Chelsea were the more dominant side in every area of the pitch at Stamford Bridge as they earned a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
While it wasn’t quite the 4-0 victory of last season, Antonio Conte’s tactics and the execution of said tactics by his men was spot on. This was exactly the kind of response they needed after their 3-0 humiliation against Roma in midweek.
Jose Mourinho on the other hand, won’t be happy with this performance. His attack and midfield just couldn’t seem to cope with their hosts as the game went on. The first half was evenly contested, and both sides started brightly as they looked to make an immediate impact.
But, chances came few and far between in the first half, which ended goalless. Then Chelsea took the lead with a stunning Alvaro Morata header, assisted by Cesar Azpilicueta for the fifth time. And, that well placed strike would prove to be the difference between the two sides.
5 – Cesar Azpilicueta has provided 5 assists for Alvaro Morata in the Premier League this term; the most by one player for a teammate. Duo.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 5, 2017
10 – No player has scored more headed goals in the big five European leagues since the start of last season than Alvaro Morata. Leap.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 5, 2017
Everyday I thank God that Lukaku went to United and we actually bought Morata
— . (@kantesgirl) November 5, 2017
By all standards: That’s a great header from Morata
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) November 5, 2017
And with a seal of approval from the man himself,
Perfect header ⚽️?? @AlvaroMorata #CHEMUN #CFC
— Michael Ballack (@Ballack) November 5, 2017
Over the course of the match and at the end of the 94 minutes, comparisons between Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata were inevitable, given their price tags and how fiercely both players were linked with their respective opponents during the summer transfer window.
Morata dyed his hair red because he knew he was going to score the winner against United. Ahead of the curve.
— Brian (@BRlANFC) November 5, 2017
When Morata had no time to think he was deadly today.
Conte’s tactics were spot on.
“Great preparation and great execution”#mmlove #cfc pic.twitter.com/dwf03o8gCW— Mario Melchiot (@MarioMelchiot) November 5, 2017
Morata to the away end at full time pic.twitter.com/K1qj8VtZfh
— Graham Smith (@GrahamSmithh) November 5, 2017
Morata showed why Jose wanted him, Lukaku couldn’t even show Chelsea what they were supposed to be missing. Pathetic performance.
— Ifeoma (@zeanify) November 5, 2017
Morata showing Lukaku how a pure striker should play in big games.
— Mr. Jack Robinson (@jackdre02) November 5, 2017
N’Golo Kante dominated the midfield in his first start since the 1-0 loss to Manchester City, and fans raved about his performance
Kante not even 100% match fit and he’s schooling this Man United midfield. Scary.
— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) November 5, 2017
Kante is the most hardworking midfielder the EPL has seen in recent times. Made all the difference for Chelsea today. What a chap! #CHEMUN
— Lexis Bill (@lexisbill) November 5, 2017
Every single player for Chelsea who played today deserve huge credit for their performance, excellent performance.
Kante, man of the match.
— ConteTweets (@ConteTweetss) November 5, 2017
N’Golo Kante making a strong case as our best player. Returned to the side today and restored our calmness with and without possession.
— Dami (@TheChelseaWay) November 5, 2017
Cesc Fabregas won the Man Of The Match award, and while some found it surprising, it was with good reason.
Cesc Fabregas is the Man of the Match:
6 chances created – joint-most of PL weekend
78 passes – most in match
94 touches – most in match pic.twitter.com/1cdBSwVDLc— The Blues (@TheBlues___) November 5, 2017
Fabregas is a million times better in this formation, what a man.
— Mod (@HazardChaos) November 5, 2017
Kante has fixed Fabregas by the way.
— Chelsea HQ ? (@Chelsea_HQ) November 5, 2017
Fabregas looks shattered but gets a standing ovation. Fans chant “Fabregas is magic” as he leaves the field. #CHEMUN #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 5, 2017
As for Nemanja Matic, who returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his controversial big money move to Manchester United over the summer but lost his personal battle with Tiemoue Bakayoko,
Where are all the Bakayoko haters now? Saw ppl say Chalobah is better ??? retards don’t know his potential and what the word patience means
— ?Mr Chelsea Boss? (@MrChelseaBoss) November 5, 2017
Chelsea showed today why, when Kante is fit, selling Matic really isn’t the disaster that some have claimed.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) November 5, 2017
Bakayoko running the show in midfield. Nemanja Matic nowhere to be seen.
— Conteholic (@Conteholic) November 5, 2017
They thanked us for Matic since the beginning of the season, and Bakayoko here took Matic to the cleaners.
— Mr. Jack Robinson (@jackdre02) November 5, 2017
United lost to Chelsea with Matic in the side. Don’t expect to hear anything from Neville and co.
— Chenkovic (@_Asgardian) November 5, 2017
Bakayoko is obviously lacking some experience and composure – but had a far bigger impact than Matic had today.
— Chelsea Rumours (@ChelseaRumours) November 5, 2017
For Bakayoko vs Matic, regardless of today, the former is an upgrade. More power and ability to influence further forward.
— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) November 5, 2017
Had it not been for David De Gea, the Blues would’ve likely won by a far more convincing margin.
If it wasn’t for David de Gea, Manchester United would be embarrassed in some games. Consistently putting in superb performances.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 5, 2017
De Gea is always Utd’s best player in games, tells you everything you need to know about that club.
— SCHOLES (@iamscholes) November 5, 2017
Only Bailly & DeGea came for this match.
— Yewa Prince (@LexcyKaka) November 5, 2017
