Watch MANCHESTER UNITED winning goal against Chelsea yesterday that made Eric Ten Hag shead tears of joy
Manchester United vs Chelsea live updates: 2-1 result reaction as McTominay double wins Premier League clash
Manchester United moved closer to the Premier League top four after a well-deserved 2-1 victory against Chelsea
Michael Dominski and Ed Mackey
December 7, 2023 at 1:15 am
Manchester United vs Chelsea live updates: 2-1 result reaction as McTominay double wins Premier League clash
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Ed Mackey
Ed Mackey
How it happened: Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Robert Sanchez saved Bruno Fernandes penalty (9′) after Enzo Fernandez fouled Antony
Scott McTominay volleyed in opener after excellent United start (19′)
Great finish by Cole Palmer levelled score just before half-time (44′)
Second McTominay goal (69′) gave United deserved lead
Carl Anka
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Is Scott McTominay a striker?
It was over the September international break that The Athletic wrote this piece on McTominay’s more attacking role for Scotland and whether Ten Hag should give him similar freedoms at Old Trafford.
Back then, we concluded that while he is best at making late arrivals into the penalty box to score, his lack of creative passing made it unlikely for a club of United’s ambitions to build the team around his skills.
Reader, please imagine us eating a slice of humble pie while you read the following sentence: since scoring twice against Brentford in October, Ten Hag has recalibrated his midfield to get McTominay into the box more.
It’s a move that has some value. McTominay’s goals against Chelsea gave United the win and took the Scotland international to five Premier League goals this season — more than anyone else at the club.
The remarkable thing about this new attacking role is that McTominay isn’t being asked to arrive in the box late in addition to his previous responsibilities, this appears to be the sum of his responsibilities when United are in possession. When the game reached the 90th minute, he’d had 41 touches of the ball – low for a midfielder, but decent for a second striker.
It’s not quite Jude Bellingham’s blistering scoring record at Real Madrid, but McTominay is often the difference-maker at United this season.
The Briefing – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: Is Scott McTominay a striker? Is Pochettino getting the best from Colwill?
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: Is Scott McTominay a striker? Is Pochettino getting the best from Colwill?
Liam Tharme
Liam Tharme
Is Palmer coming into his own for Chelsea?
Is Palmer coming into his own for Chelsea?
(Photo: Getty Images)
Last month, Mauricio Pochettino rejected comparisons of Palmer to Juan Mata, instead saying he played more like Angel Di Maria.
“You know, the body and the way he moves. I think he’s a clever guy who adapts really quickly. We are building a team and he was quick to see the situation, take it, show character and personality, and then good performances,” said the Chelsea manager.
His equaliser at Old Trafford was his first open-play goal for Chelsea; a smart, far-post finish after an incisive dribble into the box, taking Mykhailo Mudryk’s pass in his stride. That can be added to four penalties (from as many attempts) this season and five assists, the most goal involvements of any Chelsea player.
The 21-year-old only made two Premier League starts for Manchester City before his summer move to London but developed a reputation for scoring in big games — ironically, like Di Maria — and has become an emblem of Pochettino’s young, evolving midfield.
Palmer was a winger at youth level but is increasingly playing in central areas, as you can see from his pitch map. He takes Chelsea’s set pieces, too, and is one of the most cerebral players on the pitch with the rate at which he scans the field.
This type of game, with gaping holes in midfield and space to glide into, suited Palmer perfectly. He is tall for a winger, at 6ft 2in (188cm), but a fine technician — reflected in his pass accuracy of over 90 per cent.
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: Is Scott McTominay a striker? Is Pochettino getting the best from Colwill?
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Rashford on the bench, yet 18 first-half shots for United. Thriving or wasteful?
(Photo: Getty Images)
“Two clubs in a state of mutual malfunction” was Adam Crafton’s wonderful description of Manchester United and Chelsea before kick-off and we saw just that in the first half at Old Trafford, with gleefully glitchy attacking work from both sides.
If you’re of the red persuasion, the statistics were encouraging. United had 18 shots in the first half and registered an expected goals (xG) of 2.78.
Erik ten Hag made four changes from the team that lost to Newcastle — bringing in Rasmus Hojlund and Antony for the disappointing Anthony Martial and Rashford — and there was a palpable difference in how United’s front four operated as a result.
