Moises Caicedo’s stunner saved Chelsea a point at Old Trafford against Manchester Utd in the Premier League
It was a frustrating night for Enzo Maresca’s side as they struggled to break down an out-of-form Red Devils side. A point has placed Chelsea in the top four above Arsenal and Aston Villa on goal difference; however, a win would have given the Blues breathing space in the Champions League spots.
Robert Sanchez – 4
The Spaniard had a strong first-half performance, he was commanding in his box from set pieces and was showcasing his impressive passing abilities. The second half was a different story as he gave away another rash penalty this season, he dived into Rasmus Hojland in an attempt to make a tackle and caught the Danish Forward with his hands. Sanchez’s constant errors this season have made him a frustrating figure for Chelsea fans.
Malo Gusto – 2
This season, Gusto has been used in an advanced role, inverting as a right-back to support the midfield and encouraged to aid attacks. Unfortunately, the Frenchman has struggled in this new role, which was evident in the first half before he was hooked off at halftime. He looked uncomfortable going forward and ruined multiple Chelsea attacks.
Wesley Fofana – 6
For most of the game, Fofana looked solid, and Man Utd’s forwards struggled to get past him as he was dribbled zero times in the match. However, in the build-up to the penalty, his mistimed jump failed to intercept Casemiro’s pass, which put Hojland in the position to win the penalty.
Levi Colwill – 5
It was an average game from Colwill, with no major errors from the Englishman. His short passing was as impressive as it always is, which allowed some fluid build-up from the back, although his long passing was uncharacteristically poor. It is not a bad performance by any means, but a downgrade from what we have seen so far this season.
Reece James – 7
The captain looks back in form at his third start of the season. It was an impressive and composed performance as he played down both flanks this game, starting on the left before moving to the right for the second half. James looked comfortable in the build-up as he navigated around Utd’s press. It was also refreshing to see that he was able to play the full 90’, let’s hope that this is a sign of his improved fitness.
Romeo Lavia – 7
Another solid performance from Lavia. He seemed to be the perfect partner for Caicedo, as they linked up together and had this synergy which helped build up the majority of Chelsea’s attacks. His physicality also gave him an edge on the Devil’s midfield. Similar to James, it's good to see Lavia playing consistent games after his injury issues.
Moises Caicedo – 9
So far this season, Caicedo has been quietly impressive for Maresca’s team, hopefully, after this masterclass, he will start to receive the recognition he deserves. In addition to a stunning Frank Lampard-esque volley which saved a point for the Blues, he was a constant nuisance for Man Utd across the pitch. A performance that would make Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kante proud.
Noni Madueke – 5
Madueke had a quiet game at Old Trafford, still willing to take on defenders but struggled with his final ball to test Utd’s defence. He had a golden opportunity from a corner, which he may have seen late, but he really should have scored, considering his distance from the goal. With Gusto playing an advanced, almost central role at times, Madueke had more defensive responsibilities in the first half, and while he did work hard, it was clear that Chelsea was weaker on that side.
Cole Palmer – 7
Whilst this performance may not have reached the heights that we are used to over the past year, Palmer was still Chelsea’s most threatening attacker and was central in the majority of big chances the Blues had. At times, Palmer was almost too willing to score, taking on opportunities himself when there were arguably better options available. Despite that, Palmer still put up good numbers in this game, completing 100% of his dribbles and winning 9/10 ground duels.
Pedro Neto – 6
An admirable asset of Neto is his constant work rate. On Sunday, he was a workhorse, running everywhere to help attack and defend. He could still improve on his final ball, with no accurate crosses or key passes in the game. Neto was a threat for Chelsea but needed to create more chances for the Blues.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Due to a lack of service, Jackson struggled to threaten Man Utd like he did against Newcastle last weekend. He was helpful in Chelsea’s build-up play, linking well with the other forwards as he usually does for the Blues. In possession, he was solid but was not given any clear-cut chances to score.
Subs:
Marc Cucurella – 6
The Spaniard came on for Gusto at halftime. He was used similarly to James’ role in the first half, playing on the left of a back three while James moved further up the pitch on the right. Cucurella was not overly involved in the game and was used to allow James more attacking freedom.
Enzo Fernandez – 4
Fernandez came on for Romeo Lavia in the 71st minute just after Bruno Fernandes scored his penalty. He did not make much of an impact after coming on, going forward, he did not create any significant chances and had zero accurate long balls, crosses and key passes. He did have one chance soon after the equaliser that he clumsily spooned over the goal. With Lavia’s physical presence in addition to his technical ability, it does not seem that Fernandez will be ahead of him in the pecking order when both are fit.
Mykhaylo Mudryk – 5
He came on in the 71st minute alongside Fernandez to replace Madueke. Mudryk did not have too much involvement in the game, only having 12 touches however, similar to Neto and Madueke, he was not shy to attempt to take players on and make things happen. Unfortunately, he struggled to penetrate the Red Devils’ defence, completing zero dribbles and winning zero ground duels.
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