Moises Caicedo’s stunning volley earned Chelsea a point in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Blues star thrashed home from the edge of the area to maintain a positive first 10 Premier League games for Enzo Maresca – who might have felt his side should be travelling back to London with three points.
Chelsea were forced to come from behind after Robert Sanchez conceded a wholly avoidable penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted. The goalkeeper was salvaged by Caicedo and the hugely influential Cole Palmer.
Here is how Express Sport rated the Chelsea players.
Robert Sanchez – 3
In a tight game lacking in quality, you cannot afford to make the challenge Sanchez did on Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area. The goalkeeper was late on the United forward, who was going away from goal. It was an unnecessary tackle – and not the first time Sanchez has conceded a penalty this season.
Malo Gusto – 5
Chelsea’s 3-2-2-3 formation when they are in possession sees Gusto positioned high in the right-hand channel. The Frenchman struggled to create when he received the ball in attacking positions and Maresca hauled him off at half-time. Marc Cucurella was introduced to play a similar role on the left.
Wesley Fofana – 6
Chelsea’s centre-backs had the better of Hojlund and United’s other attackers. Fofana is developing an excellent relationship with Levi Colwill.
Levi Colwill – 6
This was another solid display from the England international. It should have been a clean sheet – but Chelsea’s defenders can point the blame at Sanchez for another rash moment.
Reece James – 7
Some fans might have needed a reminder of James’ quality. He has now performed well against Liverpool and United since his return from injury. The Chelsea captain dealt superbly with everything the Red Devils threw at him, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both left frustrated.
Moises Caicedo – 8
Caicedo has been a player transformed this season. He was the best player in a cagey midfield and his stunning volley brought Chelsea level.
Romeo Lavia – 7
Lavia is doing an excellent job of keeping Enzo Fernandez out of the team. The former Manchester City prospect is combative and excellent on the ball, a great mix for the deeper midfield role in Chelsea’s team.
Cole Palmer – 8
Anything good Chelsea did came through Palmer. One excellent touch into space in the first half saw him drive forward and win a free kick. His set-pieces were also a threat.
Noni Madueke – 6
Madueke should have scored when he hit the post with a header from a corner – admittedly not exactly the winger’s forte. Noussair Mazraoui generally had the better of the England international.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Jackson has been excellent this season but you get the sense he needs a match-winning moment in a big game. When that happens, his confidence will soar. A relatively quiet outing at Old Trafford means the forward is still waiting for that moment.
Pedro Neto – 7
Neto had several positive moments and went close with two driven efforts on either foot.
Substitutes
Marc Cucurella (for Gusto, ‘46) – 6
Cucurella played high on the left after replacing Gusto.
Mykhaylo Mudryk (for Madueke, ‘70) – 6
Mudryk did well to move out of the way of Caicedo’s volley. He had some positive moments out wide and contributed positively as Chelsea dominated the closing stages.
Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, ‘70) – 5
Fernandez has to settle for a substitute role at the moment. He had little impact on the game.
