4 Things Learnt From Manchester United/Chelsea Match

Jose Mourinho’s return to his former club did not go well as Manchester United lost 4 – 0 to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The match lived up to its billing as both teams showed their might in the contest but the Blues were the eventual winners in the grudge match. As for Conte, his side’s performance will brew more confidence into the hearts of Chelsea fans that they are still in contention for the league title despite losing to Liverpool and Arsenal.

1. Early goal made the difference

Pedro’s spectacularly got the early goal in 30 seconds to put Antonio Conte’s men in position as the Blues quickly settled into the game and controlled the entire first half and before United could pick themselves back up, Gary Cahill go the second from a third corner which cemented Chelsea superiority in the match.

In the run of events, Hazard got a well deserved third goal for his team as he kept his calm to put the ball past David De Gea and more expectantly to show Mourinho that his 2015 PFA Player of the Year award was not a fluke. N’golo  Kante added the fouth to put the final nail in the coffin.

 2. Grudge Match

Although the fans at Stamford Bridge expressed their gratitude to the most successful coach in their history but the players were of a different perception as they played their hearts out to prove a point to Mourinho.

Eden Hazard, Victor Moses, Pedro, Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, David Luiz all put in their best to send a message to the Special One on the opposing dug out playing with so much resilience all through the match to express their grievances to the Portuguese coach.

3. Tactical discipline

Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 midfield formation got hold of the match for his side as Chelsea gave the Red Devils room to operate in their half but broke frequently on the counter attack.

United were forced to use the wings as there was no space to break through the defence line of the West London club and out of the seven chances created in the first 45 minutes only two was on target which was properly dealt with by Thibaut Coutois.

4. A depleted Manchester United side

United ran out of ideas as they became second best in all departments against a roaring Chelsea side. Ibrahimovic totally switched off in attack as Rashford youthful experience could not bring the spark in the frontline.

Much of the damage has been done as Mata’s inclusion proved futile and the almighty Pogba was a shadow of himself as the Old Trafford side struggled to get back their noses in front.