That was goal worthy of winning any game.
Alvaro Morata’s fantastic header proved the difference between Chelsea and Manchester United on Sunday. The two rivals played a frantic game at Stamford Bridge, with the Premier League champions taking control of the fixture in the second half, after an even opening period. The result leaves Jose Mourinho’s side eight points behind Manchester City, and moves Chelsea a point behind United into fourth place in the table.
While United were heavily criticised for their display against Liverpool at Anfield last month, few expected them to gain three points from this fixture. Even at their best under Sir Alex Ferguson, United rarely got a good result away to Chelsea. And if it wasn’t for a moment of brilliance from Morata, and a wonderful cross from Cesar Azpilicueta, they might have escaped from Stamford Bridge with a point on Sunday.
However, some United fans took issue with their team’s defensive efforts for the goal, and they have a point. 10 minutes into the second half, Azpilicueta ran unchallenged with the ball into the opposition half and, with United’s midfield and defence backing off, took his time to pick out Alvaro Morata, who positioned himself between Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling.
Smalling was closest to Morata when the passage of play began, but became distracted by Tiémoué Bakayoko, who broke from midfield. Jones didn’t engage Azpilicueta, Smalling came across to pick up Bakayoko and Bailly was preoccupied with Eden Hazard, leaving Morata unmarked in the penalty area. The Spanish striker buried a stunning header past David de Gea, which proved the winner for Chelsea.
United fans pinned the blame for the goal on Jones and Smalling.
Jones at fault for that goal. Dragged out of defense. Smalling went for the near man bailly went for the far man. Morata clear
— Jnr. (@__Femi) November 5, 2017
Great goal by Alvaro Morata. United defence is exposed. Where's Smalling?
— Arctic Hunter (@enterpermit) November 5, 2017
No one follows Bakayoko's runs. That goal came because Smalling had to look after both Bakayoko and #Morata at the same time #MUFC #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/4OWpODyNw4
— The West Bengal Index (@TheBengalIndex) November 5, 2017
Watch a replay of Morata's goal, check out Phil Jones position as part of a back 3 🙈 #CHEMUN
— Nick 💙💛 ⚽️🏏 (@Morts_7) November 5, 2017
3 centre halves and not one within 10 yards of morata in centre of goal. Not gonna win anything with jones and smalling #mufc
— frogman (@mandrew86) November 5, 2017
Stupid decision by Smalling to cover Bakayoko at far side and not Morata at the centre of the box! Awful! #ManUtd #Chelsea #CHEMUN
— Sandžo Parza (@GoldenZambak) November 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrDazJones5/status/927235308671979520
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