Cool Cunha gives reds European bonus
A makeshift Manchester United claimed a massive three points at Stamford Bridge tonight. A smart finish by Matheus Cunha gave them the lead just before half-time. They held on to boost their bid to play Champions League football next season.
It is yet another dismal performance by Chelsea though. Their hopes of qualifying next season took another major hit. It is now four games in a row without scoring for the first time since 1998.
Michael Carrick was facing a defensive crisis after the loss to Leeds on Monday. Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro were out injured whilst Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were both suspended. Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui lined up in the centre. Kobbie Mainoo was able to return from a knock to replace Manuel Ugarte. Bryan Mbeumo started ahead of Amad Diallo.
Liam Rosenior made two changes from the side who lost to Manchester City last weekend. Enzo Fernandes returned from his removal from the side in place of Andrey Santos. Liam Delap started up front ahead of Joao Pedro.
Both teams had opportunities in the opening stages. Benjamin Sesko had an effort blocked by Jorrel Hato before Esteveao curled an effort just past the post.
The Brazilian winger was then forced off in the process of getting a shot off. He was replaced by former red Alejandro Garnacho. He got a warm reception from the travelling Utd fans.
Chelsea kept up the pressure. Enzo Fernandes put a free-kick into the wall before he almost gave them the lead. He had managed to wriggle free of the attention of Noussair Mazraoui and Bruno Fernandes to give himself the chance. He shot just wide of the post though. They thought they had gone in front but Liam Delap’s tap-in was offside.
It was perhaps a surprise when the reds went in front two minutes before the break. Wesley Fofana was off the pitch seeking treatment at the time when Fernandes picked up the ball out wide. He skipped past a weak challenge by Garnacho to send in a low cross. Sesko claimed the attention of Moses Caicedo to leave room for Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward produced a smart finish to give us the lead.
The Utd captain could have doubled the lead on 52 minutes. A neat lay-off by Cunha into his path allowed him a run on goal. His effort went just wide.
The best chance for Chelsea a few moments later. Pedro Neto floated the ball into the area. Delap angled his header goal-wards but it only succeeded in hitting the crossbar. The away side were still able to provide a threat at the other end. Robert Sanchez producing an important save to prevent an own goal by Fofana.
The defender was in action at the other end shortly after. His header came back off the crossbar after another excellent cross by Neto. There had been a handball just prior to that however.
The reds were able to withstand whatever pressure there was until the end. There was loud boos from the home fans on the final whistle. Ayden Heaven in particular was saluted by his manager for an excellent job done. We have another wait to play Brentford at home on Monday week. Chelsea have another trip during the week as they play in-form Brighton on Tuesday.
Chelsea: Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto (Josh Acheampong 81), Wesley Fofana (Trevoh Chalobah 81), Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella, Moses Caicedo, Enzo Fernandes (Romeo Lavia 88), Esteveao (Alejandro Garnacho 16), Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap.
Subs not used: Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Dario Essugo, Marc Guiu.
Booked: Hato (39)
Sent off: None
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Noussair Mazraoui, Carlos Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo (Joshua Zirkzee 87), Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha (Mason Mount 81), Benjamin Sesko (Amad Diallo 80).
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Tyrell Malacia, Manuel Ugarte, Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey.
Booked: Matheus Cunha (25), Mason Mount (90+1), Kobbie Mainoo (90+4)
Sent off: None
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance:
Simply Red Man of the Match: Ayden Heaven
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