London: In a remarkable fightback Manchester United drew level at 1-1 playing away at Chelsea. Late in injury time Casemiro’s looping header, his first goal for the club, brought a fair result to this intensely contested match.
Asked how important it was in the club’s season to score that late equaliser, a relieved Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag said: “Of course it was a big moment to get that point and it was a well-deserved point. But it doesn’t have any matter with Case’s (Casemiro’s) goal in this case. Because it’s more important to have the right culture, the right standards and values which you have to live by.”
He added: “So for the longer term, they are always more important, and in the end they will bring you the right position. That’s why I’m happy at this stage of the season with this point, when you are capable to fight back like we did. We did it last week against Omonia Nicosia to get the win and we did it today after being down. We showed resilience and that is a really big thing for big teams, to have that in your capabilities. And that is what Casemiro is bringing into this team.”
United dominated possession in the first half. Marcus Rashford unleashed a firm drive which was smothered by Kepa Arrizabalaga. He then made a diving save, pushing out a dipping right foot shot from Rashford.
Chelsea had chances and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should have done better with at least two of them. In the 41st minute he failed with a chance for a header from a cross by Ben Chilwell and two minutes later he couldn’t make use of a through pass by Raheem Stirling.
The best chance for United came on the stroke of half-time but Antony shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beats. After the break Chelsea had long spells in United’s half. Their pressure eventually paid off with an 87th minute goal. Chilwell took a corner from the left and as Armando Broja rushed in, substitute Scott McTominay wrestled him to the ground.
Jorginho took the spot kick and sent David de Gea the wrong way to Chelsea’s delight. It was the 87th minute and there wasn’t much time left. But six minutes injury time were added and with just two minutes left United sent the ball into the box and Casemiro rose for a looping header to which Kepa got his fingertips only managing to push it against the post but when the ball fell it bounced inches over the line to stun the Chelsea players and their fans.
Chelsea manager, Graham Potter said: “We’re disappointed of course to concede late but over the course of the game I think a point’s about right. We didn’t do enough to win. We were sort of nearly there and lacked the last bits. It’s an area where we can say we can do better. But the spirit, togetherness, effort and personality of the players was amazing.”
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