Man United 4-1 Chelsea: 3 Blues who impressed and let fans down

Chelsea has lost eight games in 10 under the tutelage of caretaker manager and club legend Frank Lampard. It was a good first half performance from the away side, creating big chances but missing all of them. Unfortunately the first half was also filled with some horrendous defending on the break by Lampard’s men, meaning that Manchester United looked really promising almost every time they came forward. CFC had a lot of the ball, but the Manchester club picked apart their long-time rivals easily. In fact, ‘easily’ is an understatement, if you can believe it. The Blues conceded six non-penalty big chances on the night and and seven big chances in total. The 4-1 scoreline flattered the away side, as ridiculous as that may sound. Here are six standout performances, for varying reasons:

Chelsea negatives

Wesley Fofana, Centerback, No. 33

Fofana had a performance to forget at Old Trafford. He was not the sole reason for the 4-1 loss, but he was a significant contributor. The only part of Fofana’s game that was good was his passing, and even that was debatable, because he had a 93% passing accuracy but a 33% long ball accuracy. This was the second game in a row that the France international passed the ball to the opposition under no pressure. It may signify a lack of concentration, but he should not be making such mistakes at this level. Per SofaScore,  Fofana won just 1/5 tackles, 2/9 ground duels, committed a penalty and made a separate error leading to goal. He quickly made himself a target for the Man United players as they figured out that his confidence was shot. It was like everything he touched turned to…whatever the opposite of gold is.

Conor Gallagher, Central midfielder, No. 23

Gallagher’s execution on the night was poor. Gallagher failed in many of the things he usually does well. He was poor in all thirds of the pitch, missing one clear cut chance, creating nothing, and taking 0/2 shots on target. He won just 2/11 ground duels and 2/5 tackles, meaning that he was dribbled past three times. He also made an error leading to a shot. It was comfortably the Englishman’s worst performance in a CFC shirt. This is without even mentioning that he was part of a midfield that was near non-existent in defensive transitions.

Kai Havertz, Center forward, No. 29

Havertz was poor, especially because he also didn’t do many of the things he did before that helped the team when he wasn’t scoring. Ground duels. Havertz’s work rate is usually high. In this game it wasn’t, far from it in fact. He made no defensive action and contested only three ground duels, winning just one. It should be mentioned that he won 2/2 ground duels. The one big chance that fell to him did not result in a goal. He was near inconsequential.

Positives

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Goalkeeper, No.1

The Chelsea No. 1 once again kept the scoreline in single digit. Four of the seven big chances the side conceded didn’t result in goals. Arrizabalaga’s teammates also allowed 5.21 expected goals (xG) according to SofaScore, which means that the Spaniard prevented some goals himself. He prevented 1.95 goals, which is extremely high. With five saves, all from inside the box, the Blues’ goalkeeper was once again the most competent member of the footballing staff in the grounds.

Enzo Fernandez, Central midfielder, No. 5

Fernandez was, again, superb in ball movement and progression. The World Cup winner attempted over 100 passes against Manchester United, completing 10 into the final third, and 6/8 long balls on the night. His ball carrying was also great, completing 3/4 dribbles. He also created a superb chance for Gallagher, who dragged his shot narrowly wide. He was also one of the midfield three, and the Blues’ midfield objectively had a horrendous game.

Lewis Hall, Left back, No. 67

There’s a strong case for Hall being the best outfielder in blue at Old Trafford. The youngster won 2/2 tackles and all eight ground duels he contested. He completed 5/6 long balls, and created two of the three big chances Chelsea got in the game. Hall also completed a whopping 6/6 dribbles.