Marc Cucurella is proving himself to be one in all Chelsea’s go-to guys when their makeshift strikers fireplace blanks and the left-back’s newest aim put his workforce on the point of Champions League qualification.
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With out the suspended Nicolas Jackson and struggling to discover a means by means of Manchester United’s three-man defence, Cucurella got here to the rescue once more – simply as he did towards Leicester Metropolis in March.
Cucurella’s headed aim meant that Chelsea want only one extra win – on the ultimate day towards Nottingham Forest – to make sure of qualifying for subsequent season’s Champions League. No marvel head coach Enzo Maresca celebrated this slim win so wildly.
United hope to get there through the Europa League, which they play the ultimate of towards Tottenham Hotspur subsequent Wednesday evening. This defeat made it eight Premier League video games with no win, however head coach Ruben Amorim will take some comfort from the very fact they didn’t endure any accidents.
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With Jackson watching from the bench and Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu injured, Chelsea have been quick in assault and Cole Palmer couldn’t repeat his heroics of final season towards his boyhood membership.
However Cucurella, maybe solely second to Moises Caicedo in Chelsea’s listing of finest gamers this season, stepped up as soon as extra to get Maresca’s workforce over the road. It appears like a very long time in the past since he was being booed by his personal followers and if the Blues do get into the Champions League, then he might nicely change into a hero among the many supporters.
Moises Caicedo was wonderful once more in midfield for Chelsea – Getty Photographs/Justin Setterfield
This was Cucurella’s fifth League aim of the season and undoubtedly his most vital. Maresca’s workforce have been beginning to run out of concepts, when the Spaniard headed previous Andre Onana with just below 20 minutes remaining.
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Chelsea’s profitable margin may have been greater if Noni Madueke had not wasted two superb alternatives, one within the first half and one after Cucurella’s opener. Nevertheless it all the time felt that one aim would most likely be sufficient to beat United after Harry Maguire had seen an early aim dominated out following a VAR test.
Amorim’s method 5 days earlier than the Europa League ultimate was the polar reverse to Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou, who rested a number of gamers for the journey to Aston Villa.
The Portuguese made 5 modifications from the defeat to West Ham United and largely began together with his strongest accessible United workforce. That prompted a superb begin from the guests, who thought that they had taken the lead by means of Maguire within the sixteenth minute.
Bruno Fernandes despatched in a scrumptious cross behind the Chelsea defence and Maguire, nonetheless up from an earlier nook, steered the ball previous goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and into the web.
Maguire celebrated, however a VAR test confirmed the defender had simply strayed offside earlier than scoring and Chelsea breathed a sigh of reduction that the aim was disallowed.
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Madueke ought to have put the house aspect forward earlier than Maguire’s effort, however couldn’t hit the goal on the again put up after being discovered unmarked by Palmer.
Reece James, again at right-back as a part of three modifications made by Maresca, went inside inches of placing Chelsea forward within the twenty fourth minute. Madueke despatched in a low cross from the left that was not correctly cleared and James smashed a shot that beat Onana however hit the skin of the put up.
Madueke was the one Chelsea participant getting behind the United defence and he did so once more shortly earlier than half-time, chopping the ball again for Palmer, whose rising shot was clawed away by a diving Onana.
There had been concern for James earlier than Palmer’s effort, when he landed awkwardly from a headed problem and stayed down clutching his ankle. However he managed to see out the primary half and that proved to be important, as Chelsea’s captain performed an enormous half in his workforce’s profitable aim.
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Former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount had been booed by the house followers each time he touched the ball within the first half and he acquired a couple of jeers from these supporters behind the dug-outs as he trotted out for the second half.
Mason Mount acquired a hostile reception on his return to Stamford Bridge – Reuters/Paul Childs
Mount may have silenced his detractors in the very best means, when he was offered with a fantastic likelihood to present United the lead. Amad Diallo raced into the penalty space and lower the ball again, however Mount stabbed it wastefully huge of the put up.
Tyrique George was handed his first League begin as Chelsea’s makeshift striker and the house aspect thought that they had received a penalty simply after the hour mark. {The teenager} chased a ball into the world and went down after Onana had charged out to satisfy him. Kavanagh instantly pointed to the spot, however was then despatched to the display by VAR and overruled his unique resolution.
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The house supporters who had celebrated the penalty award like a aim groaned their disapproval and received again to chewing their nails with Chelsea needing to make a breakthrough.
