HomeNewsSTALEMATE AT THE BRIDGE

STALEMATE AT THE BRIDGE

Ratul Ghosh
By Ratul Ghosh

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209

Two teams in very contrasting forms as Chelsea welcomed Manchester United to Stamford Bridge. There was still no official confirmation of Ralf Rangnick joining the Red Devils as interim manager. Meanwhile, the Blues have the tightest defence in the league so far, and sit atop the table.

Callum Hudson-Odoi had the game’s first clear chance, producing a fine save from David De Gea from a tight-ish angle.

 

Chelsea were seeing way more of the ball, and venturing forward. United struggled to do anything positive, often defending deep and unable to break free when getting possession. Antonio Rudiger’s fierce shot clattered against the cross bar as the Blues amped up the ante. Hudson-Odoi looked a danger every time he picked up the ball with United having no forward presence at all.

 

United’s best chance came from Fred picking out Jadon Sancho’s defence splitting pass but the Englishman’s first shot allowed the ball to run away safely to Edouard Mendy. That was all about it from the first half with the Red Devils seemingly needing restructuring.

The first goal came within five minutes of the second half. Bruno Fernandes’ booted clearance after a Chelsea free kick fell down to Jorginho near the halfway line. He miscontrolled the ball horribly, allowing Sancho to race clear, one-on-one with Mendy before coolly slotting it home.

 

Chelsea were rattled, but Timo Werner snatched a great chance wide after a corner made its way through to him. The German slashed across goal when he should have been hitting the target at least. With the game just about to enter the final 20 minutes, the villain became the hero at home. Aaron Wan-Bissaka went through the back of Thiago Silva’s calf inside the box after yet another Chelsea corner. Jorginho stepped up and scored (for a change) to level matters up.

 

Wan-Bissaka made amends of sorts minutes later, blocking a certain goal-bound shot from Werner. Romelu Lukaku came on with 10 minutes remaining but the biggest chance came to Fred. Mendy’s awful pass out from the back allowed the midfielder to setup his teammates or shoot at goal but his decision to chip the goalkeeper was never going to trouble Mendy.

 

Rudiger could have won it for the Blues, but blazed his shot over having been left unmarked inside the box with the last kick of the game. An absorbing game but neither team really deserved to lose.

Here are the three key takeaways from the match:

UNITED GET THE BASICS RIGHT

Starting with three defensive midfielders and no Cristiano Ronaldo indicated majorly that the away side were playing for a draw. Given Chelsea’s recent past, not the worst of decisions. In that regard, they made a solid start at the back, De Gea producing one major save to go with Rudiger’s ferocious attempt.

 

But United were able to harass and hurry the Blues’ attackers, not giving any clear chances at goal. They scored the first goal, albeit from a horrible defensive error, before conceding a somewhat unnecessary spot kick. Nevertheless, Michael Carrick and co. will be pretty happy to take a point from the Bridge.

 

HARD EARNED DRAW FOR BLUES

Chelsea had 22 attempts, but could place only six of them on target. They had a barrage of corners, 15 in fact, and in the end that was the ultimate route back. Thomas Tuchel’s side even had the better chances, but were regularly off target. The goal they conceded was a terrible piece of play from Jorginho, who really should have done better given the situation.

 

His penalty to even things up would have provided the impetus to push on further but they were well held back. They could have lost it all, but Fred scuffed a golden opportunity.

 

JADON SANCHO FINALLY TURNS UP

Two games, two goals, it is safe to say Sancho is settling in with the Red Devils. His direct running and willingness to attack every time has been earning plaudits. Carrick has done well to increase his sharpness even further.

Ratul Ghosh
Ratul Ghosh
His name means Red and a fan of devilish food, which equals to his favourite team being Manchester United. Can be found sleeping or in front of the TV otherwise. Hates waking up early but loves staying up late for football.

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