The FA Cup holders welcomed Manchester United to Stamford Bridge, in what was a repeat of last year’s final. It was a close game last year, which the Blues won by an Eden Hazard penalty and the home side were hoping to make that advantage count yet again. However, the fact of the matter was that the Red Devils were the team in form under new boss Solskjaer, despite the recent 2-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League.
The game started off with both teams looking to score early goals to put pressure on their rivals. It was the visitors who took the lead right after the half-an-hour mark, despite the west London outfit dominating possession. Sarri’s side just couldn’t finish off their chances and it was Herrera who opened the deadlock for United, from a superb Paul Pogba ball.
Further, at the stroke of half-time, it was the French World Cup winner who added to his tally of goals. He scored from a superb header though Kepa could have done better, after Marcus Rashford put a superb cross into the box. The score was 2-0 to Manchester United, as Solskjaer’s men took a huge advantage into the half-time break.
After the restart, there were no more goals. It was the home side that tried their best to push for goals and get back into the game, but failed to make any sort of an impact in the match. Eventually, the two first-half goals were enough for the Red Devils to secure yet another win and go through to the next round of the FA Cup.
Talking Points-
Striker And Defensive Problems Continue For Chelsea
Higuain can’t score. No matter how great his runs are or his movement is on and off the ball, he can’t put the ball into the back of the net, when it matters the most. He hasn’t seemed liked a real threat in the big games and the lack of goals just continues to hurt the Londoners.
On the other hand, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso are one of the worst defensive pairings at the back. There needs a serious change there, if Sarri wants to make an impact with Chelsea. If not, then things will not change and he will be sacked soon.
More Pogba Magic For Solskjaer
Once again, it was the Paul Pogba show for United and Solskjaer. The Frenchman is in the form of his life and once again claimed an assist for the Herrera goal and scored the second one himself. He wasn’t the most energetic player on the pitch, but just contributed at the right time to case mayhem and secure the win for his side.
Kepa Makes Another Error
Though the header by Pogba for the second goal was a powerful one, there is no doubt that Kepa should have done much better to keep it out. The Spaniard could have easily made a save from that shot, which was headed straight at him. However, his punch was rather weak and it ended up into the back of the net.
Matic Survives Red-card Scare
The former Chelsea man was lucky to stay on the pitch at the start of the second period. A tackle made by him, nearly saw the referee book him for a second time in the match and being sent away for an early shower. Despite that, he survived and went on to finish the game.
Any other day, any other game possibly and he would have surely been sent off. However, luck was on his side today and he managed to be in the game till the final whistle.
Stubborn Sarri Needs To Go
Is there any aspect of Sarri’s managing that doesn’t showcase his stubbornness? Apparently now!! From sticking with Jorginho and not bringing on the likes of Hudson-Odoi. Starting with Alonso over Emerson and playing David Luiz match-after match, things are just going from bad to worse for the Italian.
Sarri-Ball isn’t working anymore at the Bridge and there might be a point of time soon, where he might be forced to leave the club prematurely due to his arrogance.