Little question with the ultimate in thoughts, Amorim made his first modifications with round 20 minutes left, changing Mount, who was booed off by the Chelsea followers, with Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte.
Nevertheless it was Chelsea who went forward within the 71st minute with the primary actual second of high quality within the recreation. Pedro Neto acquired the ball on the fitting. He handed to James, who turned exquisitely previous his man and crossed the ball for Cucurella to go previous Onana.
Stamford Bridge erupted and so they received able to have fun once more when Madueke had a transparent sight of aim by Palmer, however sliced his shot horribly huge. It mattered not, although, as Cucurella’s aim proved to be the distinction and arrange an enormous ultimate day of the season at Forest’s Metropolis Floor.
10:58 PM BSTAmorim talking on Sky
It was the great issues we speak about earlier than the sport, we’re enhancing the way in which we play soccer, we are able to press nicely and we’ve possibilities.
We’re constructing one thing however you have to win video games and you may really feel we lack that aggression within the ultimate third.
We had our moments, we crossed the ball and we received second balls. You’ll be able to really feel we have to be extra aggressive, as a result of we construct up fairly nicely till the ultimate third. We confronted the competitors and have been aggressive.
Within the Europa League we’re scoring many objectives and we’re going to put together a recreation for the Europa League. It was a superb recreation to arrange for the ultimate, nearly 10 days with out enjoying could be a mistake.
It helped me lots to decide on the beginning XI for the ultimate, so we will see. Nothing [injury wise]. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have been the blokes we wanted to care for.
10:50 PM BSTReece James talking after the sport
Now we have been working the entire season. The messages have been clear from the beginning.
Executing them has been arduous, however that is what we do – day in, and time out.
The primary half was tremendous robust. We stayed within the recreation, and we knew that we needed to come out and rating.
I feel that’s the place the membership belongs, within the Champions League. Competing in one of the best competitions.
Individuals like to jot down us off and name us inexperienced. We performed towards a really skilled United workforce in the present day. We have been there and we received the sport. We received what we wanted to do.
10:49 PM BSTMaresca talking
I understand how tough it’s to play towards United, they beat Metropolis away, drew with Arsenal, drew with Liverpool, so in huge video games they’re an enormous workforce and congratulations to them as a result of they performed nicely. However I used to be assured we may discover a good second to win the sport.
I used to look at 5, six, seven video games and I’ve by no means seen them so aggressive, enjoying man to man which made it tough for us. However between the primary and the second half we deserved to win the sport.
Off the ball I feel we performed a incredible recreation. The workforce was very aggressive till the top, we tried to press larger, and I feel we deserved to win the sport.
It’s good to work on some options and then you definitely rating.
10:39 PM BSTCucurella talking after the sport
I’m very blissful. I feel the workforce deserves this second.
We all know that we wanted to remain within the recreation.
It was crucial. Now we have been working for these moments. Now we have two extra video games left – we have to push arduous. We have to end the season robust.
10:32 PM BSTA grim record10:16 PM BSTFULL TIME! Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
A win so ugly it makes Quasimodo look an oil portray, however Chelsea won’t care a jot.
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Win at Nottingham Forest subsequent week and they’ll have Champions League soccer subsequent season. A vital end result given Aston Villa’s victory tonight.
The aim was well-worked, with Reece James crossing for reverse full-back Marc Cucurella.
Every little thing rests on Bilbao for United, who began brightly however have been as soon as once more shot-shy. Rasmus Hojlund absolutely can not begin the ultimate.
Levi Colwill leads the Chelsea celebrations – Getty Photographs/Darren Walsh
10:14 PM BST98 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
A wierd state of affairs late on as a pitch invader runs onto the pitch together with half a dozen stewards who hauled him to the ground.
Play restarts, however the Chelsea followers are whistling for the ultimate whistle.
10:13 PM BST97 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
United do get one final likelihood to get into the Chelsea half, however their free-kick despatched into the mixer was handled simply.
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Ugarte then hesitates when there may be the possibility to shoot earlier than Amad runs into our bodies.
Chelsea break, with Palmer setting Gusto away however he utterly misplaced his bearings and the ball ran by means of to Onana.
10:11 PM BST95 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
James kicks the ball towards Garnacho to win a nook. Chelsea have managed the sport nicely since scoring, except that Amad half-chance. Palamer is proven a yellow card for taking the nook too slowly. Palmer then kicks the ball of Hojlund to win one other nook, to the delight of the Matthew Harding decrease.