Hojlund is a much quicker target man than Martial and led a more cohesive front press, hounding a Chelsea back line whenever they took a loose touch when building from the back. Antony’s attacking output often leaves a lot to be desired, but he was a dogged counter-presser on United’s right wing. Things were also improved by United’s full-backs joining the press when required.
Yet for all of the improvements in wide areas, United’s sieve-like performance in midfield made their attacking dominance nervier rather than comfortable.
The events leading up to their seventh-minute penalty summed up their mixed fortunes. A promising counter-attack was cut short when the ball reached Antony inside the penalty area and he took a heavy touch with his left foot, stalling the move. The VAR judged Fernandez had stood on Antony’s foot after the winger’s initial touch and awarded a penalty, only for Bruno Fernandes to have his shot saved.
Multiple moments of attacking promise failed to turn into goals due to wastefulness at key moments. Of those 18 shots United had in the first half, only seven were on target.
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: Is Scott McTominay a striker? Is Pochettino getting the best from Colwill?
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Is Colwill being wasted at left-back?
(Photo: Getty Images)
This should have been a dream occasion for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill. It is always a great achievement when an academy graduate comes through the ranks to captain their club.
With regular skipper Reece James only fit enough to be named as a substitute, Pochettino decided to give the 20-year-old the armband instead of the more experienced players available (James took the armband when he came on in the second half).
But it was another uncomfortable 90 minutes for Colwill, who was asked to play at left-back once again rather than his favoured left centre-back role. It is the position he has been asked to play in for the majority of games this season.
The decision was all the more surprising this time because Pochettino picked Marc Cucurella in the starting XI but opted to use him at right back, with Axel Disasi, who can play on that flank, next to Thiago Silva. It did not work.
Colwill struggled to contain Antony and looked ill at ease every time United swamped forward, not helped by the lack of protection Mudryk was offering.
To make matters worse, it was his weak defending at the far post which allowed McTominay to head in the winner for Manchester United. He went down far too easily under minimal contact and VAR rightly let the goal stand after a review.
Colwill has a great future ahead of him and will surely learn from the experience, but Pochettino could help him by playing him where he is at his best.
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: Is Scott McTominay a striker? Is Pochettino getting the best from Colwill?
Ed Mackey
How has tonight’s action left the Premier League table?
Considering the drama that led into today’s game, you certainly wouldn’t realise Manchester United are within three points of their local rivals Manchester City.
This evening’s victory has moved them into sixth, while Chelsea are clinging onto a place in the top half with their goals scored tally the only thing keeping them above 11th-placed Brentford.
Work to do for Pochettino…
Ed Mackey
Two more games to enjoy tomorrow
(Photo: Getty Images)
The midweek action does not end today in the Premier League.
You have two more matches to enjoy tomorrow with two of the other top-four chasers facing tough tests.
Everton vs Newcastle – 7:30pm GMT/2:30pm ET
Tottenham vs West Ham – 8:15pm GMT/3:15pm ET
Ed Mackey
Elsewhere, wins for Bournemouth Brighton, Fulham and Liverpool
(Photo: Getty Images)
And here are the scores from the other four Premier League games this evening.
Brighton 2-1 Brentford (Gross, Hinshelwood; Mbeumo)
Crystal Palace 0-2 Bournemouth (Senesi, Moore)
Fulham 5-0 Nottingham Forest (Iwobi [x2], Jimenez [x2], Cairney)
Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool (Van Dijk, Szoboszlai)
Ed Mackey
A huge win for Aston Villa against Manchester City
(Photo: Getty Images)
While we were covering the action here, there was a massive win for Aston Villa against Manchester City.
Leon Bailey’s goal was enough to move Unai Emery’s side above the treble winners and into third.
You might think it was a snatch and grab by seeing the 1-0 scoreline, but the stats would suggest the complete opposite; Aston Villa created 2.04 xG from 22 shots, compared to 0.83 from City’s two — yes, just two — shots.
It maintains Villa’s 100 per cent home record this season.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Pochettino: We couldn’t match United’s energy
(Photo: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino joined his counterpart in speaking to the BBC after the game: “We didn’t start the match well and maybe that can be expected because of the last couple of days. We couldn’t match the energy of Manchester United but they had an extra day to recover. We missed energy and the possibility to change the game. That was a problem and it happens sometimes. That is football. Full credit to Manchester United. They deserved the victory and were better than us but we were close. We need to be focussing on the next game.
