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 for Michael Carrick’s side to consolidate third place in the Premier League, pushing Liam Rosenior’s side further away from a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Hundreds of Chelsea supporters protested against the club’s owners, Bruco, before the match, demanding an end to the regime. And when the final whistle blew, those inside the stadium howled in frustration and boos could be 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 BlueCo ownership.
Chelsea had the upper hand throughout the first half, but could only be furious at themselves for not being able to take the lead at the end of the first half.
Willian Estevao clipped the outside of the post with a curling shot within the first 15 minutes, and further opportunities were missed when the returning Enzo Fernandes fired home from just outside the six-yard box.
Enzo Fernandes curls a great chance wide of the target to give Man United the lead.
Up until the opening game, United’s xG was just 0.03. However, with Wesley Fofana leaving the pitch with a bruise, Bruno Fernandes capitalized on Cunha’s first-time effort by curling it into the top corner for his 18th Premier League assist of the season.
The Blues continued to look likely to score in the second period, with Liam Delap’s header deflecting off the crossbar just before time expired. Later, almost the same chance befell Fofana, and he found exactly the same result.
By hook or by crook, Manchester United’s unconventional back four secured all three points with a rare clean sheet, with some excellent performances from centre-backs Aiden Haven and Nousair Mazraoui.
Alejandro Garnacho struggles to make an impact against his former club
At the final whistle, the home fans booed the team loudly, disappointed at the lack of decisiveness and the fact that they were 10 points behind United in the Premier League table.
They are also playing more games as their hopes for the Champions League are gradually slipping away, with the difference between them and fifth-placed Liverpool remaining at four points.
Rosenior: We were the dominant team.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior said this in an interview with TNT Sports.
“We were very good until we got into the box. I can only say what I saw, but I thought we were the dominant team from start to finish.”
“However, it’s very disappointing that we lost this game like this, as we had a lot of chances to win.
“We had a series of difficult days. We made important mistakes in important situations and were unable to take advantage of the chances we created.
“When you can’t win a football game by doing that, you have to turn things around quickly.
“We are happy to have a game on Tuesday to get this problem out of our system, but we have to go to Brighton and put the situation right.
“Today we created a lot of chances. The important thing is not to create chances, but to take them.
“It hit the woodwork four times, so it’s not that far off.”
About the Champions League race:
“We just need to win the next game. We can’t think about the other team. We have to focus on ourselves and make things right.”
Carrick: I’m only looking forward to CL’s quest.
Liam Rosenior praises Chelsea fans after defeat to Man United
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick told TNT Sports:
“It was a huge win for us. I thought it was a great performance to come here and keep a clean sheet like we did and defend the way we did.”
“We’re not looking back. We want to keep improving and moving forward. We’re not at a good enough level yet, so we want to aim even higher, but it was a big win and one that the supporters could enjoy.”
“It was disappointing against Leeds, but I’m really happy that we were able to come here and react like that, especially in a tough place. There are games where it’s important to get a result, and there’s no shame in that.”
On his defensive choices:
Michael Carrick celebrates temporary centre-back Nouseir Mazraoui’s full-time role
“There has been a lot of work to prepare the team over the last few days, especially with the arrival of our new back four. The new additions, Aiden (Heaven) and Nous (Mazraoui), have been unbelievable. Aiden is still young and doesn’t often play as a center back in a back four, so a lot of credit to the coaching staff and players for taking on that role.”
Chelsea are booed again and Rosenior is under intense pressure.
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Joe Schred:
Chelsea now have six defeats in seven games. This is their fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League, with no points scored in each of them.
This is the first time since 1993 that they have lost three consecutive games at home. And Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are in tatters.
Big boos at full time. The pressure on Liam Rosenier is intense.
Carrick’s centre-back risk pays off
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:
Many rightly questioned the decision to start Nousser Mazraoui at centre-back this evening. The Moroccan player doesn’t have much experience in the position, and at Aiden Haven he was partnered full stop by a young player with little experience.
Before the game, moving Luke Shaw to center seemed to be the most obvious option. Perhaps Manuel Ugarte was also brought on during the defeat against Leeds.
His replacement was Mazraoui. The ultimate utility man. And it worked. He looked composed on the ball and didn’t get taken advantage of too much in the air, even if he had one or two moments.
He played across the defense and was integrated into a holding role in midfield. He was also tried out as number 10. But of all his makeshift performances, this was his best yet.