10:08 PM BST93 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
The clock continues to tick down with the ball nowhere close to Chelsea’s aim, and now Heaven has been proven a yellow card for catching Gusto with a lunging sort out after a heavy contact.
United are heading for his or her eighth straight league match with no victory, the longest such run of their Premier League historical past. This can even be their fifth defeat within the final six league video games.
10:07 PM BST90 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Chelsea making a change: Malo Gusto replaces Neto. There can be seven minutes of stoppage time to play.
10:05 PM BST89 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Heaven fouls Palmer and Chelsea can kill extra time. United’s gamers should discover their focus waning in moments like this with such an enormous recreation to return.
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Ugarte is then proven a yellow card for a rash problem on Cucurella.
10:03 PM BST86 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Maguire runs the ball out for a Chelsea throw, good harrying from the Chelsea attackers. They win a succession of throw-ins close to the United nook flag and have their opponents the place they need them. Palmer and James take a nook quick.
10:00 PM BST83 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Chris Kavanagh has had a superb recreation general, as soon as once more recognizing that Madueke had flopped to the turf too simply in seek for a free-kick. Chelsea then get pleasure from some keep-ball within the United half. They need to see this by means of, however a one-goal lead makes it nervy.
09:57 PM BST81 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Romeo Lavia has changed Tyrique George. Tough evening for the teenager, however you can’t blame him for that, he’s stepping up for his supervisor within the absence of different choices. Kobbie Mainoo has changed Fernandes, whereas former Arsenal participant Ayden Heaven has changed Luke Shaw. Amorim pondering of Bilbao with these modifications.
09:55 PM BST79 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
United hold Chelsea sincere by creating one other opening. Amad lower inside from the fitting and struck a robust shot in the direction of Sanchez’s close to put up, however the Chelsea goalkeeper was equal to it. From the nook, Maguire nodded the ball down however no United participant was there and Sanchez collects.
There are plenty of slumped shoulders and bowed heads from these in pink however Amad remains to be inflicting issues. It appears like he’s their finest hope of coming again into this recreation.
09:53 PM BST77 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Bruno Fernandes flips a ball excessive of the Chelsea defence however Reece James does sufficient to carry off Garnacho who goes down asking for a foul. Then Neto wins Chelsea a free-kick within the United half for a Dorgu foul, after which the winger offers the ball away on the fringe of the field.
09:50 PM BSTChelsea have their full-backs to thank
Full-back to full-back! Chelsea wanted some invention and Reece James supplied it, producing a beautiful swivel on the sting of the field earlier than discovering Marc Cucurella. He didn’t even look earlier than crossing.
09:50 PM BST74 minutes: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0
Madueke has simply missed a golden likelihood to wrap up the win! He cushioned the ball into his stride fantastically, however then sliced his shot huge together with his most popular left foot. If Chelsea can take the handbrake off, there may be one other aim on this for them.
09:48 PM BSTGOOOOAALL! Cucurella with a much-needed aim for Chelsea
They’ve made heavy climate of this, however that aim may nicely hold Chelsea heading in the right direction for the Champions League.
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It was a aim made by Reece James, who acquired the ball from Neto on the nook of the field. James produced a beautiful spin away from Garnacho after which dinked a fragile cross into the six-yard field the place Cucurella was unmarked to plant dwelling a header.
Fervent celebrations round Stamford Bridge.
09:45 PM BST69 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Amad Diallo goes down in search of a penalty, however is rightfully proven a yellow card for diving by Kavanagh. The United ahead hoped Caicedo dangled a leg, however he didn’t. Fernandes asks why George was not booked.
United modifications: Ugarte and Garnacho on for Mount and Casemiro. I feel Mount has a good shout for beginning the Europa League ultimate.
09:43 PM BST68 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Chelsea followers on Sanchez’s case once more for not distributing the ball rapidly sufficient. An tried by means of ball runs by means of to Onana. A dire lack of high quality at each ends for the time being. United can be blissful sufficient to get on the bus with a decent draw however Chelsea must undergo the gears. If they’ve any.
09:41 PM BST66 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Chelsea have wasted numerous huge free-kicks from crossing positions, and from the newest the flag goes up for offside.
