In a highly anticipated Premier League clash, Manchester United and Chelsea drew 1-1, marking the 27th time the fixture has ended in a draw – the most between any two teams in the league’s history. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for United, while Moises Caicedo’s equalizer secured a point for the visitors.
Here’s a breakdown of the positives and negatives of Chelsea’s performance.
Positives
1. Moises Caicedo shines on the big stage.
For Chelsea fans, Moises Caicedo’s stellar performance was no surprise. The Ecuadorian has consistently shown his quality, and his assured play was capped with a beautifully taken goal. Caicedo’s impact has silenced initial doubts about his transfer fee, proving that Chelsea has invested well in the midfielder. His ability to have a good partnership with both Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez is important for the team.
2. Pedro Neto emerging as a first-choice winger.
Pedro Neto showcased his versatility, nearly scoring with a shot that whistled past the post. Defensively, he was equally impressive, making seven recoveries and winning eight duels. Neto’s form could cement his place as Chelsea’s primary winger, especially with Noni Madueke’s inconsistency and disappointing display against United.
3. Cole Palmer’s influence remains strong.
Although it wasn’t his best performance, Cole Palmer was one of Chelsea’s key creative outlets. His quick footwork and vision created several opportunities, forcing Manchester United defenders into desperate measures to stop him. One gruesome challenge came from Lisandro Martinez, who went in hard on Palmer’s knee well after the ball had left the scene—a foul that somehow wasn’t deemed worthy of a red card by the officials. Despite these rough tactics, Palmer’s influence on Chelsea’s attack was undeniable.