Chelsea host Manchester United in a crucial Premier League clash with both clubs targeting a spot inside the top four by the end of the season.
The Blues have the more difficult task as they sit seven points behind Aston Villa in fourth and have only won one match from their last seven in the top-flight. Liam Rosenior has also had to handle comments from midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was dropped from the squad, after he openly courted Real Madrid.
To make matters worse, Chelsea supporters have released an open letter declaring an “erosion of trust” in the ownership and the direction the club is being taken which will be backed up by a protest before tonight’s match.
In contrast, Manchester United are going strong despite a 2-1 defeat to Leeds last time out. It was only the second defeat under Michael Carrick and the interim boss will be hoping to brush that off and get more points on the board as the club look to secure their place in third.
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Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
57’ – Delap, who is in such need of a goal, is denied by the crossbar with a towering header. Much better from Chelsea and from their struggling centre-forward.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
54’ – The problem for Chelsea is that no one looks capable right now of producing a game-changing moment. There is such little movement, such little spark. And United, without having to do much, are presently looking very comfortable with their one-goal lead.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
51’ – Some life to the second period. Caicedo’s pot shot from range is deflected off Casemiro for a corner. The delivery from Fernandez is poor, United break and a hectic 30 seconds ends with Fernandes smashing a yard wide at the other end.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
48’ – This has been a very slow start to the half. Chelsea are ponderous on the ball in their own half and United are content to let them have it.
Restarted! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
46’ – No changes at the break and Palmer gets the second half going.
Half-time! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Chelsea are booed off half-heartedly by some home fans as makeshift United, with four centre halves absent, take a deserved lead in at the break despite having a smaller share of possession.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
45+2 – Dalot hesitates when dealing with a Gusto cross and concedes a corner that was avoidable. Fortunately for the United defender, the danger from Chelsea’s set piece is minimal.
Fernandes closes in on assist record
The latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“A goal from nothing for United, and it comes against the run of play.
“It was all Fernandes really, the Portuguese skipping through a couple of challenges before laying off a lovely cutback for Cunha to fire home.
“A good finish from the Brazilian and it’s assist number 18 for Bruno Fernandes as he chases the league record. “
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
44’ – That’s a lovely move with Fernandes – yet again – at the heart of it. Mbeumo picks out United’s captain down the right. He dribbles and weaves in before sending a low cross to Cunha. And he meets it with perfect timing to beat Sanchez with ease.
