Social442
VAVEL 2mos ago
Chelsea FC. Moises Caicedo the hero as points shared in Manchester
Source:VAVEL |

Chelsea's winless streak at Old Trafford continues as Manchester United limited their opponents to a 1-1 draw.

A 70th minute Bruno Fernandes penalty was quickly cancelled out by a well hit strike from Moises Caicedo - but neither team were able to score a winner in the dying moments.

A draw means Chelsea move back into the top four after Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal all dropped points in their fixtures. Enzo Maresca's side will face the Gunners next in the league, just before the international break.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be content with a point, and remains unbeaten as interim head coach while the club prepares for the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

Here is everything Maresca had to say on this game:

On the result The game was evenly matched, with United arguably having the better chances, but Chelsea remained strong defensively and also progressed the ball better than the hosts.

The Blues also remained calm and did not let their heads drop after going behind, with Caicedo pouncing on a shooting chance to level the scoring, just minutes after the penalty was scored.

There were arguably moments to snatch the win - Enzo Fernandez nearly got on the scoresheet just minutes after being introduced off the bench - but Chelsea will be happy to leave with a point gained.

Maresca has stated previously that his side are bound to concede goals, but praised their determination to get back into the game, especially when playing away from home:

"Knowing against them, we are going to concede some chances. So we knew that. We did the most difficult thing in this stadium to come back when they score. Probably at 1-1, we exposed ourselves too much."

On Caicedo's standout performance It was the perfect belated birthday gift for Moises Caicedo, who put in a monster performance against the Red Devils.

Not only did the midfielder score in this match, but he also put in a tremendous defensive shift in midfield, often helping out the Chelsea defense, This certainly impressed his manager, who was full of praise for the Ecuadorian at full time.

Signed from Brighton last season, Caicedo is Chelsea's most expensive signing to date - but Maresca stresses the fact that he will have ups and downs, just like any other player:

"Moi is doing fantastic. I said during the week, the problem with them is because the club pay them big money and people expect them to be the best. It's normal to be up and down. Moi is improving a lot. He is showing how good he is.

"Because he was so good at Brighton, it does not mean he is going to be as good at Chelsea. The impact is not easy. Because we pay them a lot of money, they want to arrive and be the best but it is not automatic."

On a potential red card offense There was late drama as Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez avoided a sending off, after appearing to catch Palmer's leg with a high challenge.

With studs showing in the tackle, many fans in the stadium expected referee Robert Jones to reach into his pocket and produce a red card - but after a brief check by VAR, the card remained yellow.

Maresca was clearly frustrated with the decision, heading to speak to Jones at full time - and he made his views clear after the game, as he said: "I don't think he has the intention of going for the ball. For me, it is clear.

"It was not intention to go for the ball. He goes for the legs. There is no doubt about the decision. I think it is quite clearly a red."

Palmer was clearly in some discomfort at the full time whistle. Chelsea will not want their star man to face time out, but Maresca seemed to dismiss any serious injury woes:

"Hopefully he is okay. He has ice on it now."

Install App

Largest Football Social Network