CHELSEA laboured to a second goalless bore draw of the season against top four rivals Manchester United.
Boss Thomas Tuchel opted to freshen up his starting XI, with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech getting the nod.
Chelsea found themselves locked in a battle at Stamford BridgeCredit: EPA
But the Blues struggled for fluency in the final third, as they failed to narrow the gap in the table with their opponents.
Here’s how Simon Phillips rated each Chelsea performer on the day.
Edouard Mendy – 7
Seemed a bit better with his feet as played out from the back.
Made a good save or two, but a couple of suspect punches and one late spill could have been dangerous.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Defended dependably as always, but often struggled playing out under an intense and high press.
Andreas Christensen – 8
Defended well and was good under a very high press from United at the centre of Chelsea’s defence. Calm and composed, good performance.
Christensen defended doggedly as Chelsea got another clean sheet against UnitedCredit: EPA
The stats from today’s game
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Gave it away a couple of times and often struggles when pressed fast. But he did a lot well and switched possession well a few times and, all-round, was much better defensively and on the ball in the second half.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7
A threat as always. Hit a great cross that Giroud could have scored from in the first half, and his pace was always a problem. Unfortunately, he was injured and went off at half time.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi was involved in the game’s most controversial momentCredit: EPA
N’Golo Kante – 7
Gave the ball away cheaply in possession too often, but his trademark tackling and interceptions more often than not made up for it.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
Good on the ball as usual and dribbled it out of danger on a few occasions.
He would have liked to have done better in attacking positions on occasions, but he just didn’t have the movement ahead of him.
Croatian Mateo Kovacic battled willinglyCredit: PA:Press Association
Ben Chilwell – 7
Could have held the ball better on occasions, but his energy and pace on the recovery was much needed and he got more involved as the game went on.
Hakim Ziyech – 4
Poor showing from him. Weak on the ball, gave it away too much, and lacked the intensity that this game really needed.
Surprised he stayed on until 77 minutes when he was finally replaced by Werner.
Hakim Ziyech had a day to forgetCredit: AP:Associated Press
Mason Mount – 7
Again, could have done a bit more in attack, but his general play was excellent as usual, and his directness was a real threat to United.
Olivier Giroud – 5
Could have scored in the first half but made a few heavy touches in an overall mixed performance.
Went very quiet in the second half and was rightfully subbed off.
Olivier Giroud couldn’t get on the scoresheetCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
SUBSTITUTES
Reece James (for Hudson-Odoi, 46) – 6
Not overly comfortable as a right wing-back in all honesty, but he did a decent job.
Christian Pulisic (for Giroud, 65) – 6
Tried to make things happen and was a threat with his pace in behind.
Timo Werner (for Ziyech, 77) – N/A
Not enough time for the German to stamp his authority on the game.
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Chelsea and Manchester United tie in a goalless draw
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
