By George Moisidis
On the 5th of April 2024, there was a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Chelsea FC. Ten Haag’s side was under immense pressure to produce a result to continue their run in an attempt to reach the Champion’s League in the 24/25 Season. As well as Mauricio Pochettino’s side (as pressure is mounting on him) fighting to possibly secure a place in the Conference League and to stay above mid table.
The match took place at Stamford Bridge (Home Of Chelsea) as the home fans began to pour in. Kick off was at 8:15 local time, slightly rainy conditions. Within the first 3 and a half minutes, Conor Gallagher had hit the back of the net with an assist from Malo Gusto (Right Back). After a thorough VAR check, Antony from Machester United conceded a penalty for tripping Marc Cucurella. Cole Palmer scored as he sloted it into the bottom left corner as Andre Onana went the wrong way. At this time, possession was 50/50 and Manchester United knocking on the doorstep had many chances – Garnacho, Rahford and Antony all having their fair share of opportunities. In the 34th minute, A. Garnacho managed to break down the resistant Chelsea defence making it 2-1.
At 2-1 down and only 6 minutes to go in the first half, Bruno Fernandes stepped up by heading the ball past Petrovic and scoring with a delightful ball from Diogo Dallot. The next minutes in the second half were relatively ‘peaceful’ with possession remaining 50/50 and tight defence until the 67th minute where Garnacho managed to score a header, catching all the Chelsea players off guard. Just like that, it was 3-2. What an ending this match will have!
Garnacho is taken off in the 85th minute to be applauded for his great performance. Time wasting began. Until Manchester United lost the ball from a throw in, when the opposition drove down the wing with pace and intent on finding an equaliser. PENALTY! Diogo Dalot who was having a great game concedes a penalty for accidentally clipping and tripping Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. Having previosly scored a penalty against Onana earlier in the match, Cole Palmer stepped up again. In the 100th minute of the game he found the back of the net. 3-3. Just as the game was coming to an end, in the 101st minute immediately after a Manchester United kick off, Chelsea viciously won the ball back, countered and had a shot. Deflected for a corner, it became the last play of the blockbuster game. What was going to happen…
Enzo Fernandez took a quick short corner to Palmer again. All the players were tired. The Manchester United markers didn’t bother to run out to close Cole Palmer from taking a shot with his left foot. BANG! Just like that, Chelsea had won the game 4-3.
Both teams had the opportunity to get away with 3 points or even 1, however, the mentally stronger and fitter team took the 3 points assisting them with any hopes of making the conference League. This also leviated. much pressure on Pochettino.
What a game: Chelsea 4, Manchester United 3. Chelsea in 10th position on the table and Manchester United in 6th.