Only a few days after saving Chelsea’s bacon against Aston Villa, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper came to the fore once more at the Gtech Community Stadium, as Chelsea’s five-game winning streak came to an end.
Kepa’s compatriot and opposite number David Raya was also on fire as the West London derby ended without a goal, but Potter’s side is still in the driving seat for Champions League football thanks to a particularly resilient defensive streak.
While upcoming opponents Manchester United won all three points in their midweek game, Chelsea’s one point kept them in the fourth and final Champions League spot in the table, now three points behind Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand. Chelsea would be eliminated from the Champions League if they lost here, but Potter’s team has kept a clean sheet in each of their last five Premier League games, and they have only conceded two goals in all tournaments since the 47-year-old took over.
Furthermore, the hosts have yet to lose at Stamford Bridge this season and have won their last three Premier League games at their West London home, but under Ten Hag, Man United have shown a penchant for performances against Big Six sides from the capital.
Neither Liverpool nor Arsenal had Man United’s number earlier this season, and while Tottenham fans rejoiced in their rivals’ defeats, they left Old Trafford with their tails between their legs as Ten Hag’s side dominated from start to finish.
After being frustrated by an on-song Hugo Lloris in the first half, Man United broke through in fortuitous circumstances in the 47th minute – Fred’s effort took a significant deflection off Ben Davies into the bottom corner – but Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant second was without a doubt deserving for the team.
Many hailed the 2-0 victory as Man United’s best performance under Ten Hag, whose side pressed relentlessly throughout the 90 minutes, and the fifth-placed Red Devils would move into the top four if they won their second game in a row this weekend.
Man United have now won four of their last five games across all competitions, and have won nine of their last twelve since that 4-0 loss to Brentford. While Chelsea’s clean sheet total is more notable, the visitors have three straight shutouts in their last three games. Fireworks may not fly between these two English footballing titans, as each of the last four Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Man United has ended in a draw, and the Blues are aiming to end a run of just one win in their last 11 meetings with the Red Devils.