09:40 PM BST64 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
I don’t suppose Chelsea followers have the fitting to really feel a way of injustice after that incident, however even a misguided sense of injustice may enliven the environment and the house workforce. They want it.
09:39 PM BSTNO PENALTY!
Kavanagh does certainly overturn his resolution and the Chelsea teenager George is judged to have gone down too simply.
09:38 PM BSTKavanagh has been despatched to the display
We all know the script from, right here. You’d suppose Kavanagh will do the TV sign and overturn his resolution. Onana did simply sufficient to tug out of the problem I feel.
09:37 PM BSTCHELSEA PENALTY!
Tyrique George appears to have earned Chelsea a penalty as he pushes the ball past the on-rushing Onana.
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However replays counsel there was little contact and that the goalkeepoer pulled his hand away.
VAR is checking this.
09:35 PM BST59 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
They lack at school in a lot of the vital areas, however you can’t fault United’s effort and dedication tonight. Each participant is on the market scrapping and they’re enjoying as a workforce. Huge defensive header from Dorgu to clear Madueke’s cross when Neto was steaming in to satisfy it.
09:32 PM BST57 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Chelsea are rocking a bit of, now. United a enjoying ahead extra positively and have runners in assist, however Hojlund loses the ball cheaply on the fringe of the field. He tried to spin and shoot, however milk has turned faster.
Rasmus Hojlund will get plenty of stick already, so the very last thing he wants is the Telegraph Sport weblog turning on him too. However he has regarded woefully misplaced tonight. He can’t appear to carry onto the ball and he’s simply had an earful from Fernandes for not making a run in behind. I really really feel a bit sorry for Hojlund, who’s so clearly devoid of confidence, however United want a lot extra from their striker.
09:31 PM BST54 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Chelsea with one other likelihood to load numbers into the field however they take the free-kick quick and promptly lose the ball straight to Amad. He leads the counter-charge however from the sting of the world, Fernandes’ strike is wild by his excessive requirements. The group let the Chelsea gamers have it for that pathetic set-piece.
09:28 PM BST52 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
What an opportunity for Mount to hang-out his former membership! Amad carried the ball into the field from the fitting and picked out Mount with a cute cut-back however Mount didn’t get sufficient buy on his left-footed effort and sliced huge.
09:27 PM BST50 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Rasmus Hojlund has been known as over to the touchline to take away what appears an merchandise of jewelry or an adjunct of some type. It isn’t fairly clear, however he’s going to should take it off or tape it up. Weird incident. It means United enjoying with 10 males however they cope with the free-kick.
09:24 PM BST48 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Casemiro is proven a well-deserved yellow card from pulling again Palmer not one, not twice, however thrice. Very central, however should be 30 yards out at the least. Palmer appears like he’s contemplating the shot.
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Reece James takes straight into the wall, and Fernandes stays down after taking the ball within the face.
09:22 PM BSTWe’re again underneath means!
Chelsea get the second half began.
09:20 PM BSTThere shouldn’t be a lot on Chelsea’s bench
There are many defenders, however with out Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku he’s in need of attacking choices.
09:07 PM BSTHT: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Underwhelming from Chelsea. United have been the higher aspect early on and really practically took the lead by means of Harry Maguire. Since then, Chelsea have pushed their opponents again and loved loads of possession, however their soccer has regarded clunky and missing in rhythm. Pretty low-quality fare, and there may be pressure within the air at Stamford Bridge.
Bruno Fernandes is proven a yellow card – Reuters/Hannah McKay
09:05 PM BST45+4 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Dorgu with a well-timed sliding problem on Neto. Chelsea are ending the half the stronger however Palmer’s cross floats over everybody. It took a deflection on the way in which although, so Chelsea have a nook.
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Chelsea make a multitude of a brief one, Amad holds off Palmer however then United give the ball away instantly and a determined Casemiro problem offers Chelsea one other nook. This one is cleared.
09:01 PM BST45 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Cole Palmer’s deflected strike from simply exterior the field requires Onana to beat the ball again into hazard, and Enzo Fernandez skied the rebound with no person close to him within the six-yard field. A horrible miss, however he’s spared by the offside flag.
5 minutes of added time to play.
08:59 PM BST44 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
A major fear for Chelsea followers: after going up for a header, Reece James is down and receiving some therapy for a twisted ankle after going up for a header. James is again on his toes as he walks off the pitch, however remains to be reaching all the way down to really feel the ankle.
