Chelsea salvaged a late draw with an injury time equaliser from Diego Costa, as Manchester United missed the chance to close the gap on the top four early this morning.
Jesse Lingard opened the scoring with a well taken volley with his back to goal in the 61st minute, following a break in play which saw Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma stretchered off with a serious injury that may seem him out for some time. Costa’s goal came in the 91st minute as a resurgent Chelsea dominated the late stage possession.
Outside90’s Brayden May selects our combined XI from the match, based on the best players from another exciting instalment in this rivalry:
David De Gea – Goalkeeper – Manchester United
A very difficult decision as to who was the better goalkeeper on the day in a match that featured arguably the two best English Premier League custodians, if not some of the best in the world. De Gea stood tall when his team needed him most, as he has done so many times before. The United shot-stopper produced a number of top quality saves to ensure his side would leave Stamford Bridge with at least one point. The former Atletico Madrid man could not do anything as Costa slipped through the United defence to level up the match though. Thibault Courtois, at the other end, was just as outstanding for the home side.
Matteo Darmian – Right-back – Manchester United
The Italian international had a slightly easier time than counterpart Branislav Ivanovic, who struggled against young Frenchmen Anthony Martial. Darmian put in a solid shift in the fullback position as his side shared the points with Chelsea who now sit seven points above the relegation zone. Darmian showed his bravery once again when he was collected as he went back with the flight of the ball from an incisive cross. The 26-year-old looked dangerous as he got forward, linking well with England winger Lingard. Another strong performance after a mid-season slump.
John Terry – Centre-back – Chelsea
Terry continues to still be a stalwart at the heart of the Chelsea defence and the skipper who recently announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season did not let his side down against one of their fiercest rivals. The former England captain passed out well from the back throughout the match, controlling the tempo of the game for his side. The 35-year-old pushed forward in typical fashion as the Blues went in search of an equaliser. The Premier League’s greatest scoring defender of all time proved to be a nuisance at all times from set pieces.
Daley Blind – Centre-back – Manchester United
Very much an unsung hero for a United side who have struggled for consistency this season and once again Blind produced another top performance alongside Chris Smalling. The Dutch international continued his fine form, displaying his composure and smarts at the back in the way he managed to deal with the threat of a much bigger and stronger opponent in Costa. A favourite among the Red Devils fans, Blind distributed from the back looking to get his side moving forward in a game full of momentum swings.
Cesar Azpilicueta – Left-back- Chelsea
The fullback produced a solid performance against the young Lingard, despite him getting on the scoresheet. The 26-year-old managed to keep the winger quiet for majority of the game, dealing with the threat on a number of occasions before he was taken off for Memphis Depay. The Spaniard often found himself in dangerous positions going forward and continued to link up well with Brazillian midfielder Oscar throughout the match, as the home side looked to drive forward. Azpilicueta will count himself unlucky not to have an assist after Oscar smashed his shot high and wide.
Nemanja Matic – Central-midfield – Chelsea
Matic produced a strong performance in the middle of the park for his side before he was eventually substituted for Pedro as Chelsea searched for an equaliser. Matic was strong in the tackle throughout the game, silencing the threat of Marouane Fellaini as the big Belgian aimed to be a target in the box for United. The Serbian found himself going forward on a number of occasions, putting in a number of dangerous balls into the 18-yard area.
Michael Carrick – Central-midfield – Manchester United
For the second straight game since returning from injury, Manchester United got exactly what they have come to expect from Carrick in the middle of the park. Carrick continued to find space throughout the match as he controlled the tempo of the game. Fans have been crying out for attacking football all season and the England international provides this, always looking to get the ball moving forward and this was no different against Chelsea. He also dropped into the defence to help provide cover on a number of occasions.
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Willian – Right-wing – Chelsea
Arguably Chelsea’s best player this season and the winger continued his fine form against rivals Manchester United. Young defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson will be having nightmares about the tricky winger and although his set-piece ability was not at its best, Willian made up for it with his outstanding dribbling as he continued to run at the opposition defence throughout the match and causing all sorts of problems. The 27-year-old will be hoping to carry on this form into the later stages of the Premier League season.
Juan Mata – Attacking-midfield – Manchester United
Mata was United’s best as they shared the points against his former side at Stamford Bridge. The former Chelsea playmaker was deployed into the No.10 role where he enjoyed so much success previously and Mata produced his best game for some time, roaming freely around the midfield. The Spaniard worked space in dangerous positions throughout the match as United searched for more goals following Lingard’s opener. His passing ability was on full display as the small midfielder did not give away the ball cheaply.
Anthony Martial – Left-wing – Manchester United
The young Frenchmen gave Branislav Ivanovic a torrid time using his pace and tricky dribbling to beat the experienced defender on a number of occasions. A summer signing that was labelled desperate, Martial has not taken a backwards step since his first game in a United shirt and he produced another performance that was appreciated by visiting supporters. An ability to run at the opposition defence continues to be a highlight of his game. Can consider himself unlucky not to score after a fine save from Chelsea shot-stopper Thibault Courtois.
Diego Costa- Striker- Chelsea
A man who is never too far from controversy, was very much on a mission as he faced Manchester United for the first time since his move from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2014. Costa grabbed himself a goal and his side the equaliser with a well taken finish in injury time. His battle with Chris Smalling throughout the match was entertaining, with both players demonstrating their strength and footballing smarts. The striker was at his angry best as he questioned the officials’ decisions on a number of occasions.
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