Wednesday, October 24

Premier League

 

5 things we learned from Chelsea’s dramatic late draw with Manchester United

Ross Barkley netted deep into stoppage time as the match finished 2-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Ross Barkley scored an equalising goal deep into stoppage time as Chelsea salvaged a 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

When Antonio Rudiger headed the hosts into the lead all three points looked likely, but Anthony Martial scored twice in the second half to almost give United an unlikely victory before Barkley’s dramatic late intervention.

Here, Press Association Sport examines five things we learned from what unfolded at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho had a happy return to Stamford Bridge (Martin Rickett/PA)

1. This was no disaster for Jose Mourinho

The nature of their 3-2 victory over Newcastle had already given United something to build on, so to then come from behind at Stamford Bridge should further ease the significant pressure that had built on the manager. Victory over Everton next weekend would give them seven points from nine in the league and put them back into contention for a top-four finish.

Marcus Rashford is at his best in a central position (Martin Rickett/PA)

2. Marcus Rashford is wasted out wide

It is no coincidence the young forward excels for England; by playing more centrally he can make the most of his goalscoring instincts, as he most recently demonstrated against Spain. At Stamford Bridge he was used wide on the right of a front three, giving him few shooting chances on his stronger right foot, and often forcing him to play almost as a right-back.

Chelsea are bringing the best out of Eden Hazard (Victoria Jones/PA)

3. Eden Hazard should resist Mourinho’s advances

The United manager may have secured a positive result but, even if he has said he would love to take Hazard to Old Trafford, Saturday’s fixture showed why that would be a mistake for the Belgian. He is relishing the freedom he has been given by Maurizio Sarri; to watch United’s front three struggle for fluidity was to recall how frustrated Hazard once was under Mourinho.

Anthony Martial’s two goals showed what a fine player he is (Martin Rickett/PA)

4.United need to agree a new contract with Anthony Martial

The talented French forward had minimal influence for much of the match at Stamford Bridge, but took the two chances that came his way to transform United’s afternoon, and perhaps even their season. Contrast his finishing ability with that of Romelu Lukaku, who sent a free header harmlessly wide, if United are to succeed in the coming years, they consistently need Martial playing to his potential.

David Luiz is not the figure to organise Chelsea’s defence (John Walton/PA)

5. Chelsea lack leadership

John Terry’s recent return to football comes with his former club missing a similarly influential figure. Hazard may be their finest player but when they needed some authority in central defence, particularly while 1-0 up and with United struggling for belief, it was lacking. That first equalising goal would never have been conceded during Terry’s and Petr Cech’s best years. If Gary Cahill remains out of favour they will need someone with those qualities, ones David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger do not have.

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202632323
2Liverpool97201631323
3Chelsea96302071321
4Arsenal970222111121
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs9702167921
6Bournemouth95221612417
7Watford95131312116
8Everton94321512315
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves943298115
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd94231516-114
11Leicester CityLeicester94051515012
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton93241013-311
13Burnley92251017-78
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham9216814-67
15Crystal Palace9216511-67
16Southampton9135614-86
17Cardiff CityCardiff9126819-115
18Fulham91261125-145
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield9036418-143
20Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9027614-82
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Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202632323
2Liverpool97201631323
3Chelsea96302071321
4Arsenal970222111121
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs9702167921
6Bournemouth95221612417
7Watford95131312116
8Everton94321512315
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves943298115
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd94231516-114
11Leicester CityLeicester94051515012
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton93241013-311
13Burnley92251017-78
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham9216814-67
15Crystal Palace9216511-67
16Southampton9135614-86
17Cardiff CityCardiff9126819-115
18Fulham91261125-145
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield9036418-143
20Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9027614-82
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