08:57 PM BST42 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Caicedo tries a scooped go over the United defence for Madueke however it’s overhit and runs by means of for a United aim kick. Maybe understandably, it has been arduous for Tyrique George to search out touches of the ball at centre-forward for Chelsea.
After an intense begin, the sport has settled right into a extra attritional form of affair in the previous couple of minutes. Chelsea have discovered a footing however they’re nonetheless not creating an enormous quantity. I’m wondering how the environment right here will evolve because the recreation progresses.
08:55 PM BST40 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Amad after which Mazraoui get their physique between marker and ball to win a foul. United have taken the sting out of that quick spell of Chelsea stress, and have gained some territory and management of possession once more.
08:53 PM BST37 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Creditable exhibiting from United thus far, with Fernandes and Mount inflicting Chelsea’s midfield issues, however Hojlund has been no impression on the sport in any way thus far. Maguire has additionally been good for the guests, stepping throughout and studying play nicely. The house crowd sounds quiet.
08:49 PM BST34 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Chelsea are beginning to heat to their process now and are asking extra questions of United’s defence. Maguire kicks the ball towards a blue shirt and wins a aim kick to the delight of the United followers. In information which will curiosity Chelsea followers, Ezri Konsa has given Villa the lead towards Spurs. Greater than an hour gone in that recreation.
08:47 PM BST32 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Bruno Fernandes proven a yellow card for a foul on Caicedo, lacking the ball and kicking him throughout the shin. A couple of Chelsea gamers have been asking for harsher punishment however there was not sufficient pressure within the problem.
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Neto bursts down the fitting and whips in a cross together with his proper foot, and Onana does nicely to catch the ball at a clumsy angle.
08:45 PM BST30 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Higher from Chelsea in the previous couple of minutes, however it takes a dedicated sliding problem from Colwill to cease Amad attending to a sweeping by means of ball from Fernandes on the counter.
08:44 PM BST28 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Cole Palmer’s first burst by means of a central space close to the penalty space and his strike deflects behind for a nook. Tosin’s head goes again to Neto, and he stands up one other cross which drops for Enzo Fernandez to strike on the volley. Loud appeals for handball however the Chelsea man drilled that at Hojlund from solely a few yards. Nothing doing.
08:41 PM BST25 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Reece James has simply graized the skin of the put up with a surprising effort from 25 yards; slicing throughout a volley because the ball was working in the direction of him. Ever so near one of many objectives of the season. You already know it was a superb effort when the gang oohh and aaahh when the replay is proven on the large display. James has method to die for with regards to placing the ball from distance.
Reece James went shut with this effort – Getty Photographs/Henry Nicholls
08:38 PM BST23 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Fernandes throwing himself right into a 50:50 to kick the ball towards Fernandez and permit United to maintain possession within the Chelsea half fairly sums up the begin to this recreation. Chelsea have been nowhere close to aggressive or intense sufficient.
Caicedo is in a snarling form of temper tonight, flying into tackles and throwing his weight round. Fernandes is giving nearly as good as he’s getting, although. That’s changing into a really partaking battle within the centre of the pitch.
08:37 PM BST21 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Neto loses his bearings on the Chelsea proper and Dorgu robs him of possession. The United wing-back carried the ball into house and tried to select Mount on the fringe of the field with a intelligent pull-back, however the former Chelsea man was all the time stretching and the shot glanced huge. One other promising United transfer.
08:34 PM BST19 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Chelsea handed a reprieve, however the crowd are rising very antsy with Sanchez and their defenders after some gradual and sloppy passes in their very own defensive third. Casemiro steps in nicely to problem Madueke as Chelsea tried to construct up a head of steam.
08:32 PM BSTNO GOAL: Maguire judged to be offside
That was very shut, Maguire’s shoulder was simply in entrance of the blue shirt. The semi-automated offside know-how involves Chelsea’s rescue.
Harry Maguire offside
United have been the higher, extra aggressive workforce for the reason that first minute (other than that one Caicedo burst by means of midfield) and they’d have deserved that lead, if the aim had stood. Amorim’s workforce are enjoying with objective.
08:31 PM BSTGOOOAALLL! Maguire pops up with one other aim
United have been rewarded for his or her shiny begin with the opening aim. Fernandes with an inswinging cross from the left-hand pocket and Maguire completed well with a side-foot volley when unmarked. He celebrates with a knee slide.
