Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League suffered another major blow as they lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United.
Matheus Cunha’s goal just before half-time proved enough to help Michael Carrick’s side secure third place in the Premier League and give Liam Rosenior’s men further trouble in their bid to return to Europe’s elite competition.
Hundreds of Chelsea supporters protested before the match, demanding an end to the regime against club owners BlueCo. And those in the stadium expressed their displeasure after the final whistle, with boos heard across west London.
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Ahead of the match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Strasbourg fans took part in a peaceful protest against Bluco’s ownership.
Chelsea dominated the entire first half, and they couldn’t help but be angry at themselves for not being ahead in the first half.
Willian Estevao clipped a curling effort wide of the post inside 15 minutes, while the returning Enzo Fernandez had a better chance saved with a long shot from just outside the six-yard box.
Enzo Fernandes curled a glorious chance wide before United took the lead.
Until the opening game, United’s xG was just 0.03. But they seized their chance as Wesley Fofana was sent off the pitch after picking up a knock and Bruno Fernandes found Cunha, who placed his first-time strike into the top corner to secure his 18th Premier League assist of the season.
The Blues continued to look more likely to score in the second period, with Liam Delap seeing his headed cannon clear of the crossbar just before the hour mark. Almost identical opportunities fell to Fofana, but he found the same result.
By hook or by fraud, Manchester United’s unorthodox back four, with Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui excelling at centre-back, kept a rare clean sheet and picked up all three points.
Alejandro Garnacho struggled to make an impact against his former club.
Home supporters booed loudly at the final whistle, disappointed that their side lacked the finishing touch and are currently 10 points behind United in the Premier League table.
They are also four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool and have played more games as they hope to slowly fade out of the Champions League.
Rosenior: We were a dominant team
chelsea president Liam Rossineer Interview with TNT Sports:
“We were very good right up to the box. I can only tell you what I saw. I thought we were the dominant team from the first minute until the end of the game.”
“But to lose this game like we did is very disappointing because we had many chances to win.
“It has been a difficult moment. We are making critical mistakes at key moments and failing to capitalize on the opportunities we are creating.
“If you do that and don’t win the football game, things have to turn around quickly.
“I’m glad we have a game on Tuesday to get this out of our system and we have to go to Brighton and put things right.
“We created a lot of chances today. It’s not about creating chances, it’s about taking chances.
“We hit the woodwork four times, so it’s not far.”
In the Champions League race:
“We just need to win the next game. We can’t think about other teams. We have to focus on ourselves and put things right.”
Character: I’m just looking forward to the CL quest.
Liam Rosenior applauds Chelsea fans after defeat to Manchester United.
man utd president Michael Carrick Interview with TNT Sports:
“It was huge for us, a big win. I thought it was a great achievement to come here and keep a clean sheet like we did and defend the way we did.
“We don’t want to fall behind, we want to keep improving and moving forward. We’re not high enough yet, we want to get higher, but it was a big win and something the supporters can enjoy.”
“It was disappointing against Leeds, but I was really pleased with how we reacted, especially in difficult circumstances. Any game is a game about getting a result and there is no shame in that.
When choosing his defense:
Michael Carrick celebrates with full-time makeshift centre-back Nouser Mazraoui.
“A lot has happened in the last few days in preparing the team, especially the new back four. Ayden (Heaven) and Nous (Mazraoui) coming in was really great. “At such a young age, Aiden doesn’t really play as a centre-back in a back four, so a lot of credit goes to the coaching staff and players who have taken that on.”
Rossinier is under serious pressure as Chelsea boo him again.
Sky Sports’ Joe Shread analysis:
Chelsea suffered 6 losses in 7 games. It was a four-game losing streak in the Premier League, all of which ended without a goal.
Three straight home losses – the first time they’ve done so since 1993. And that’s Chelsea’s Champions League hopes in shambles.
Loud boos at full time. The pressure on Liam Rosenior is very hot.
Carrick’s centre-back risk pays off
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:
Many will have rightly questioned the decision to start Noussair Mazraoui at centre-back this evening. The Moroccan didn’t have much experience in the position, and he was partnering a young player with little full-stop experience in Ayden Heaven.
Before the game, moving Luke Shaw to center seemed like the most obvious choice. Perhaps after Manuel Ugarte also featured during the loss to Leeds.
Instead, it was Mazraoui. The ultimate utility man. And it paid off too. He looked composed on the ball and wasn’t too exploited in the air, even for a moment or two.
He played throughout the defense and took on a holding midfield role. He even attempted number 10. But of all his makeshift performances, this was by far his best.
