Chelsea came from behind to score twice after the 100th minute as they dramatically beat Manchester United 4-3.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side went two ahead in the first half but were pegged back twice by United as both sides went into the break level. Alejandro Garnacho then gave Erik ten Hag’s side the lead midway through the second half before two Palmer strikes gave Chelsea a crucial victory.
Here are five things we learned from the match…
Neither team deserves to be in Europe
It might have been another blockbuster of a Premier League match, but that should not deter from the fact neither side deserve to be near the European places. Man United may occupy sixth place and Chelsea might only be a couple of points off seventh, but the lack of control shown by either side was a genuine concern considering their huge statures. It showed a lack of maturity from the younger players on both teams, but also a lack of care from the more senior players.
Palmer once again Chelsea’s main man
Where would Chelsea be without Cole Palmer? The former Manchester City man has been a revelation for the Blues this season after arriving in the summer. It gets said most weeks but that is the level the 21-year-old is playing at, with the Englishman becoming the main figure at Stamford Bridge. Another impressive performance included two more well-taken penalties and a dramatic last minute winner for his hat-trick took his Premier League tally to 16 for the season. Whilst the rest of his team struggled, Palmer continued to shine.
United throw away result yet again
The first 28 minutes were arguably same of the worst this season for Manchester United. Defensive errors and poor attacking play was capped off with Erik ten Hag’s side being 2-0 down and facing down the barrel at yet another defeat. However, the Red Devils were all square by the break after Chelsea’s own capitulation, and when Alejandro Garnacho headed in midway through the second half to give United the lead, it was welcomed with relief from the travelling fans. It was yet another unconvincing performance, and Diogo Dalot conceding a needless 100th minute equaliser then a 101st minute winner for the hosts compiled a poor showing.
Caicedo struggles continue
It was yet another match to forget for Moises Caicedo. Since the Ecuadorian midfielder made the move to Chelsea for a British record transfer fee, much was expected after an impressive season on the south coast. But Caicedo has struggled this campaign, with his first half mistake which saw Man United half the deficit the latest in a catalogue of mistakes made by the 22-year-old. Chelsea’s disastrous season has not helped mask over Caicedo’s poor season, and he was rightfully hauled off by Mauricio Pochettino. There is plenty of time to turn it around, but first the midfielder must exit his rut.
Garnacho at the double as role in side grows
Alejandro Garnacho has been in superb form for Manchester Untied this season. The Argentine teenager has been involved in ten goals in the Premier League this campaign, and was the first teenager since Michael Owen in 1998/99 to score twice in three separate matches in a single season. United have relied on Garnacho’s youthful energy all season, as more experienced players around him faulted. Despite the result, it has been another campaign of progression for the 19-year-old