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VAR is checking for offside although and it appears tight…
08:30 PM BST15 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
United have a nook after Dorgu’s cross deflects behind. Chelsea aren’t profitable sufficient second balls in midfield, there have been some poor defensive headers dropping to pink shirts which is permitting the away workforce to maintain assaults. Tosin heads the nook away, again it comes, however Cucurella then clears.
08:28 PM BST13 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
The sport is now again underneath means after Cole Palmer fixes some strapping. Reece James is enjoying a reserved position from right-back, with Marc Cucurella given the liberty to push on. Cucurella then passes straight out play for a throw after receiving a go from Sanchez. Good stress on the ball from United.
08:25 PM BST9 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Levi Colwill is an unlikely candidate to guide a counter-attack, and he runs down a blind alley earlier than being nutmegged by Harry Maguire to very large cheers from the away followers. Each groups responsible of some straightforward giveaways thus far however United are exhibiting loads of trade.
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Then referee Chris Kavanagh by chance halts a Chelsea break, a lot to everybody’s annoyance.
08:22 PM BST7 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Talking of Mount, he having fun with loads of touches within the early phases. United trying to push Dorgo excessive from left wing-back, however his cross is straight into Robert Sanchez’s bread basket.
Chelsea urgent with a entrance 4, however because the ball comes into Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez has to leap which leaves Dorgu free for a easy go across the nook.
08:20 PM BSTBoo watch
Fairly a couple of boos for Mason Mount from the dwelling followers right here. That feels a bit of harsh to me, though I suppose it’s considerably in step with the theme of the week after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expertise at Anfield final Sunday.
08:20 PM BST5 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Now Chelsea reply and Madueke misses a sitter! It’s a elegant ball throughout the penalty space between United defenders from Cole Palmer, however Madueke couldn’t hold the bouncing ball underneath the cross bar as he ran in unopposed on the again put up.
08:19 PM BST4 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
The primary high-class supply of the evening from Bruno Fernandes, a whipped cross from the fitting that very practically discovered the run of Mason Mount on the again put up however Reece James did simply sufficient. It was Amad Diallo who dragged United up the pitch to start out the assault.
08:17 PM BST2 minutes: Chelsea 0 Manchester United 0
Half-decent from United within the early phases, they’re profitable their battles and competing nicely at the least. When Chelsea have snug possession, the away aspect a dropping right into a again 5.
08:15 PM BSTKICK OFF!
Manchester United get the sport underneath means.
08:14 PM BSTThe gamers are actually out
The standard fireworks close to the mouth of the tunnel at Stamford Bridge. There can’t be many Premier League venues that go with out pre-match flames, even on this balmy climate.
08:11 PM BSTSir Jim Ratcliffe is at Stamford Bridge
Alongside technical director Jason Wilcox, Ratcliffe having a proper previous chunter about one thing. There’s been no scarcity of alternatives to try this this season.
08:03 PM BSTMason Mount again in SW6
Mason Mount within the heat up – Getty Photographs/Shaun Botterill
07:53 PM BSTMaresca warns of United’s huge recreation document
I see a expertise [Tyrique George] who may give us a lot of power and he’s good in these sorts of video games after we most likely must assault in behind. He’ll play within the center.
It’s the gameplan [leaving out Lavia and Chalobah], we attempt to determine on one of the best XI for every video games.
We’re able the place we don’t want to look at totally different outcomes, simply concentrate on us.
They beat Metropolis away, they beat Arsenal within the FA Cup. They drew Liverpool away and Arsenal dwelling within the league. When it’s a huge recreation they’re there.
07:45 PM BSTTake your Q07:35 PM BSTAmorim on going robust
Now we have 5 days to arrange the ultimate, we’re targeted on this recreation. Generally one of the simplest ways to arrange for a ultimate is to compete and we’ve some issues in that space. I wish to see my workforce compete and be taught issues for the ultimate.
The largest issues we’ve had have been in coaching [when it comes to injuries]: Amad, Mainoo so that you by no means know the place is the hazard.
Deal with this recreation after which we could have time to arrange the ultimate. I’m going with a powerful workforce to win the sport.
I see within the final video games [some improvements], the quantity of occasions that we create conditions to win. In opposition to Athletic Bilbao I believed we have been too open, we have been higher towards West Ham however that’s not the time to share that. It’s time to share the pains with our followers.
