The Blues put forth one of their worst 45 minutes of the season in the first half against Manchester United at Old Trafford. While Louis van Gaal’s team dominated the opening half at Old Trafford, the number of times Chelsea lost possession was something that particularly infuriated the Chelsea FC faithful.
Manchester United and Chelsea FC played out an entertaining 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Monday — a game that either side could have won had it not been for some outstanding goalkeeping from two of the best keepers in the league.
Thibaut Courtois pulled off an incredible save from close range in the second half to keep out Ander Herrera’s effort. Meanwhile, De Gea made a terrific double-save at the beginning of the second half to deny Pedro and compatriot C sar Azpilicueta on the rebound.
Neither set of fans was entirely happy with referee Martin Atkinson however, with the home side seeing two legitimate penalty claims being turned down. The opprobrium among the Blues’ fanbase was largely due to some of the challenges from United players throughout the game — particularly Wayne Rooney’s high challenge on Oscar close to the full-time whistle.
However, Chelsea fans were left particularly frustrated due to a shambolic first-half performance as they repeatedly lost possession to Manchester United.
Here are some of the best tweets from what proved to be an entertaining goalless draw between the Premier League giants on Monday:
Herrera coulda ve seen red for a number of tackles in that half. Disgustingly gets away with it.
a Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) December 28, 2015
What can a manager, any manager, do at half time with a team that plays that? I’d consider Tasering them. a Dan Levene (@danlevene) December 28, 2015
Weird half. Our buildup from Courtois is embarrassing. Yet Utd midfield defending and tactical fouling needed give hope for second half.
a Grant James (@GrantJames_CFC) December 28, 2015
Good news is, it can’t get any worse than that first half performance…surely. a Paul Wentworth (@paultwentworth) December 28, 2015
Incredibly underwhelming half from Chelsea. We’d be better off using Traor as a centre forward & putting Ramires or RLC into midfield.
a ChelseaFansChannel (@ChelseaFansYT) December 28, 2015
Our worst half of the season and that says A LOT. a ParkedTheBus (@ParkedTheBus) December 28, 2015
Martin Atkinson seems to have a rather lenient attitude to studs up tackles on legs…first Barnes on Matic, now rooney on Oscar.#Consistent
a Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) December 28, 2015
.
Martin Atkinson has been infuriatingly bad – and the worst part is, I reckon a lot of United fans will agree. a Chelsea Rumours (@ChelseaRumours) December 28, 2015
Not winning this so can someone just volley Martin Atkinson into tier two please
a Nick (@ManUnitedYouth) December 28, 2015
Atkinson is having a laugh. a Mourinholic (@Mourinholic) December 28, 2015
Howard Webb thinks Atkinson was good??? ?Y Y??
a Jody Morris (@morriskid) December 28, 2015
Game ends 0-0 due to De Gea and Courtois’ heroics and poor finishing. Manchester United have now failed to win in their last 8 games. a Sergi Dom nguez (@FutbolSergi) December 28, 2015
Courtois & De Gea. No matter the position of the teams still the two best keepers in the league, no doubt.
a Adam (@Thibauted) December 28, 2015
Mais l’arrA?t n’a rien d’exceptionnel pourquoi vous bandez l j’ai pas compris https://t.co/WB3WdPcDYh a Issam (@IssamDelBarca) December 28, 2015
Top saves from De Gea… pic.twitter.com/8yCG3tdMXB
a Mano (@Officialhbkmano) December 28, 2015