“We need to be more clinical in the places like Old Trafford. We conceded the second goal and it was more difficult. We need to make better decisions. I think they pushed us to play in our half in the first half but then I think we were better and played a little bit better. It’s hard with all of the emotion out there.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Ten Hag: ‘I don’t care about the noise’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag also spoke to the BBC after United’s victory: “I can always have complaints but we are pleased with the result and the performance. We deserved this. We wanted to send this message to crowd but this is also our style. In the first 30 minutes we did it perfectly on the pitch.
“It was unnecessary to concede that goal. We switched off. We have steps to make. We are going in the right direction. This team will be good and this project will be good.”
On reports of dressing room unrest: “I don’t care about the noise. They are used to it. It was the same at Ajax but in a smaller country so less people.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Amrabat on United’s reaction to Newcastle defeat
Sofyan Amrabat spoke to Amazon Prime after the win: “After the last game at Newcastle, it was not good. We wanted to react today to show the fans our energy and that we wanted to win.”
On Scott McTominay’s performance: “He played a very good game. He scored two goals. He didn’t want to score a hat-trick, just two! We won 2-1 and that is the most important.”
On United’s reaction to Newcastle loss: “We started very well. I think the whole game was good. We played very well and had a lot of confidence. We had a very good reaction.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
‘Basic effort is not negotiable’
Over on the other side of our discussion page however, Chelsea fans are unsurprisingly less pleased with their side’s rough display tonight.
Mohamed B: This team really f****** annoys me. I don’t care if we lose games BUT BASIC EFFORT IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. This team picks and chooses when they want to show effort. We got ran to the ground all game. You’d think after escaping the first half with a goal that you would realize how lucky you were and actually APPLY EFFORT. As far as I’m concerned, Broja or Nkunku should play the 9. Jackson needs to be on timeout.
Nick P: I know I’m going to get s*** for this, but we really have missed Gallagher tonight, or at least another natural central mid. Enzo and Caicedo have to do better (they’ve not been nearly as bad as people are suggesting) but it’s been more about the formation where it’s regularly been 3/4 against 2.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United supporters laud Amrabat
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United supporters are celebrating their club’s win on our discussion page. A few have singled out Sofyan Amrabat for praise.
Lee K: Personally think Amrabat has actually had a good game. His aggression and pressing has helped keep some calm in the middle. He’s not too wasteful with the ball when compared to our other midfielders.
Henrikas B: I’ll say this quietly but Amrabat for the first time as good as advertised? Reguilon pleasingly forward too. Maguire solid. Antony was good!? Bruno showed passion but not the whingy passion – the good kind. United kind. Tackles, battles and all. Hojlund – poor service to him yet again. Garnacho really effective? Dare I say we didn’t really miss Marcus? Not the “this season Marcus” anyway. 3 points away from treble winners.
Ed Mackey
Pochettino admits United deserved to win
(Photo: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino pulled no punches when he was asked whether the result reflected the game.
“I think so. Overall, they deserved the victory,” he said on Amazon Prime.
“The start was difficult. (United) showed massive energy and maybe we were affected because we played on Sunday with 10 men, maybe it was difficult for us to start the game in the way we wanted.
“We created enough chances to level the game at 1-1 and we started the second half really well. But, in one action we conceded and then it was really difficult.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Breaking down United’s dominant win
The Athletic’s Carl Anka, Liam Tharme and Simon Johnson have dissected this match and what it means for both Manchester United and Chelsea, including:
Is McTominay a striker?
Is Palmer coming into his own for Chelsea?
Analysing that chaotic first half
Is Pochettino getting the best out of Colwill?
Check out their analysis at the link below!
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: Is Scott McTominay a striker? Is Pochettino getting the best from Colwill?
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United owning head-to-head with Chelsea
Manchester United are now unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League games against Chelsea, dating back to 2017, and their last 11 home PL games against Chelsea, dating back to 2013.
Ed Mackey
Shoutout to Garnacho and Antony
(Photo: Getty Images)
The big talking point before kick-off was Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the starting XI, and he will struggle to make his way back into the team with two stand-out performances from Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
The two South Americans were as industrious in their defensive work as they were in dragging United up the pitch.
