CASEMIRO headed a stoppage-time equaliser as Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
In a fiercely-contested first half with very few clear-cut chances, Antony came closest for the visitors but sliced his effort wide.
Jorginho sent De Gea the wrong way from the penalty spot
Casemiro levelled in the dying moments of the match
The second period mirrored the first in many ways, with very little between the sides.
And it was a costly mistake which broke the deadlock as Scott McTominay manhandled Armando Broja in the box and referee Stuart Attwell pointed straight to the spot.
Jorginho stepped up to send David de Gea the wrong way, but the action was not finished there.
In added time, Casemiro climbed to head beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga and narrowly over the line to ensure the points were shared.
Here is how Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Man Utd players against Chelsea.
DAVID DE GEA – 6/10
Enjoyed a very, very quiet first half between the sticks as Chelsea’s forwards fluffed their lines in front of goal.
Went the wrong way for Jorginho’s penalty… but you can hardly hold that against him.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Produced a sublime burst forward beyond two Chelsea players to start an attack shortly before the break.
Crucially put Aubameyang off without even touching the ball as it threatened to run through to the unmarked Chelsea striker.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Produced a brilliant last-ditch clearance to prevent Mount’s cross from reaching Aubameyang who would have surely tapped in from close range.
Heartbreaking moment when he went down and appeared to jar his knee in the turf. Reduced to tears and must now be a major doubt for the World Cup.
Replaced by Lindelof on the hour mark.
Varane went down in a heap and was brought to tears as he was forced off
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 8
Was clearly very pumped up – evident in his fiery altercation with Mount.
Fearless in defence, putting his face onto the foot of Sterling to head clear and start the attack which led to the chance Antony squandered.
Covered Varane well when the Frenchman was beaten to the ball by Aubameyang.
Didn’t put a foot wrong all game.
Martinez was Man Utd’s standout player at Stamford Bridge
LUKE SHAW – 7
Was the first player to go close to breaking the deadlock, rifling a low strike just wide of Kepa’s left-hand post.
Defended well enough and then crossed for Casemiro’s all-important leveller in the dying moments.
CASEMIRO – 8
Showing himself to be an important cog in the wheel of how Ten Hag wants to play.
Mopped up the spaces Mount was trying to drop into, allowing Eriksen and Fernandes to push further forward and press Chelsea.
Headed home the equaliser in stoppage-time to save United from defeat.
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7
The Dane was absolutely everywhere in the first half.
Made Chelsea pay as the extra man in United’s midfield, pushing up high to support Fernandes and also dropping deep to pick up the ball and play longer passes.
Went missing for the first 20 minutes of the second period as Kovacic’s introduction saw Chelsea gain control in the middle of the park.
Appeared to struggle as the game wore on.
ANTONY – 6
Seems incredibly predictable cutting inside on his left foot, but Chelsea desperately struggled to deal with him early on.
Forced a smart save from Kepa with a curling effort which was nestling in the bottom corner if not for the reflexes of the Spaniard.
Booked after half an hour for a late challenge on Jorginho and then missed the best opportunity of the first 45, skewing off target.
Drifted out of the match in the second period.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 5
Didn’t have a great deal of joy in the first half, with Eriksen taking up many of the spaces he used to enjoy during his first 12 months at Old Trafford.
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas on multiple occasions in the second half.
Played his usual “frustrated boy who cried wolf” role to great effect, moaning at most decisions.
Tested Kepa with a long-range effort that was never beating the Chelsea No1.
JADON SANCHO – 3
Saw a huge amount of the ball in the first half, but his end product was often a let down as the cross or pass failed to reach its intended target.
Another misplaced pass at the beginning of the second period spelled an end to his evening as Fred replaced him.
Very disappointing as the World Cup edges ever closer.
Sancho struggled to have an impact yet again for United
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Quiet but came to life when he tried to dink Kepa, only for the Chelsea keeper to smother him well.
Forced another save before the break with a powerful effort which Kepa beat clear relatively comfortably.
Could have been the match-winner, but missed chances and a lack of impact on the rest of the game meant he had a distinctly average night.
Came off for Elanga in the closing stages.
Rashford missed a couple of chances and otherwise contributed very little
SUBSTITUTES
FRED (FOR SANCHO, 52) – 6
Attempted a woeful shot/cross which his team-mates were left furious about as United looked to pour forward.
VICTOR LINDELOF (FOR VARANE, 60) – 6
Managed to hold the defence together as he came on to end the Martinez-Varane partnership.
SCOTT McTOMINAY (FOR ERIKSEN, 80) – 1
Only contribution was to stupidly give away the penalty.
ANTHONY ELANGA (FOR RASHFORD, 81) – N/A
Had little impact before the final whistle.
Unused subs: Heaton, Malacia, Pellistri, Garnacho, Iqbal.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/arsene-wenger-refusing-invitation-to-see-his-new-arsenal-statue-unveiled-as-ex-boss-is-too-bruised-by-sacking/