We have to end this season as a result of each season has its historical past. Take a look at Leicester, nearly relegated and received the title the subsequent 12 months, have a look at Nottingham Forest final season to this season.
07:21 PM BSTAssessing the groups
For Chelsea, the Moises Caicedo as hybrid right-back/midfielder system is placed on maintain for tonight. Maresca may nicely be managing the minutes of Romeo Lavia in spite of everything his damage issues. Chelsea have checked out their finest with Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo shifting inside from right-back. Caicedo will play in an orthodox midfield position. Tosin is most popular to Trevoh Chalobah on the again.
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For United, it appears as if Luke Shaw will play as a left-sided centre-back alongside Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu can be wing-backs.
Fernandes will play deeper alongside Casemiro, with Amad and Mason Mount behind Rasmus Hojlund. United followers can be crossing every little thing that Fernandes comes by means of this unscathed, however he does have an distinctive health document.
07:12 PM BSTA likelihood to impress for George, whereas United go robust
Tyrique George, Chelsea’s promising teenage attacker, is making his first Premier League begin tonight. He has been spectacular in latest performances within the Europa Convention League, though the usual of the opposition in that competitors has been considerably decrease than within the Premier League. Let’s see how he handles the event tonight, enjoying because the centre-forward towards three central defenders.
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As for United, it could be secure to say that they’ve chosen to play a stronger lineup than Tottenham Hotspur, their Europa League ultimate opponents, have picked to face Aston Villa. Maybe Amorim is just determined to finish this dreadful run of home kind. United haven’t received any of their final seven league matches.
Tyrique George scored Chelsea’s equaliser at Fulham – Reuters/Paul Childs
07:11 PM BSTRoy Keane off the mark early
“The best way United and Spurs have dealt with their league campaigns and European soccer… from United’s standpoint it has been nothing however a shame,” Keane mentioned.
“The dearth of effort in a number of the video games, they’ve not put up sufficient battle.
“It’s not just like the Champions League, they’re not demanding video games in that means [the Europa League ties], they’ve been enjoying lesser opposition.
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“How they’ve not been ready to deal with the calls for of being at an enormous membership, I simply don’t perceive it.”
07:03 PM BSTChelsea workforce information: Teen George begins, Lavia on the bench07:02 PM BSTManchester United workforce information: Fernandes and Casemiro start06:57 PM BSTBoth groups have arrived at Stamford Bridge
Manchester United’s Mason Mount returns to his previous stomping floor – Reuters/Paul Childs
Reece James and Chelsea arrive – Getty Photographs/Shaun Botterill
06:52 PM BSTSign up06:48 PM BSTChelsea can not afford to fall of the tightrope in Champions League race
Manchester United at dwelling on the penultimate weekend of the season regarded a thorny fixture in August, however for Chelsea’s pursuit of Champions League soccer it must be a present.
With United’s eyes fastened on subsequent Wednesday’s Europa League ultimate towards Tottenham Hotspur – upon which their very own Champions League ambitions rely – they are going to be taking no possibilities with regards to burdening key gamers.
United have received simply two of their final 13 Premier League matches and people victories got here towards relegated Ipswich City and Leicester Metropolis. Previous to this dreadful run, United received two of the earlier seven, towards Fulham and Southampton. So 4 wins in 20.
This actually must be a snug win for Chelsea, who have been fairly spectacular towards an unmotivated Liverpool at Stamford Bridge a fortnight in the past.
Chelsea have been crushed by Newcastle final week in a recreation formed by Nicolas Jackson’s pink card, and the centre-forward will miss tonight’s recreation by means of suspension.
A top-five end is in Chelsea’s fingers, however a visit to Nottingham Forest on the ultimate day looms. Chelsea’s principal rivals seem like sixth-placed Aston Villa, who face Spurs this night after which United both aspect of the European ultimate.
Both United’s gamers will go into that recreation after an enormous celebration or be desolated, so you would need to financial institution on Villa gaining six factors from their final two video games.
Meaning Chelsea can not afford any slip-ups, although two wins ought to do it courtesy of their superior aim distinction. Whereas this recreation might have an finish of season really feel at occasions, the stakes are excessive for Enzo Maresca’s workforce although his job shouldn’t be regarded as in danger ought to the season have a late twist.
Full workforce information on the way in which shortly, and all eyes can be on simply how weak an XI Ruben Amorim names.
