Chelsea, Man United share points in drab draw

CHELSEA and Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a game of few chances.

Hosts Chelsea failed to get back into the top four places in the Premier League while Manchester United missed the opportunity to get the gap between them and leaders Manchester City back to 10 points.

Thomas Tuchel’s side started brightly against a sluggish United, pinning the visitors back and keeping the defence busy.

The visitors gradually felt their way into the game and put some pressure on the Chelsea defence which led to the main talking point of the rather dull clash.

Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi handled the ball in their box after goalkeeper Edouard Mendy had made a save off Marcus Rashford’s freekick.  

The Blues wing-back went for the same ball with United forward Mason Greenwood and Hudson-Odoi flicked the ball with an outstretched hand. The referee did not initially give the  penalty but he was advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to have a look at the replays on a pitchside monitor. The referee however decided not to give the penalty, angering United players.

The two teams made attacking changes in the second half, Chelsea bringing on Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner, and United introducing Anthony Martial.

However, despite more intent shown by both sides to go for the win, there were precious few scoring chances and the game ended fittingly goalless.

With the draw, Man Utd’s unbeaten away run extended to 20 Premier League games, the fifth time a team has gone 20 plus away EPL matches without defeat ever.

The result also kept Tuchel’s unbeaten start to his Chelsea career intact.

Chelsea are fifth with 44 points, one point behind fourth-placed West Ham. United are second with 50 points, 12 points behind City.