matheus Cunha’s teammates who overshadowed the capital (44th). The Brazilian arrived at the end of the race at the penalty point to take a cross from Bruno Fernandes and smashed Sanchez’s cage! An 18th assist for the Portuguese, just before the end of the first period.
Londoners came across a reinforced concrete block
Getting off to a bad start, the locals had to react as soon as they returned to the field, but it was still number 8 who had his chance at Chelsea’s goal (50th). And if the Blues kept possession of the ball for many minutes, they clearly lacked efficiency in both areas. A lack of benchmarks and combativeness which left their supporters worried. However, these same fans thought they would explode with joy when Delap smashed the crossbar of the Mancunians (58th). Very involved, on the verge of giving in, the red wall slowed down the offensives of Palmer (61st) and Neto (65th). And as if fate was not hard enough on the premises, Neto’s returning cross found a partner, but he hit the post a second time (66th). Lammens, rather lucky with his numerous gifts, had to hold out for more than thirty minutes behind revolting fans. The Red Devils had more and more difficulty getting out of their camp and the pressure was constant, especially on this scissor from Cucurella, oh so daring (76th).
During the last ten minutes, the duels were more and more engaged and the referee of the day began to calm the troops. Mount’s entrance under the whistles of the London temple did not help matters for United either. Very restless, Garnacho even thought of cleverly obtaining a penalty on the right of the area, but Mazraoui still did not want to give in (82nd). Capable of hitting from afar, Caicedo had a powerful shot to equalize, but that was without counting on the Mancunian goalkeeper (84th). If the game was even more choppy, the Blues had nothing to lose and accelerated on the wings until the end of the match. The last stoppage ultimately brought nothing to the locals and it was the visitors who sank their evening opponents… with their only shot on target of the match. A fourth consecutive defeat for Liam Rosenior’s squad, but three precious points for Michael Carrick’s squad. Both teams keep their position. United are in 3rd place with 58 points, Chelsea are in 6th place in the standings with 48 points and are losing hope in their race for the Champions League.
