Key takeaways for Chelsea after draw vs Man United

Chelsea’s 11-year-old curse at Old Trafford continued as they drew 1-1 with Manchester United, extending the fixture’s record as the Premier League’s most-drawn matchup, now at 27 stalemates. While both teams largely neutralized each other, Chelsea’s performance perhaps spoke louder about their current state and areas for improvement than United’s.

The Gusto Experiment Falls Flat

In a surprising decision, Enzo Maresca started Malo Gusto at left-back over the fit-again Marc Cucurella—a choice that quickly revealed its limitations. Gusto’s discomfort in advanced roles on the left was evident; without the technical finesse to operate effectively in those spaces, he struggled to create meaningful chances. Chelsea’s left flank looked flat and unproductive, lacking the incisiveness needed to challenge United’s compact defense. This experiment tried before in the Liverpool game with similar results, highlighted the importance of fielding players in their natural positions. When Cucurella eventually replaced Gusto, Chelsea’s left side regained some shape and flow, though by then the impact was minimal. It’s a lesson Maresca may need to heed in future selections.

Sanchez’s Costly Mistake

Manchester United’s only goal came from the penalty spot, but it was Chelsea’s defensive missteps that invited the opportunity. Wesley Fofana’s lapse in tracking Rasmus Højlund was a factor, yet it was Robert Sanchez’s poor decision-making that proved decisive. With Højlund moving away from goal, Sanchez had a chance to narrow the angle and make himself big, but his reckless lunge handed United their chance. This mistake is part of a troubling pattern for Sanchez, who has already made critical errors leading to goals against Brighton, Liverpool, and Manchester City. While Maresca has shown faith in him as Chelsea’s No. 1, these repeated slip-ups may soon force a reconsideration.

Caicedo Anchors the Midfield with Class

Amidst the struggles, Moises Caicedo continued to show why he’s central to Chelsea’s midfield ambitions. The Ecuadorian dominated in the center, winning duels, intercepting passes, and delivering a stunning equalizer that earned Chelsea a point. Alongside Romeo Lavia, Caicedo offered a steady presence, proving he can balance defensive solidity with attacking contributions. His performances have been consistent since the start of the season, and his Man of the Match outing only solidifies his status as one of the league’s premier midfield anchors.

Opportunities Missed and Tactical Questions

Chelsea’s conservative approach raised questions, particularly given Manchester United’s recent instability and the Blues’ chance to push into the top three. Up front, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Cole Palmer all looked off-pace, struggling to make decisive plays. Mykhailo Mudryk’s introduction didn’t yield the desired impact, and the decision to leave players like Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix on the bench, who could have provided a spark, left fans puzzled.

This match presented Chelsea with a chance to take advantage of United’s vulnerability, but the lack of ambition and some tactical decisions left them with only a point.