Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United, League Cup round of 16: Post-match reaction, ratings

The mission for Chelsea today was to avenge that soul-crushing 4-0 loss to United at the beginning of the season, and thus advance to the League Cup’s quarterfinals. And we were not able to do it.

With loads of rotation featured on both sides, the bout’s quality suffered. Even then, as the team looking to improve their winning streak, Chelsea were more comfortable with taking the initiative. While United, who have been keen on recovering form after a run of draws and losses across almost an entire month, were a bit more cautious in action.

It was United who got the opening score, after minutes of Chelsea domination. A rather soft penalty granted by referee Paul Tierney, from a tackle by Marcos Alonso on Daniel James, was converted by striker Marcus Rashford.

Things improved in the second half, with Chelsea finally making plays that translated into shots. With a solo effort, Michy Batshuayi got us an amazing equaliser from long range.

Unfortunately Rashford was on a rather inspired night. With a ridiculously good free kick, the Englishman got United back in the lead and eliminated Chelsea from League Cup contention.

• Frank rotates well within the limits of his squad. 4-3-3 in place of the 4-2-3-1, with six changes made on the starting lineup that faced Burnley last weekend.
• Subs are Mason Mount for Billy Gilmour, Pedro for Pulisic and Tammy Abraham for Michy. 4-2-3-1 back in charge!
• Chelsea’s first half was just not good enough. Too slow to do anything with all the possession United gave to us. Second half was better, but the foul from Pedro that gave Rashford his free kick was too costly of a mistake.
• Six penalties granted to United already this season. Wish Chelsea had this kind of luck...
• Next up: Watford at Vicarage Road for the Premier League.
• KTBFFH

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