In the last game of Premier League’s Week 26, Manchester United posted a massive win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Red Devils have defeated big rivals with 0-2, improving their prospects for reaching the Champions League.
It was a match in which Chelsea had more of ball possession, and where Blues pressured more, but without a significant productivity upfront. Also, the hosts scored two goals, and both of theme were disallowed after checking the VAR system.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils were excellent when talking about the execution, and with two headers sealed their victory and picked up three points.
“We want to be in the Champions League next year, and we’ve given ourselves a chance with this result,” said Solskjaer. “We know we need to improve. We’re going to work hard.”
Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire fired two hits, which were unstoppable for Willy Caballero. In the last minutes of the first half, Aaron Wan-Bissaka got the ball on the right wing, and made a perfect cross, which fell exactly on Martial’s head. The French striker sent a laser-precise shot towards the net, and the ball ended behind Caballero’s back.
Maguire added one more goal in the 66th minute, following a corner kick and a bit of a crowd in the goalkeeper area. It was his first Premiership score since he joined from Leicester as the most expensive defender in the world.
Yet, he had a lot of luck last night. Maguire should have received a red card already in the first half. The English defender kicked Michy Batshuayi while laying on the ground, but the referee didn’t see that, and also didn’t use VAR to check the entire situation. Frank Lampard was furious about it after the game.
“I’ve seen it again, and VAR is there for that, and they didn’t get it right. Harry Maguire should have been sent off, that’s clear, and that obviously changes the game.”
On the other side, Chelsea’s two goals were overturned after checking VAR. At first, Kurt Zouma netted, but it turned out that Cesar Azpilicueta made a foul on United’s Williams before Zouma’s shot.
After that, Olivier Giroud found a way to beat De Gea, but the French international was caught offside for a few inches before firing a header which struck the back of the net.
Things are very interesting in the English Premiership right now. Manchester City is suspended from the European competitions, which means that the fifth-placed team will also enter the Champions League. At least seven teams are racing for that spot now, and they all have more or less solid chances to reach it.
The Blues have 41 points and are fourth, Tottenham with 40 is next, while Sheffield United has 39. Manchester United sits seventh with 38 points, and Wolves and Everton are following the Red Devils with 36 each. Arsenal and Burnley have 34.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Tottenham are meeting in the next round at Stamford Bridge, while United hosts Watford.
