Manchester has had the upper hand against Chelsea in their past 12 games, including a victory in the reverse fixture in December. They approached the game with high expectations and were determined to start on a strong note.
The confidence however was cut short for the visitors in the 4th minute as Gallagher’s low driven strike was fumbled by Onana to give Chelsea the lead. Minutes later, Antony gave away a penalty and Palmer without doubt slotted calmly to double the hosts lead.
Controlling the game’s proceedings despite being 2 down, persistence finally paid off after Garnacho latched onto an erratic pass from Caicedo for a left footed finish in the box. With United asking all the questions, a second followed as Dalot’s deep cross to the back post was met by skipper, Bruno Fernandes for his 5th league goal of the season.
The second half was a much better spectacle as both sides threw all at each other until a bit of magic put United ahead for the first time in the game. This time, gifted Brazilian, Antony after beating his marker to a foot race hit an exquisite trivela cross which Garnacho knocked down fearlessly into the net for his second of the game despite the threat of the on rushing Petrovic.
Late Drama ensured in the 100th minute when Dalot tripped on his own foot and brought down Noni Madueke in the box for Chelsea’s 2nd penalty of the night, once gain Cole Palmer with a cool finish to draw the hosts level.
Chelsea refused to relent and mounted relentless pressure, even with just a few seconds remaining in the game. Their persistence paid off when a scramble from a corner kick in the United box resulted in a deflected strike from Cole Palmer, propelling Chelsea into the lead once again. It was a remarkable moment for the young Palmer, who secured his first senior hat-trick of his career in such a crucial match.
The loss sees United remain 6th, 11 points off the remaining Champions league spot as they prepare to welcome fierce rivals, Liverpool to the Old Trafford on Sunday.
Mbey Williams