It was Garnacho’s brilliant cross that gave Scott McTominay the chance to win the game for the hosts and, with seven ground duels won and four ball recoveries, Antony’s performance was an all-action one.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Laura Williamson
EPL Senior Editor
Ten Hag: United players ‘fight for each other’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag spoke to Amazon following United’s victory: “You need a good performance to get the right result. I’m not talking about Newcastle. We played three games last week and one performance was bad. We told them and they know when they play good and when they play bad. But they are not robots. But this was a good result and they fight for each other.
“It’s not only about the 11 players on the pitch. The others on the bench, they showed so many times they are incredibly good for this club and this team. We have so many games and we have to rotate.”
Liam Twomey
Chelsea Correspondent
Chance after chance for United
Manchester United accumulated an expected goals total of 4.07 tonight, which stands as the second most of any side in a Premier League game this season, behind only Chelsea against Spurs in November (4.12).
United should have scored four, and could feasibly have gone much higher – and that’s despite them showing plenty of their own flaws.
Hard to compute just how bad Chelsea were in every aspect tonight.
Ed Mackey
McTominay: ‘It’s a night we should be happy with’
(Photo: Getty Images)
McTominay was the star of the show and, after receiving the Player of the Match award, he was asked in his interview with Amazon Prime about where he got his goalscoring prowess from.
“I don’t know! I’ve always enjoyed getting in the box and, maybe on another night, I could have had one or two more,” he responded. “That’s football! I’m delighted to score two but I felt all the boys — Antony, Bruno (Fernandes), Harry Maguire — I could name a list of players who were world-class tonight.
“We’ve got to show that consistently because that’s not been the case of late.”
Ed Mackey
Johnny on the Scott
(Photo: Getty Images)
In the absence of goals from their forwards, United found themselves again leaning heavily on the penalty box presence of Scott McTominay.
His seven shots — five of which on target — probably should have yielded a hat-trick, but two goals were plenty from the Scotsman who is enjoying the best scoring season of his career.
If, and when, Ten Hag gets his forwards firing, United could be a real threat to the sides above them.
GO FURTHER
Scott McTominay – the great Manchester United survivor who deserves more love
Adam Crafton
Football Writer
Chelsea’s progress is hard to see
(Photo: Getty Images)
A few words on Chelsea:
Over a billion spent across three transfer windows
Eleven points off the top four
Failed to win 34 of their last 44 Premier League games
Not been above tenth place at the end of any matchweek this season
There’s a plan there, and pain can precede progress, but this is wild.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Chelsea’s performance worse than the result
A very disappointing result for Chelsea given Manchester United’s struggles this season. But the performance was a lot worse.
I can’t see this team being capable of going on the long unbeaten run they need, and that says it all.
Liam Twomey
Chelsea Correspondent
Alarming loss for Chelsea
An utterly embarrassing performance from Chelsea tonight and, coming so soon after the Newcastle blowout, a performance that leaves very little cause to think this season can be salvaged. Alarming.
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Cathartic win for United
Manchester United needed that victory. A big sigh of relief and cheers at Old Trafford as the full-time whistle blew.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Chelsea’s sloppiness punished
Chelsea, on the other hand, didn’t really test Onana this evening. They were very sloppy in possession, which made it difficult to create anything or really challenge United.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Deserved win for United
A deserved win for United. They created many chances and got great performances from Garnacho and McTominay and a captain’s display from Fernandes, despite his penalty miss.
Erik ten Hag will be happy with their reaction following their loss against Newcastle, and can take many positives from this game. Their forwards and midfielders were much better out of possession, showing great work rate to win the ball back quickly in transition.
They were slightly too open in the first half but much better in the second and did enough to get the result they needed.
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
United turned up for Ten Hag
Manchester United’s players turned up for their manager tonight, answering the questions about dressing room unrest in the process.
In contrast, Chelsea are a year and a half into their rebuild and on their third manager, but they still seem to be treading water. That poor corner kick from James at the close summed up their second half.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
FT: Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
(Photo: Getty Images)
United handle Chelsea’s final corner and the whistle blows for full time!
A deserved victory for the home side and Erik ten Hag, they were the superior side by far.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Chelsea running out of time
90+5′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
We’ve played the four allotted minutes but Disasi has won Chelsea a corner! This has to be their final chance.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Pochettino looking unhappy
90+4′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
As the minutes wind down, Pochettino is looking a very anxious man in the Chelsea dug-out. His arms are folded and his head has gone down at times as he sees his players continue to struggle to avoid another away defeat.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Evans comes on to see out win
90+2′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
We’re into four minutes of second-half stoppage time. United use their final sub opportunity to replace Garnacho with Evans.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Fernandez’s miss demonstrates United’s risk
88′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Chelsea are creating chances. This is the worry for United, who have failed to capitalise on their superiority and extend their lead.
The visitors know that no matter how much possession or momentum United have in a game, they still give away such cheap goals, so it’s not won until the final whistle!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Fernandez misses huge chance!
85′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Fernandez has a golden opportunity to turn a cross home from point-blank range and level the match, but fails to really make contact with the ball as it rolls by!
What a let-off for United!
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
Hojlund has yet to get going domestically
(Photo: Getty Images)
84′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Another disappointing Premier League game for Hojlund. He has yet to score in the league for United.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Rashford replaces Hojlund
(Photo: Getty Images)
84′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Rashford does come on, with Erik ten Hag making his second change to bring Hojlund off.
Applause for Hojlund from the crowd but not much reaction to Rashford.
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
How will United faithful receive Rashford?
83′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Rashford looks to be coming on shortly. It will be interesting to see the crowd’s reaction to him.
GO FURTHER
Rashford is finding out that homegrown players are held to a higher standard – rightly or wrongly
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
Garnacho gets the people going
82′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Garnacho looks a live wire, always a threat when he is involved.
I’ve always liked a player who, the minute he gets the ball, the fans get on their feet.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Garnacho leading the way for United
81′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
All that’s missing from Garnacho’s performance tonight is a goal. He has been the best player on the pitch for me.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Garnacho shoots wide
(Photo: Getty Images)
80′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Reguilon finds Garnacho in the Chelsea box for a great opportunity from close range, but he drags his shot wide of the far post.
United might come to regret not scoring a third goal in this match…
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
Who saw this season coming from McTominay?
79′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Scott McTominay has now scored more Premier League goals in this season than any other, with five.
He got four in each of 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Broja replaces Mudryk
77′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
With Chelsea falling behind again, Pochettino makes his second sub, bringing on Broja for Mudryk.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Garnacho created McTominay’s second goal
74′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Garnacho breaks free on goal but James recovers really well to block his breakaway attempt.
Goals were always going to come from him. He’s been United’s spark, excellent all game and the one who has looked like he was going to create something.
What I’ve loved tonight is the desire from the United players and the hunger they have shown. Antony has been better tonight and I love the fact he’s picking McTominay straight up after that miss.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Nearly a hat-trick for McTominay!
72′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
McTominay nearly gets his hat-trick!
A horrible giveaway by Sanchez gives United another advantage. Antony plays McTominay into the box. He opens his body up in an effort to curl the ball towards the back post, but gets his aim all wrong.
A big let-off there, that United will rue if Chelsea come back to equalise again.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
McTominay’s second goal survives VAR check
(Photo: Getty Images)
72′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Reguilon does really well to burst forward and draw the attention of multiple Chelsea defenders. With Garnacho unmarked he releases the winger down the left, whose ensuing cross is perfectly floated, just waiting to be headed home. No less than three United players are there to meet it, but it’s McTominay who gets the goal.
VAR reviews the play for a possible foul on McTominay, but the goal stands!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! United back in front!
69′ Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
It’s McTominay again!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Antony flashes skill
69′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Antony shows a lovely bit of skill to spin on the ball and release a shot from the corner edge of the Chelsea box, but his effort misses the target.
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
United have maintained their superiority
67′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
United have maintained their first-half momentum despite Chelsea’s goal right before the break. They’re winning the ball back well and attacking with energy.
But the final pass is proving elusive. Ten Hag calling for side-to-side movement.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Maguire makes vital interception
65′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Caicedo nearly managed to release a pair of team-mates on a 2-v-1 breakaway, but Maguire did really well to slide in and intercept his pass.
Rumours online today that Maguire may win November’s Premier League Player of the Month award…
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United appeal for penalty
(Photo: Getty Images)
62′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
All of United, from the fans to the players to Ten Hag, were yelling for a penalty after a shot by Shaw hit the hand of Colwill in the Chelsea box.
VAR has a quick look and declines to intervene though. Colwill’s hand was in a natural position, low by his side.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Antony nearly lucks into goal
61′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Antony takes a shot from the edge of the Chelsea box that takes a massive deflection off Silva. With Sanchez stranded in no man’s land it nearly redirects into the back of the net, but instead bounces harmlessly wide of the post.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Too many turnovers
59′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Turnovers are happening too frequently for both teams. Experienced players need to tell their team-mates to keep hold of the ball and retain possession better.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Chelsea needed James
57′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
It is no surprise Pochettino brought on captain Reece James at half-time for Cucurella to try to improve things defensively. The England international missed the last game through suspension and was not fully fit for this game after picking up a knock.
But it says a lot about how porous Chelsea were in the first half that he introduced James straight after the restart.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Garnacho goes for the incredible
(Photo: Getty Images)
55′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
With a high ball bouncing across the Chelsea box, Garnacho goes for an acrobatic scissor kick.
He’s clearly full of confidence after his stunning bicycle kick goal against Everton, but this one doesn’t come close to succeeding.
A minute later he has a much more scoreable opportunity, but curls his shot in the box just past the far post.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Chelsea giveaways continue
53′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
James gives the ball away to United in midfield, but gets back and blocks their eventual cross to make up for his error.
He holds his hand up in apology to his team-mates.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Big miss by Jackson!
(Photo: Getty Images)
49′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Jackson has a free header at the back post but puts the ball over the crossbar from point-blank range!
Dalot may have managed to put him off somewhat, but Jackson really should have given Chelsea the lead there.
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
Big teams playing more open games
49′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
There seems to be a more open approach by the bigger teams lately to just try to outscore their opponents, whereas they used to do this more against the smaller teams. Now they are doing it against their real competitors.
Recent examples of this trend include Manchester City 3-3 Tottenham and Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Change for each side as second half resumes
46′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
We’re back underway at Old Trafford!
Each side has made a change in an attempt to gain better control of the match. Reece James has replaced Marc Cucurella, while Sergio Reguilon has come on in place of Victor Lindelof.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United will rue their wasted opportunities
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United were incredibly wasteful in the first half.
They recorded an expected goals total of 2.78 in the opening 45 minutes, the most any side has accumulated in the first half of a Premier League game this season.
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
Career year for McTominay
(Photo: Getty Images)
McTominay seems to have changed his style of play from a holding midfielder to one continually getting in the box and scoring goals.
He’s now scored five goals for United this season, in addition to another two for Scotland.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Memories of an epic European semi-final
(Photo: Getty Images)
Pochettino and Ten Hag shared a very warm embrace and a few words just before kick-off. Tonight marks their first meeting as coaches since the epic Champions League semi-final between Ajax and Tottenham in 2019.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Rare penalty save for Chelsea
(Photo: Getty Images)
With his save to deny Bruno Fernandes, Robert Sanchez became the first Chelsea goalkeeper to save a penalty in the Premier League since May 2021 (Mendy v Man City).
Each of the previous 10 penalties taken against Chelsea in the PL had been scored.
Ed Mackey
A familiar feeling of despair
(Photo: Getty Images)
Not the first or last time you will see a photo of United players with their hands on their hips after conceding.
And, once again, it was all their own doing.
Yes, they have given Chelsea chances on the counter-attack but the quality of their own opportunities means they should have scored three or four before Palmer expertly guided his effort into the bottom corner to equalise.
A familiar sense of missed chances for the home side and, in turn, a familiar sense of frustration.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Palmer’s goal changed the half-time complexion
What a bonkers first half!
It ends 1-1 but both teams could have scored a lot more. Chelsea have been truly awful at times but that goal from Palmer has changed the mood in the ground and perhaps the severity of Pochettino’s half-time team talk as well.
Liam Tharme
Shot onslaught by United
(Photo: Getty Images)
United recorded 18 shots in that first half! That’s more than they had in the first half of their last three home games combined (16 total; seven vs Luton Town, five vs Newcastle United, four vs Manchester City).
Seven shots on target against Chelsea, as many as in the first half of their last five opening halves at home!
Liam Twomey
Chelsea Correspondent
Chelsea fortunate to still be in this
Chelsea are worse so far tonight than in their second-half drubbing against Newcastle, but United have been so wasteful and open that this game is still right there for the taking!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
HT: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
What a half! Back-and-forth play, up and down the pitch. Chances for each side, mistakes aplenty.
We go into the break with the score tied despite United’s heavy advantage in shots and opportunities thus far.
All to play for in the second half!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Colwill avoids booking
45+8′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Colwill brings Antony down from behind in midfield. The home supporters howl for a booking but the referee isn’t interested.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Chelsea cancel out United’s early superiority
45+4′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
That was the perfect time for Chelsea to score. They probably don’t want half-time to come now. United will be disappointed as it totally changes the momentum of the game. Chelsea are starting to take control.
It will be battle of the midfield in the second half. Both defences will need to tighten up.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Clever finish by Palmer
(Photo: Getty Images)
45+3′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Penetrating passes by Chelsea but yet another poor goal to give away for United. Three defenders were able to put pressure on the ball but more passive defending allowed Palmer to find the space to reverse his shot back against the goalkeeper, who can’t move his feet quickly enough to get across goal. A clever finish by the Chelsea signing.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Palmer’s goal for Chelsea
45+1′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Palmer receives the ball at the edge of the United box. He takes a few touches to create a bit of space around Lindelof, and then goes for precision over power as he passes the ball past Onana and into the far corner!
What a moment for the former Manchester City player, who was born approximately just five miles from Old Trafford!
We’re into eight minutes of first-half stoppage time.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! Chelsea equalise!
45′ Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Cole Palmer levels the match!
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
Have to question the managers
41′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
I hate to say it but this type of openness in the game is due to a lack of players knowing their roles, and that reflects badly on the coaches.
Especially as for Chelsea, Caicedo and his partner Fernandez cost over £200m!
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Pochettino demands better from his players
(Photo: Getty Images)
39′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
While McTominay is getting some treatment after a painful collision, Pochettino has unsurprisingly used the break in play to give his players a stern talking to and a bit of tactical instruction. They have looked anything but organised up till now.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Onana vs Sanchez
38′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
Onana looks confident on the ball. I never feel worried when he is.
Sanchez, on the other hand, has had a few shaky moments, which have encouraged United to press and put more pressure on him. He needs to keep things simple and find his next pass.
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
The managers can’t be happy
36′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
The goalkeepers have been on top tonight, but as a manager I wouldn’t be happy with how open the game is spread. Although United are on top, Chelsea could have scored a couple themselves already.
Including Mudryk with the latest chance, but he drags his effort from close range just wide of the near post!
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Remarkable we’ve only had one goal so far
35′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
Unfortunate for McTominay there. He was in the right place at the right time, but hit it straight at Sanchez.
Jackson should be scoring his chance at the other end. Onana didn’t dive in or try to guess. He stayed big and made it difficult for Jackson, a great bit of goalkeeping.
This game is so open!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Jackson can’t finish past Onana!
33′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
Onana rushes out to deny Jackson on a counter-attack moments later at the other end!
Following a recent trend of high-profile Premier League matches, this contest has been super open, without much defence to be found.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Sanchez denies McTominay!
(Photo: Getty Images)
32′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
Fernandes curls a lovely ball into the six-yard box. McTominay gets his head to it but his effort is straight to Sanchez.
The rebound hits off McTominay’s feet and into Sanchez again! A double save by the Chelsea keeper but McTominay should have done better there.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Chelsea have had chances
(Photo: Getty Images)
30′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
Chelsea’s final ball is really letting them down so far. As bad as they’ve been at the back, they could have got a goal themselves if had they got things right in the final third.
They’re trailing the shot count 11-2, but it should be a lot closer than that given some of the opportunities they have had.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
United have struggled to retain leads, though
29′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
This is United all over though. We’ve seen it so much in the Champions League – they take a lead and end up losing the game!
Given that, Chelsea won’t get too anxious just yet as they know they will get chances in the game.
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
United need to capitalise
28′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
I feel United need to put this game to bed while they are on top because Chelsea will wake up sooner or later.
Liam Tharme
Much-improved first half by United
26′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
This is already United’s best first half at home this season, in all competitions, in terms of shots. Eleven, with five on target, and we have only played 25 minutes.
They’ve needed better starts in big games, and got it thus far. Only their second home game in the Premier League this season in which they’ve scored in the first half.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Sterling appeals for penalty
(Photo: Getty Images)
25′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
Sterling goes to ground in the United box, feeling he was tripped up by Lindelof, but the referee feels otherwise.
VAR takes a quick look but doesn’t intervene.
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Open play up and down the pitch
24′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
A schoolyard football feel to this match so far, with both teams being sieve-like in midfield, but committed to pressing high up the field.
Feels like a repeat of United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea towards the end of last season. Ten Hag will hope for a similar result.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Chelsea need to tighten up
22′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
United have started the game better and it’s McTominay again that finds space in the penalty box. He has too much time to take a touch and direct his shot towards goal.
Chelsea need to tighten up at the back and their full-backs need to get out and stop the crosses coming into the box.
Meanwhile, Garnacho loses the ball to Cucurella, responds by taking him down and promptly receives a booking.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
McTominay’s opening goal
(Photo: Getty Images)
21′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
A sloppy giveaway by Chelsea starts United’s attack. Amrabat smartly releases Garnacho down the left wing, whose cross finds Maguire. His shot is blocked near the goal line, but the rebound comes right out to McTominay, who coolly fires the ball into the lower corner!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! United in front!
19′ Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea
McTominay gives United the lead they deserve!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Silva denies Antony
19′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Antony nearly forces a loose ball home from point-blank range, but Silva does well to go to ground and keep the ball out.
Chelsea are clinging on here, just.
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Fernandes contributing defensively
16′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Fernandes’ recovery runs may have caused issues in Turkey, but he makes a sublime one to cut out a pass from Mudryk here. No player in Europe’s top five leagues has played more minutes than the United captain in 2023. There aren’t many who run harder either.
Shaw was booked a moment ago for a bad foul on Sterling.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Both keepers distinguishing themselves at the moment
14′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Momentum can change with moments and Chelsea will be hoping they can get more control of the game after United’s penalty miss.
Both teams are having opportunities from mistakes, with the goalkeepers coming to each teams’ rescue at the moment.
Onana makes a routine save on a chance for Mudryk, though he did but stay big and make it difficult.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Chelsea deserve to be behind
13′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Pochettino knows his team have got away with one there thanks to Sanchez’s heroics and is urging his players to raise their game. The TV camera pans to him shouting ‘come on, come on’ to his players as the game restarted. They deserve to be behind the way they have started this match.
Sophie Harris
Professional goalkeeper
Weak penalty by Fernandes
(Photo: Getty Images)
11′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Poor penalty by Fernandez. Sanchez waits and doesn’t go early, then uses a strong hand to keep the ball out.
Even with the United captain’s run-up, that needs more power in the corner.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Hojlund consoles Fernandes
10′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Hojlund is straight over to Bruno Fernandes to console him after his penalty is saved, before then instructing team-mates to get into defensive shape.
If United want to capitalise on their early pressure, they’ll have to do it the hard way.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
SAVE! Sanchez denies Fernandes!
(Photo: Getty Images)
9′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
A very weak penalty is saved by Sanchez before Garnacho fires the rebound over the crossbar!
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
PENALTY to United!
8′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Early chances for Manchester United at the moment. First a Luke Shaw through-ball find Rasmus Hojlund who has an on-target shot, followed by Ten Hag’s men winning the ball high up the field and feeding in Antony. The Brazilian’s heavy touch in the box leads to him being felled and now United have been awarded a penalty!
United’s fast start has Chelsea on the back foot and offered up a chance to open the scoring!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
VAR review
7′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
The referee has been summoned to the monitor to see if United should be awarded a penalty for a foul by Fernandez on Antony in the box!
Lawrie Sanchez
Football manager
Cucurella’s surprising start
5′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Cucurella makes a mess of a clearance, conceding a corner to United in the process. In my opinion, Cucurella coming into the team at right-back is a slap in the face for Reece James.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Chance for Hojlund
4′ Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Hojlund gets free down the left wing and looks to pass the ball past Sanchez in Chelsea’s goal, but keeper makes a solid save.
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