Chelsea 4-3 Man Utd: Failing to Cross The Bridge Again!

Published by CM22ENT on 4 April 20244 April 2024

Chelsea and Manchester United are two top teams of yesteryear looking to desperately make their ways back to the mountain top. While the Blues have performed extremes across a short period of time under new Clearlake ownership, their visitors for today have continuously progressed and regressed with funds aimlessly targeted towards talents unable to drive operations north.

In a frantic start to the game, Stamford Bridge was Ignited into jubilation as captain Conor Gallagher fired Chelsea into a quick lead. The worst possible way to press play on a must win encounter for Erik ten Hag’s side.

That anguish would only continue 15 minutes after, as Antony was late to track Marc Cucurella’s flurry into opposition territory. Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, and as we’ve seen so many times this campaign, rising star Cole Palmer rarely misses from 15 yards. Once again, not the reaction after such a dull exhibit against Brentford last Saturday.

Manchester United, much like in the aforementioned encounter, looked directionless, and second best to every individual duel all over the field. 90 minutes was looking to conclude quicker than it would take a prime Usain Bolt to pass 90 metres. At least it seemed that way.

Moisés Caicedo since his blockbuster transfer from Brighton has failed to establish himself even with regular minutes for Chelsea. At times, his lack of confidence radiates, much like the misplaced back pass, providing Alejandro Garnacho with space to run into, and a chance to convert something out of absolutely nothing in which he did. Both hands submerged into a face that would do everything to camouflage with the home turf Caicedo dreamed of waltzing over.

In quick succession once the fast paced nature of this game picked up, Andre Onana swiftly kickstarted what would lead to a Bruno Fernandes equaliser. Antony produced a sumptuous switch of play, and as Diogo Dalot crossed in a delectable back post ball, Manchester United’s captain made no mistake with his head. The oh so chaotic description of both teams, thoroughly outlined in 45 minutes of football.

In a complete parallel to the initial period, Manchester United found a lot of joy attacking Chelsea’s backline. Much improved. The issues faced were the openness of their midfield as Chelsea had counter attacks on speed dial. Far from the control any manager desires, but ultimately this was to be an out and out war with three points looking to be earned by any means necessary. I guess the only question a viewer could ask is, at what cost?

Antony delivered plenty of highs and fewer lows which contradicts his entire Manchester United career up to this point. His A-game only went on to produce an unbelievable assist to complete the comeback. Outside of the boot, picture perfect for Garnacho to head in his second and United’s third. Moments of magic that only upscale the unbelievable spectacle that you’d pay for turning your back on.

As proceedings wound down and United closed in on their first league win at Stamford Bridge since 2012, all publications were to rip their ready made reports to shreds due to more twists remaining. English U21 and substitute Noni Madueke deceived a poorly positioned Diogo Dalot to explode out of the blocks and win his side a penalty with only a few minutes to go. The lengthy and unnecessary wait prolonged an inevitable finish from Cole Palmer once more; but he wasn’t finished.

A clearly frustrated Dalot looked to instantly avenge his misjudgement, and as Manchester United’s attack broke down, presenting Chelsea with another break which could have finished it all with better execution, the clues were already to be divulged.

Defend this corner kick to see out the game and salvage at least one point was all Erik ten Hag could wish for, until Cole Palmer was left bewilderingly open on the edge of his team’s area. A smashing strike only added to utter devastation, once deflected off substitute Scott McTominay. Palmer’s first senior hat-trick cost the Red Devils whose minds had drifted away like a baby in the arms of its mother.

Defeat for Manchester United will highlight the frailties of such a performance. Many positives will be overshadowed, but ultimately, it’s the same in game management issues and lapses of concentration that ended an encounter that was 2-3 in the 99^th minute, but somehow concluded four goals to three.

How did you assess the game and each team’s performance? Have your say in the comment section, and feel free to follow my accounts on X, TikTok, and YouTube where I’ll be providing extra Man Utd content and updates. Contact CM via email or social media platforms by clicking here