Manchester United closed the gap at the top of the table to just one point after a controversial 3-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Here are Football Talk’s player ratings from the game.

Chelsea Ratings:

Cech – 7 – Could do little about the goals and was unlucky with United’s winner after making an excellent stop and clearance in the build up.

Ivanovic – 4 – Sent off for bringing down Ashley Young when the United winger was through on goal. Changed the game.

Cahill – 5 – Couldn’t handle the movement of Robin van Persie, poor show from the former Bolton man.

Luiz – 6 – Was unlucky with the own goal but looked uncomfortable alongside Cahill.

Cole – 6 – Out of position for the United opener and given a torrid time by Valencia, especially in the first half. Improved after the break though.

Mikel – 6 – Sloppy passing at times, especially early on. Not his best performance of the season by any means.

Ramires – 7 – Worked hard all afternoon and got Chelsea level with a lovely header.

Oscar – 7 – Decent shift from the young Brazilian. Lovely cross set up Ramires for the equaliser.

Hazard – 6 – Went close on a couple of occasions and earned the free kick that lead to Mata’s superb goal.

Mata – 8 – Chelsea’s best player once again. The Spaniard produced a moment of magic with the free kick that got the home side back in the game just before the break, and he played a huge part in the build up to the second. Unlucky to be subbed.

Torres – 5 – Unlucky to be sent off for ‘diving’ as there was contact from Evans, but the striker continues to be off the pace. Did go close with a header but needs to improve.

Subs

Azpilicueta – 6 – Did well enough after coming on following Ivanovic’s sending off.

Bertrand – 5 – Surprised the youngster replaced Mata and he struggled to replicate the quality produced by the Spanish magician.

Sturridge – 6 – Looked lively when he came on for Hazard for the last 10 minutes. Should have replaced Torres well before his sending off.

Man Utd Ratings:

De Gea – 8 – Made some excellent, if unorthodox, saves during the game. May be disappointed with the Mata free kick.

Rafael – 7.5 - Great performance from the Brazilian. Linked up well with Valencia down the right and set up the winner.

Ferdinand – 7 – Steady display from the experienced centre back. Handled Torres with ease.

Evans – 6 – Almost scored an own goal and was lucky to escape a card when going to ground too easily on Torres.

Evra – 6 – Solid enough but unspectacular performance from the full back.

Cleverley – 6 – Fairly quite overall. Didn’t really get in the game enough.

Carrick – 6 – Like Cleverley, Carrick did the simple stuff without really making a huge impression.

Valencia – 7.5 – Great cross for Van Persie’s goal and his pace and direct running was a threat throughout.

Young – 6.5 – Was lively and his superb run in behind forced Ivanovic into getting sent off.

Rooney – 7 – Worked tirelessly in his midfield role but petulant side came to the surface again when his reckless challenge lead to Chelsea’s first goal.

RVP – 8.5 – World class movement from the Dutchman and Chelsea couldn’t get near him all afternoon. Took his goal well and could have had at least another one.

Subs

Hernandez – 7 – Another match-winning impact from the Mexican. Scored the winner, although he was just offside.

Giggs – 6 – Experience helped United see out the game late on.

What were your player ratings from the match? Get involved in the comments section.

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