Chelsea slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on Monday night in a blow to their hopes of securing Champions League football for next season.
Anthony Martial broke the deadlock from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross on the cusp of half time after Harry Maguire arguably should have seen red for a foul on Michy Batshuayi.
Kurt Zouma thought he’d equalised before the hour mark only for his header from a corner to be ruled out for a foul on Brandon Williams by Cesar Azpilicueta.
Another headed effort, from Maguire, doubled the Red Devils’ advantage with 25 minutes to play as he connected with Bruno Fernandes’ corner.
Olivier Giroud thought he’d halved the deficit with yet another header but Chelsea saw a second strike ruled out for offside.
And despite their efforts, the Blues could not muster a comeback as they suffered yet another reverse at Stamford Bridge despite Mason Mount hitting the post from a corner kick.
Express Sport rates the Chelsea players’ performances as they conceded more ground in the battle for a top-four spot.
Chelsea player ratings vs Manchester United
Willy Caballero – 6
Might have done better with Maguire’s effort given the distance it came from.
Reece James – 6
Went forward well but got caught out too often at the back by United’s counter attacks.
Andreas Christensen – 5
Picked up a facial injury just before break and did not start the second half.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
Energy and intelligence in bringing Chelsea forward – the home side’s best player.
Willian – 6
Often dangerous but just as often lacking in the final product. Outrageously booked for diving.
Michy Batshuayi – 5
Exciting, unpredictable, if only he could get the little white round thing through the posts.
Pedro – 5
A quiet night when Chelsea were looking for somebody to make the marginal differences.
Substitutes
Mason Mount (on for Kante, 12) – 6
Struggled to fill in for Kante in midfield. Struck the post from a late corner kick.
Kurt Zouma (on for Christensen, 45) – 6
Saw a headed goal ruled out for a foul.
Olivier Giroud (on for Batshuayi, 68) – 6
Also had a headed goal ruled out, but for marginal – but correct – offside.
