[Player Ratings] