1. Manchester United’s midfield is seriously mismatched.
Michael Carrick showed, once again, his importance to Manchester United. The veteran midfielder, who’s closing in on a decade with the club, was impressive in possession, particularly in the first half.
Carrick had more touches than any other player on the pitch, his first thought was to pass it forward and he even managed to win the ball back for his side a few times.
However, Carrick and his midfield partner Marouane Fellaini, aren’t a natural fit and Chelsea, after withstanding a bright opening spell from United, figured out it doesn’t take much to get past them.
There was a distinct lack of pressure on the ball from the pair, who last started together in United’s loss to Stoke City on St Stephen’s Day, when United lost possession.
This contrasted with the workrate of Chelsea’s midfield, particularly Oscar, who repeatedly offered cover for their full-backs. Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin would have been better options to partner Carrick, but Louis van Gaal once again went with the Belgian.
2. There was only one winner in the battle between Fabregas and Mata
Two Spanish playmakers, but only one had any influence on today’s game. Cesc Fabregas had one of those days where you’d be forgiven for forgetting he was actually on the pitch. Fabregas was a complete non-entity.
On the other side, Manchester United’s playmaker was at the heart of all of their positive play.
Mata, who has previously been used out wide by Van Gaal, has been restored to his more natural No 10 position and linked up excellently with his teammates, in particular Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Anthony Martial.
Mata brought the young United left-back, who seems to possess strong crossing ability, into the game repeatedly and was near faultless in possession.
During United’s purple patch last season, when they beat Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City towards the back-end of the campaign, Mata was pivotal. If their recent upturn is to continue, the Spaniard needs to remain in his central position.
3. United passed up a glorious opportunity
Louis van Gaal may argue that United were already experiencing an upturn, pointing to recent positive results against Derby County and Stoke City.
However, the excitement following two wins, over two teams in poor form, merely highlights how disappointing United’s season has been so far.
This was a fixture that United rarely win, but they will be disgusted to not have left Stamford Bridge today with all three points. Van Gaal’s side started brightly, dominating possession getting men forward in numbers.
After 15 minutes, United had 71% possession and Anthony Martial looked like he was going to give Branislav Ivanovic a tough afternoon. However, United failed to create any clear chances, and allowed Chelsea back into the game. The hosts then dominated the period before half-time.
A bright start in the second half led to a number of efforts on goal for United, but they once again allowed Chelsea back into the game and endured a nervy final twenty minutes.
When Diego Costa equalised, it was difficult to argue Chelsea didn’t deserve it. Between the 80th and 90th minute, Chelsea had 88% possession and had tested David de Gea with a number of efforts.
It appears United’s confidence is still fragile after a horrible December and tough January. All the recent talk of a United revival proved premature, and they are now six points away from the Champions League places.
A win next week against Sunderland is essential before they return to their bogey ground: Old Trafford.
