Chelsea vs Manchester Utd 1-1: Jorginho Penalty Rescues Point

A second half penalty from Jorginho rescued a point for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 against Manchester United. 

Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for Manchester United shortly after half time when he was able to capitalise on a Jorginho mistake on the half way line. However, the Blues were awarded a penalty later on when Aaron Wan-Bissaka was judged to have fouled Thiago Silva in the box. Jorginho slotted home to draw the scores level. 

There was no N’golo Kante here after he was subbed off midweek due to injury and so Ruben Loftus-Cheek came in to replace the Frenchman after an impressive performance against Juventus. Ben Chilwell also suffered an injury midweek and so Marcos Alonso replaced him at wing-back, whilst Timo Werner came in for Christian Pulisic up top. 

There was big team news for Manchester United pre-match with Cristiano Ronaldo dropping to the bench. Michael Carrick started a front three of Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, whilst captain Harry Maguire also missed out here after his red card against Watford last weekend. Nemanja Matic also made a surprise start as Carrick looked to sure up his midfield. 

Chelsea on the Front Foot

Man United looked to follow in similar suit here with some dodgy defending to start the match. Twice Chelsea had two decent opportunities inside the area which were denied by David De Gea inside the opening five minutes. 

The hosts continued with their strong start and were on the front foot, forcing United to sit deep in their own half as the Blues looked to press and suffocate their time and space. As a result, Chelsea dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes of the match as United struggled to get on the ball and get anything going. 

Nonetheless, there were still not too many chances for either side but Chelsea looked on top in the first forty five, controlling the play and limiting the chances for United. However, United looked a bit more threatening towards the end of the first half on the counter but their final end product was not there. 

Sancho Gives United the Lead

Completely against the run of play, United took the lead with their first shot on target in the match as they capitalised on a Jorginho error on the counter. Bruno Fernandes launched the ball forward with a clearance towards the Italian midfielder who was the last man back. It was a poor touch by Jorginho, which allowed Sancho took break through, before keeping his composure and cooly slotting past ‘keeper Edouard Mendy. 

It was a much improved start to the second half for the Red Devils as they looked more lively and more in the match than they were before the break. Carrick’s side also did well defensively to limit the number of chances for Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel’s men continued to move the ball in and around the area well but the defensive structure of United held strong. 

Blues Back on Level Terms 

Chelsea continued to push and probe but failed to really challenge De Gea in between the sticks for United. However, they were awarded a penalty with around a quarter of the match to go as Wan-Bissaka was deemed to have fouled Thiago Silva in the area following a corner. Jorginho made no mistake from the spot, slotting the ball home into the bottom left corner. 

Chelsea continued pushing forward late on and Werner had a good chance inside the area, but Wan-Bissaka worked back well to make an important block. There was time for one final chance at Stamford Bridge when Antonio Rudiger was left unmarked at the back post right at the death but the German defender blasted the ball over the bar in what was the final action in the game. 

What’s Next for Chelsea and Manchester United?

The Blues will make the short trip to Vicarage Road on Wednesday as they face Watford in their next match. Chelsea still remain top of the Premier League after 13 games but the result here now sees Manchester City close the gap to just a single point. 

Michael Carrick will look to get his first Premier League win as United interim head coach as they play host to historic rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford midweek. They will look to close the five point gap between themselves and the Gunners. 

 

MATCH SCORECARD

November 28, 2021 – Premier League 2021-22 Round 13
CHELSEA – MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1

SCORERS: 50′ Sancho (M), 67′ Jorginho (C, pen.)