THREE POINTS is what Chelsea fans thought they’d be gifted against Manchester United, until Ruben Amorim named his strongest possible starting XI, that was.
In a tightly contested first half, goals could’ve gone either way, but with United defender Harry Maguire denied by VAR and Reece James denied by the woodwork, the first 45 ended goalless.
More VAR controversy followed in the second half, with a Chelsea penalty being overturned by the referee as Tyrique George went down too easily in the penalty area.
The Blues FINALLY got their big break when Maresca’s tactical identity shone through with both full-backs combining to open the scoring, Marc Cucurella smashing a header home to send Stamford Bridge wild.
A nervy end to the game ensued, with big tackles flying in left, right and centre, but Enzo Maresca’s men got the job done and the race for Champions League football will go down to the final day.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…
Robert Sanchez – 6
Having riled the crowd up early, the fans were on Sanchez’s back almost from the jump after a few loose passes.
Grew in confidence as the game progressed, making a good save to deny Amad Diallo at the near post as the game drew to a close.
Generally good in the air, and when claiming crosses, and has improved towards the end of the season.
Reece James – 9
Preferred in the Chelsea XI tonight to Romeo Lavia, Caicedo was back in midfield for James to take up his natural right-back position.
He very nearly sent Stamford Bridge into raptures with a half-volley in the first half that rattled the woodwork from outside the box, showing Maresca what he can offer down the right side.
Tasked with keeping ex-best pal Mason Mount quiet, who came here with a point to prove, James did that job superbly before playing a crucial part in Chelsea’s opening goal with a wonderful turn and cross into Cucurella.
Completed 90 minutes too, a huge result for any Chelsea fan.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 7
The leader in the Chelsea dressing room, his experience was needed today in a big game as Rasmus Hojlund looked to cause problems with his physicality.
It was another solid performance from Tosin, who has proved a worthwhile signing from Fulham since moving from down the road.
Levi Colwill – 8
This has been a real season of growth for Colwill.
With many questioning exactly why the Chelsea hierarchy rate him so highly at the start of the campaign, he has come into his own of late and will be a stalwart in this side for years to come.
He’s far from the finished article, still being so young, but was good on the day and deserves his plaudits for being physically strong and good progressively on the ball.
Marc Cucurella – 9
Handling Diallo on Man Utd’s right-hand side can be a torrid task, but Cucurella did it well just as he did against Mo Salah last time Maresca’s men played here.
Strong in his tackles, we saw more of the stern defensive ability which makes him such a complete full-back in the first half.
In the second half however, he showed Chelsea’s front line how to put the ball in the net, gliding through the air and heading home as if he had the No9 on his back.
Moises Caicedo – 9
Part of me is glad the curtain is closing on this season, simply because I need the summer to think of more ways to describe the brilliance of Caicedo.
Chelsea’s Player of the Season was on the cover of the matchday programme, and showed the Stamford Bridge faithful why he was given that title within minutes, single-handedly breaking the Man Utd press to create a chance for Noni Madueke.
The Blues’ latest in a long line of diminutive destroyers in the middle of the park, who covered ground like no tomorrow, progressed the ball with ease and won tackles like his life depended on it.
All while looking impossibly cool in a protective face mask.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Having been such a maverick in midfield for the Blues this season, and a player who has shown up in big moments, Enzo was quiet on the night.
He remained Chelsea’s midfield metronome, but every other tick seemed slightly off beat, too often getting the weight of his pass wrong.
It wasn’t a terrible performance by any means, but by his own high standards, he will be slightly disappointed.
Noni Madueke – 3
Back in what has become a familiar position for Noni on the left-hand side of the Chelsea attack, the Blues’ winger caused plenty of problems for Mazraoui, but was unable to provide any end product on the night.
He missed a huge chance just a few minutes in as he blazed a bouncing ball over the bar, before also having the chance to double Chelsea’s lead which he fired wide when the pressure was on.
He could’ve cost his team if not for the brilliance of his full-backs.
Cole Palmer – 6
Man Utd fans taunted Palmer throughout the game with chants of ‘City reject, City reject, woah, woah’ as he remained relatively quiet in the first half, still coming very close to finding the top corner with a deflected effort well saved by Andre Onana.
He opted for a change of boots at half-time, but that was about all that changed.
We saw more silky touches and hard work, and to be honest, he probably should’ve had an assist for Madueke to make it 2-0, but it wasn’t to be for him tonight.
Pedro Neto – 5
Generally you know what you’re going to get from Neto at Stamford Bridge this season: plenty of running and crosses into the box, while ultimately the rating of his performance is defined by whether or not he can add some end product to his tiring 90 minutes.
Unfortunately tonight it wasn’t to be for Pedro, though he did play a part in what was a vital goal for Chelsea.
Tyrique George – 5
After Nicolas Jackson’s moment of madness vs Newcastle which will see him miss the rest of the Premier League season, the pressure of being Chelsea’s frontman fell on the shoulders of Tyrique George.
The 19-year-old thought he’d won a penalty for his side midway through the second half, only for the youngster to be denied by VAR for going down too softly in the box.
It was a pretty quiet night from the youngster, but he worked hard and did a job for the team in an unfamiliar position.
SUBS:
Romeo Lavia (Tyrique George, 81) – 5
Came on to help see out the game and did exactly that, cool under pressure in midfield when the game got tense and tackles were flying in.
Malo Gusto (Pedro Neto, 90) – 5
Charging onto a Cole Palmer pass at the death, Gusto had a huge chance to score, instead going to ground under pressure.
Full of energy after coming on, even after being crunched by Ayden Heaven, you can’t doubt his work ethic.
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