By Daily sports on October 25, 2020

Manchester United and Chelsea ground out a drab goalless draw in the Old Trafford rain that will convince no-one either side will be challenging for the Premier League this season.

Chelsea will probably be happier with a point and might have had more if United skipper Harry Maguire had been punished for wrapping his arm around the throat of Cesar Azpilicueta as he defended a first-half corner.

Although they remain stuck in the bottom half of the table, United were at least able to avoid losing a third straight home league game at the start of the season for the first time since 1930.

In addition, they can also point to three good saves from Edouard Mendy, two to deny Marcus Rashford, including one in the final minute, and one where Bruno Fernandes was thwarted.

However, Chelsea's biggest scare was Mendy passing the ball across his goal and out for a corner in the first half when trying to pass to Thiago Silva.

Neither Edinson Cavani, on his debut, nor Paul Pogba could change things in the home side's favour after they were introduced as substitutes. Mason Greenwood was given the final eight minutes to make an impression – but did not.

CHELSEA GAIN IN DEFENCE BUT LOSE IN ATTACK

Successive clean sheets does provide Chelsea with the kind of platform they have been lacking so far this season.

The return of Thiago Silva to anchor a three-man defence provided solidity. Yet it also seemed to cost Chelsea their edge in attack.

Too often Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic were left trying to take United's defence on alone and rarely did the visitors mount concerted pressure around the United box, even though they dominated possession for long periods.

England defender Reece James looked their most inventive attacking threat with his forceful bursts down the right flank. However, his final ball was poor and United keeper David de Gea did not have to make a meaningful save.

Sixth place may look presentable for Frank Lampard's men at the moment but they could slide down the league over the weekend and evidently, a large summer outlay is yet to pay dividends. (BBC)

•PHOTO: Rashford and Azpilicueta 

Source Daily sports

Posted October 25, 2020

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