United were seeking to win four consecutive matches at the Bridge in all competitions, United having won the last three away games against Chelsea, with those victories coming in the Emirates FA Cup in February 2019, the Carabao Cup in October 2019 and the Premier League in February 2020. No mean task as since the arrival of German manager Thomas Tuchel, the Blues were unbeaten in all competitions and kept six clean sheets in their last eight games.
In the end it was not to be, the visitors losing further ground in the title race. Should United have had a penalty and thus three points? I believe so. Luke Shaw claimed the ref told Harry Maguire that “if I say it is a pen, then it is going to cause a lot of talk about it after.” Ole blamed “outside influences” for United not being awarded the penalty. Retired referee Dermot appears to also be of the view that United deserved better, “I think it’s what we call a ‘modern-day penalty’. We’re 24 or 25 matches into the season and these have been given week in, week out. We talk about consistency and I think the expectation was to give a penalty. More people are surprised that a penalty wasn’t given.’
My Man of the Match is David De Gea who had been rested in midweek against Real Sociedad. He put in an excellent display in the capital, and made a fine stop from Hakim Ziyech just after the interval to keep the hosts out. He also made stops to deny Mateo Kovacic and several others during the game, and impressed throughout.
United are still in second place, although now 12 points behind the leaders. Next up two tough away games, against Palace and City.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.