1. MATEO KOVAČIĆ (6.7)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 103
Passes: 72/82
Shots: 0/2
Take-ons: 5/5
Fouls drawn: 1
Tackles+INTs+Blocks: 3+1+1
Clearances: 3

Kovačić’s solid-to-excellent season continues apace, and especially early in this game, he was literally unplayable as he repeatedly cut ribbons through Manchester United’s midfield. Unfortunately, Chelsea couldn’t make that advantage count. Mateo himself came close to scoring late on in the game, but a tremendous flying block by Eric Bailly denied him. With N’Golo Kanté set to miss some time, we’re going to need Kovačić more than ever — hopefully he can rekindle his partnership with Jorginho to the same good overall effect that they managed earlier in the season.

2. OLIVIER GIROUD (6.6, sub)

Minutes: 24
Touches: 13
Passes: 9/9
Shots: 0/0 (1*/1)
Clearances: 2

His goal may have been chalked off, but he threatened United’s goal and occupied their defenders better in 24 minutes than Batshuayi did in 66. If Abraham cannot go this weekend — he was a “maybe” at last check — surely it’s got to be Giroud who starts.

3. REECE JAMES (6.4)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 97
Passes: 61/69
Shots: 0/2
Take-ons: 1/1
Fouls drawn: 1
Tackles+Blocks: 2+1
Aerial duels won: 2

James, who was solid as usual overall, will have watched Giroud head in Mason Mount’s excellent cross for the goal that was ruled out for a toe being offside, and will surely expect similar success for his own future crosses now.

vs. MANCHESTER UNITED (PL, H, L 0-2)

EXCEPTIONAL (9.0+): —

EXCELLENT (8.0-8.9): —

GOOD (7.0-7.9): —

AVERAGE (6.0-6.9): Kovačić (6.7), Giroud (6.6, sub), James (6.4), Zouma (6.0, sub)

POOR (5.0-5.9): Azpilicueta (5.9), Mount (5.9, sub), Rüdiger (5.5), Caballero (5.2), Christensen (5.2), Jorginho (5.1)

BAD (4.0-4.9): Kanté (4.9), Willian (4.8), Pedro (4.5)

TERRIBLE (3.0-3.9): —

BATMAN BUT PLAYED BY GEORGE CLOONEY (0.0-2.9): Batshuayi (2.5)

OVERALL