Chelsea are just touching distance away from winning the league title after narrowling edging Manchester United. Despite United having all the possession, Chelsea scored the only goal of the night just before the break. With the Blues defending resolutely, United were unable to break them in the second period.
Let us look at how the players performed on the night:
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
With United having majority of possesion, Courtois had to be always alives. Be it clearing crosses or blocking shots, the Begian was upto the task.
Branislav Ivanovic -6/10
The Serbian looked found out and hard time against United players particulary Shaw, since most of the Reds attack was on his side. Nonetheless he did well, but did not offer much in attack.
Gary Cahill – 7/10
He looked assured at the back and was solid in defence. He was always there to clear anything United put forward.
John Terry – 7.5/10
A commanding display at the back from Chelsea’s captain. He kept United’s attack checked by forming a good partnership with Cahill.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8/10
Despite having the energetic Valencia in his side, Azpilicueta had the situation under control. He also went forward to help his attackers as well. He literally had Janujaz in his pocket.
Kurt Zouma – 7/10
Zouma did well in his make shift role. He sat in front of his defenders and kept United attackers checked. He however didn’t do much in attack.
Memanja Matic – 7/10
A typical Matic performance. Just like his midfield partner he sat in front of his back four and was a rock in the middle of the park. He also initiated many Chelsea attacks from the back.
Oscar – 7/10
He didn’t have much of the ball to make an impact in the match, but did well in limited oppurtunity. It was from his brilliant backheel, Hazard scored Chelsea’s only goal of the night.
Cesc Fabregas – 6/10
He did not have the same amount of influence he normally has on matches. But did well to initiate quite a few Chelsea attacks. He also defended well.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
His touches and turn was phenomenal on the night. Despite the constant United pressure, he kept hold of the ball really well. He also scored a goal from a fine finish and was unlucky to see his other effort come off the post.
Didier Drogba – 6/10
Drogba was no where near the old Drogbe we knew, but was still effective. Infact he was unlucky not score early on in the second half.
Substitutes
Ramires (67′) – 6/10
The Brazilian came on to shore up the single goal lead and he did his job well.
John Obi Mikel (90′) – N/A
Hardly had anytime to make an impact.
Willian (90′) – N/A
Hardly had anytime to make an impact.
Manchester United
David de Gea – 6/10
Apart from picking the ball from the net once, he hardly had much to do, but was up to the task whenever called upon. He was also fortunate not to be booked for handling the ball outside his area.
Antonio Valencia – 5.5/10
He surged forward at every possible occasion and offered good support for his attackers. However, he left Hazard free which resulted in him scoring Chelsea’s opener.
Chris Smalling – 6.5/10
With all his partners out injured, Smalling did well to hold the fort on his own. He battled hard to keep Chelsea attackers under control. Although could have done more to close Hazard or push him wide for the goal.
Paddy McNair – 6.5/10
With first team defenders either out injured or suspended, young Paddy was made to start in a match of this magnitude. However, the youngster just about did what was required from him on the night.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
Arguably United’s best outfield player on the night, Shaw performed impressively. He defended well and surged forward at every possible occasion to provide dangerous balls in the box. Ivanovic struggled to control him. He was, however, substituted due to some bizzare LVG tactics.
Ander Herrera – 6.5/10
With Carrick out injured, lot of responsibility was on the Spaniard to hold the fort in the middle of the park and he did well. He was not afraid to go in tackles and was also good in possesion apart from few moments when he gave the ball away easily one where United almost conceded second goal.
Wayne Rooney – 6.5/10
Due to the injuries, Rooney was forced to play deeper than he would have liked, but that did not bother him as Rooney did well in the middle of the park. His distribution was good and he also defended well.
Juan Mata – 5.5/10
He did not offer much threat on his first return to Stamford Bridge. He did well for United to retain the ball, but didn’t make any notable contribution with it.
Maroune Fellaini – 6/10
Fellaini failed to have the same kind of impact he had in the previous weeks. He did well to regain the possesion and trouble Chelsea defenders to an extent, but not as much as Van Gaal would have hoped.
Ashley Young – 6/10
He found himself in good positions on more than one occasion, but let his teammates down with his final cross. Not the same kind of effect he had against City last week.
Radamel Falcao – 6/10
Falcao was at fault for Chelsea’s only goal of the night, by losing the ball at halfway. But, he has been impressive since then. He battled well on his own upfront without scoring a goal.
Substitutes
Angel Di María (70′) – 5/10
The Argentine came on to change the course of the game, but was unable to do it.
Adnan Januzaj (70′) – 3.5/10
He was lively after coming on, but was unable to do anything. Hardly retained ball. Also got a yellow card for diving.
Tyler Blackett (80′) – 4.5/10
He was not able to have the same impact, his predecessor Shaw managed on the night.