Chelsea failed to take advantage of a whole host of chances, as they drew 1-1 against a struggling Manchester United side. Alonso opened the scoring in the second half, but his goal was countered out by Ronaldo just minutes later. A disappointing result for the Blues given the balance of play.
Player Ratings:
Edouard Mendy- 5/10
Hardly tested throughout the game, but stood no chance keeping out Ronaldo’s close range shot. The main problem for Mendy currently is his distribution. Some very shaky passes, he never looked comfortable on the ball.
Antonio Rudiger- 5/10
An uncharacteristically poor game from Chelsea’s centre back. It was announced this week the German would be leaving the club on a free deal, and perhaps that played on his mind today. Some wild long-shots, and perhaps lucky to not receive a second yellow for a high foot late in the game.
Thiago Silva- 6/10
A composed performance by Silva, a description so often used for the 37-year-old. He kept Ronaldo quiet for the large majority of the game. He will be disappointed that his defence failed to keep a clean sheet.
César Azpilicueta- 6/10
Chelsea’s captain was back in the position of right centre-back, allowing Reece James to move to wing back. The Spaniard looked defensively solid throughout the game, without offering very much going forward.
Reece James- 8/10
Easily the best player on the pitch. Reece James looked in cruise control throughout the game. Defensively flawless, and offensively will feel aggrieved not to have a few assists to his name, putting in 10 crosses in the game. Came agonisingly close to winning the game for his side with a shot that smacked the outer side of the post.
Marcos Alonso- 7/10
A brilliant volleyed finish opened the scoring for Chelsea. The wing back has got such a brilliant left footed strike and he utilised it here today. He dealt well with the threats of Rashford and Elanga in defence.
N’Golo Kante- 6/10
For almost his entire performance, N’Golo Kante looked to be performing at his top level. Consistently breaking up dangerous attacks, and nipping in to steal the ball in true Kante style. Bizarrely, however, he stood off the ball to allow Matic an open pass to set-up Ronaldo’s leveller.
Jorginho- 6/10
An average performance from the man who is capable of controlling a game himself. He made a few good passes to set off Chelsea attacks. A shot the ballooned way over the crossbar perhaps summarised a disappointing performance for the Blues.
Mason Mount- 7/10
Chelsea’s most dangerous player in attack. He started sloppily with some poor crosses, but grew into the game playing balls into dangerous areas throughout the 90. So nearly got an assist with a fantastic back-heeled pass to James, who’s shot struck the post late on.
Kai Havertz- 6/10
Two guilt-edged chances missed for the German could’ve had Chelsea in firm control of the game before the end of the first half. Havertz has been lacking that final finish since Chelsea beat Southampton at the beginning of the month. Did get a crucial touch on James’ cross to divert the ball to Alonso for Chelsea’s opener.
Timo Werner- 5/10
Chelsea’s number 11 has been in good form over the past few games, but he struggled to get involved in the game today. Showed plenty of energy in his runs, without managing to really test United’s keeper.
SUBS:
Christian Pulisic- 6/10
Brought on to snatch the points for Chelsea, as he did less than a week ago against West Ham, Pulisic could not repeat the feat. One ball that went agonisingly across the face of goal should’ve led to a goal.
Romelu Lukaku- 6/10
Facing his former club, Lukaku would have hoped to stamp his return to Old Trafford with a goal. Lukaku came on as a late sub, and struggled to make an impact. Ironic cheers coming from the United fans every time he lost the ball rubbed salt in the wounds of the Belgian striker.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- N/A
Thomas Tuchel- 9/10
Chelsea’s head coach will feel hard done by. So many chances for the Blues that were wasted, only to be undone by one chance finished by Ronaldo. A draw away at United is not a bad result, but with Chelsea’s domination, as well as United’s poor form, Tuchel will be disappointed his side did not get all three points.
