Chelsea are still waiting for their first Premier League win at Old Trafford since 2013. On Sunday evening, the Blues could not get past a 1-1 draw against Manchester United – and thus left the mistakes of the competition unpunished.
It’s been a while since Chelsea’s last victory at Old Trafford: in the 2019/20 FA Cup semi-finals, the Blues defeated the English record champions 3-1. In the league, however, the Londoners have been waiting for a victory at the venerable stadium since 2013. Nothing should change in the twelfth attempt on Sunday evening – although a three-pointer in the north-west of England would have done Enzo Maresca’s team a world of good.
Chelsea do not punish mistakes by the competition
Because not only would the visitors have broken a curse that has lasted for more than a decade by winning, but they would also have emerged as the big winners from this 10th matchday of the Premier League. City, as well as Aston Villa, had also lost, which is why the jump to third place beckoned.
Chelsea started the game with a corresponding verve and had the better opportunities at the start of the open game, but were up against a United side that was their equal. The hosts had celebrated a 5-2 win in the League Cup against Leicester under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy (Ruben Amorim will not take over the Red Devils until the international break) during the week and also reported in the game via captain Bruno Fernandes (22nd).
Caicedo counters Bruno Fernandes
With both teams lacking in finishing, it was to take until well into the second half before the ball went in for the first time – courtesy of Blues keeper Sanchez. The Spaniard brought down United striker Höjlund in the box, and Fernandes converted the resulting penalty (69) after the eye-catching but hapless Garnacho had miserably squandered a great chance (65).
However, the hosts’ lead was short-lived because Caicedo took a corner that was not cleared properly and scored from 16 meters out (74′). However, the Blues did not manage much more, so that Chelsea only moved up to fourth place with the 1:1 for the time being, while United remain stuck at the bottom of the table.
Both teams now face home games in European competition on Thursday. While the Red Devils host PAOK Salonika in the Europa League at 9 p.m., Armenian club Noah FC will be guests at Stanford Bridge in the Conference League. In the league, Manchester United will face Leicester City on Sunday at 3 p.m., before Chelsea face Arsenal, who are level on points with them, in the city derby at 5:30 p.m.
