Alvaro Morata’s bullet header sealed a crucial victory for under-fire manager Antonio Conte, against title rivals Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea came into the game off the back of a humiliating 3-0 demolition at the hands of Roma during the week, whilst Manchester United ground out yet another result despite a faltering performance. United’s flat and defensive performances of late were finally exploited, as Chelsea set about dominating the midfield in the first-half.
David De Gea was made busy by the vision and movement of both Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard, who combined on multiple occasions to test the Spanish shot-stopper. Chelsea finally made the breakthrough, ten minutes into the second-half as an unmarked Alvaro Morata leapt with great poise and balance to power his header past the statuesque De Gea.
Chelsea’s win moves them to within just one point of United, whilst the Red Devils are now eight points behind runaway leaders Manchester City.
Here are my player ratings from the game.
Thibaut Courtois – 6 – Faced with just two shots on target during the game, United’s attack was toothless, although his parry from Lukaku’s effort was vital.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8 – Restored to his preferred and far more adept position at centre-back, the Spaniard was able to martial the backline with military precision whilst also contributing further up the pitch to lay on the assist for Morata’s goal with a trademark deep cross into the area.
Andreas Christensen – 7 – Easily the second best defender at the club right now, his composure and anticipation do not reflect his tender age. Cahill is a great leader and Christensen will surely learn under him, but with Luiz having lost the mobility and speed that once made him such an asset it’s time for Christensen to step in on more of a full-time basis.
Gary Cahill – 7 – As previously mentioned he’s a great leader within the squad right now and his experience is invaluable following Terry’s departure, but age is not on his side and he must now help to bring through the next batch of Chelsea defenders. In terms of his performance today he was not faced with anything too difficult as United failed to get forward enough to trouble the Englishman, a clean sheet nonetheless.
Davide Zappacosta – 6 – His deliveries need working on, and this criticism is only a compliment to how good he’s at breaking into pockets of space. If his final ball was half as good as his movement then Chelsea would have a real attacking outlet in Zappacosta.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7 – With Kante restored to the starting line-up, a hefty weight was lifted from Bakayoko’s shoulders as he was able once again to play as a more traditional box to box midfielder, rather than the defensive anchor role he had been made to perform over the past few weeks. Bakayoko was allowed to break forward with purpose and his two efforts on goal were a testament to that.
Cesc Fabregas – 8 – Fabregas dictated play majestically, creating six goal scoring opportunities, he like Bakayoko was freed from his defensive shackles and it showed as Chelsea looked far more of a threat going forward.
N’Golo Kante – 9 – Oh how Chelsea have missed this man. Upon his return to the side he won the ball back 11 times, alongside his numerous interceptions and tackles. In the week Nemanja Matic’s departure was brought into question, but Kante’s performance displayed exactly why the doubters were too quick to jump on the bandwagon as he dominated the Serbian midfielder.
Marcos Alonso – 6 – A relatively quiet game from Alonso but he provided some dangerous balls into the box and all in all worked up and down the left flank tirelessly to link up with Hazard.
Eden Hazard – 7 – Tested De Gea on a couple of occasions and provided a lot of problems for Manchester United’s defence, drawing out their backline with his tantalising footwork and subsequently allowing Morata to ghost into the vacant holes left by Jones and Bailly.
Alvaro Morata – 8 – Scored the all-important goal to end his own personal goal drought and seal the three points for the Blues. He was also unlucky to be penalised by the referee for a push on Phil Jones, as the England defender sliced the ball into his own net. A much-needed confidence booster for the Spaniard going into the busy Christmas schedule after the international break.
Substitutes
Antonio Rudiger – 6 – Offered more defensive solidity for Chelsea after the goal as he replaced the more attack-minded Zappacosta at right wing-back.
Danny Drinkwater – 6 – Distributed the ball with ease, sticking to simple two-yard passes and retaining possession for the Blues, again he offered a more conservative option to the man he replaced, Fabregas.
Willian – 6 – Only saw a few minutes of action but he used his high work rate to press United and carry Chelsea up the pitch late on.
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