Chelsea rescue a point at Stamford Bridge late on against Manchester United to frustrate Van Gaal and his team. A late goal from Diego Costa stole points from the Mancunian club and maintained Guus Hiddink’s unbeaten run at Chelsea.
The Red Devil’s first half performance and Chelsea’s submissive reaction had Blues’ fans anxious at the prospect of a heavy defeat.
Despite once again fielding two defensive midfielders (Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel) the Chelsea midfield went missing early on. Marouane Fellani controlled possession, made key interceptions and bossed the game as Chelsea struggled to get into the tie.
A cascade of corners in the first twenty minutes for Man Utd was evidence enough of the pressure that the Blues were feeling at home. Chances were missed and Thibaut Courtois was called upon several times. Though it was Chelsea who probably had the best chance of the half. Played through on the right of the opposition’s box, Diego Costa shot across David De Gea’s goal and while the ball evaded the Spanish keeper it unfortunately also whizzed wide past the post.
Key Moment
Courtois’ efforts aided Chelsea in weathering an early United storm and allowed Chelsea to get a hold of the game.
A header from Fellani in the penalty area registered Man Utd’s best chance but the ball went wide and Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief. After thirty minutes the Blues were finally growing into the game and claiming some necessary possession in the centre of the field.
The Blues had weathered a storm thanks to determined defending from the back four. Terry and Zouma literally were throwing themselves at everything in order to protect the Chelsea goal.
Interesting Fact
Chelsea only managed one shot on target in the first half… like in each of the four home games under Hiddink. Timid much?
Going in at halftime all square, Chelsea fans could only hope their team would begin the second half much better than they did the first. Though this was not the case.
Once again Chelsea were sluggish at the start and this only gave Man Utd confidence of nabbing a crucial win at the Bridge. And that is precisely what they did. In the 61st minute Jesse Lingard scored an improvised shot on the turn which accurately edged inside the post and past Courtois.
Unlucky on Courtois, whom up onto that point, and afterward, made crucial saves to deny Van Gaal’s men. In fact, the Belgian was by far the best Chelsea player on the pitch. His athleticism, composure and skill maintained this game within Chelsea’s reach.
It was now over to Courtois’ opposite number to prove his worth. With Utd now in the lead, Chelsea looked determined to salvage something from the game and were piling on the pressure. Impressive saves from De Gea displayed why he is the Spanish number one and considered by many as the world’s best.
However despite his stunning save from Ivanovic’s close range volley, his goal was eventually disturbed by none other than Diego Costa (facing Man Utd for the first time as a Blue). Talismanic as ever in these big clashes, the Spanish striker grabbed a goal in stoppage time. A Cesc Fabregas ball wriggled its way through to the forward’s path who edged past United defender Borthwick Jackson and squeezed past De Gea. That was the equaliser and maybe was just about deserved, though Utd heads won’t agree.
Chelsea had a late chance to win the game, but was denied by the Man Utd stopper, who was adamant he was not going to be beaten twice.
Honours even, and Hiddink’s run continues with yet another draw.
Chelsea MOTM
#13 THIBAUT COURTOIS
With David De Gea inspired at the other end of the pitch, Courtois did not get outshone. His saves, skill and composure kept Chelsea within reach.
Spare a thought for Kurt Zouma who was injured in the second half after falling awkwardly following an aerial challenge. The Frenchman, who had been commanding, looked to have bent his knee out of sorts and has possibly damaged some ligaments or tissue around the area. Every Chelsea fan (myself included) will be hoping it is not too serious and wishing him a speedy recovery.
With the Champions League and PSG less than two weeks away, Zouma’s replacement Gary Cahill will use the weekend game against Newcastle to recover some match sharpness in preparation. Whilst Chelsea will be desperately hoping to add a win to this string of unbeaten results. Carefree.
UPDATE: As feared Kurt Zouma has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament. The Frenchman will be sorely missed. Get well soon Kurt!
The Blue Daze 