Chelsea vs Manchester United: Player ratings from comfortable victory
Chelsea claimed three much-needed points with a spirited second-half display, securing a 2-0 victory and piling further misery on a Manchester United side enduring another nightmare afternoon.
Goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer sealed a return to winning ways for the Blues, lifting the mood around Stamford Bridge and putting recent frustrations behind them. There were plenty of encouraging performances across the pitch, which makes my job of handing out the player ratings all the more enjoyable, and considerably easier.
Here are my player ratings from the 12:30 kick off:
Player Ratings
Mike Penders - 7.5
I now pronounce you “Magic Mike” and it is a name befitting the performance and save from Bryan Mbeumo. Great to see him earn a clean sheet.
Josh Acheampong - 7
Denied Matheus Cunha a tap-in in the first half and looked composed throughout. He was comfortable stepping out from the back, carrying the ball forward and defending with confidence. Chelsea’s best defender on the night.
Wesley Fofana - 5
He could easily have conceded a penalty or two after a series of costly mistakes. His performance did little to win over the supporters, and it is no surprise that many want to see the back of him.
Levi Colwill - 6.5
He was pushing Acheampong for the title of Chelsea’s best defender, covering a dangerous Cunha chance well in the first half. A solid performance that should give him plenty of confidence and momentum going forward.
Marco Palestra - 6
Amad looked far more dangerous when running at the Italian full-back, getting the better of him on several occasions throughout the game.
Romeo Lavia - 8.5
Won the ball for the Rogers goal and was superb by breaking up play, which he did multiple times. You could make a case for this being the best performance of the season.
Moises Caicedo - 7
Cannot remember anything special from his play as was outshone by his midfield partner largely. Still quite solid.
Estevao - 7.5
One of Chelsea’s most dangerous attackers, he repeatedly took on his marker, looking to beat his man or create an opportunity to get a shot away. The Brazilian showed exactly why he deserves a regular place in the starting XI.
Cole Palmer - 6.5
Found the net from the penalty spot but struggled to make a real impact in attack. He had a golden opportunity to double his tally in the final five minutes, only to fire over the bar.
Pedro Neto - 6.5
He missed a great chance in the first half, dragging his shot wide, but offered little else in attack. The Portuguese winger was ok in the false nine position.
Morgan Rogers - 8
A superb solo effort to open the scoring, with his driving run bringing back memories of Eden Hazard’s famous goal against Arsenal. United’s defence certainly made life easier for him, but the finish was still excellent.
