It was another goalless action between Manchester United and Chelsea. Both the clubs didn’t play to their potential, lacking creativity but Tuchel’s side enjoyed much better statistics. Fans were not expecting such a below-par performance from both the managers. United was trying to close the gap. They came closest to a victory when Fred’s long-range curler almost found the target. Solskjaer was left impressed with that effort.
United failed in the attack but has surely shown a much stronger defensive performance. The draw puts United clear in second, a point ahead of Leicester — who were beaten by Arsenal earlier in the day — but leaves them a whopping 12 points off champions-elect Manchester City. Whereas Chelsea is in 5th position with one point less than West Ham. It was Tuchel’s unbeaten start to nine games and United’s run without defeat on the road to 20.
United’s attack did not look sublime once again against the big six clubs
It was not of the best United vs Chelsea clash. Solksjaer side managed just 4 shots on target. Their counterattack was always a threat to the opponent but it also looked a bit dull yesterday. McTominay had a goal-scoring opportunity in the final stages of the game but Mendy made the crucial save to deny United a win over the blues.
The visitors had a bad home game against Sheffield United in a 1-2 defeat and a draw against the Toffees a few days back. Solsjaer’s men would have done better yesterday especially after those horrific shows. United have managed only one goal; a penalty against the top six in a 1-6 defeat to Hotspurs.
VAR came into the limelight that kept the Manchester United fans frustrated.
According to modern days football, it was a clear penalty and Callum Hudson Odoi should be lucky enough for considering that as a handball. United was hard done by an on-pitch referee who ignored the advice from the VAR. Solskjaer said in an interview “It was a penalty, 100% nailed on. If that is a natural position for a hand to be in when the ball comes in then I must be blind”.
The defensive performance was somehow good from Manchester United.
United fell to win yesterday but nevertheless a clean sheet for De Gea. The Spaniard goalkeeper came up with a crucial save to deny Hakim Ziyech in the 48′. Chelsea’s counter-attacking football was more intensifying than United. Maguire and Lindelof made some good blocks and interceptions which were the only positives to be taken from yesterday’s match.
Luke Shaw came up with a staggering block too at the end that kept Chelsea and Reece James at bay. Fred and McTominay were defending the whole game too. They were covering the weak center half the whole 90′
Game of press but not game of creativity
Both the teams pressed well but lacked creativity. They utilized the opportunity whenever the opponent passed those loose balls or losing possession on their own half. There were few passes that went astray and touches were heavy and horrendous. United’s star midfielder Fernandes was not looking in great touch too.
Although United did well in winning the ball in comparison to Chelsea it was a shame that there was not anyone to finish and find the back of the net. Greenwood and James were quite impressive and energetic yesterday.
Top four fight.
Manchester United should try to convert those draws into wins if they really want to see themselves in a commanding position. They should try to accelerate from now as we all are heading towards the crucial junctures of the game. More 12 games remaining and United should make the most of it. Leicester, West Ham, and Chelsea are very close and may catch up with United in no time if they don’t deliver well. United will play Crystal Palace folwed with the epic Manchester derby.
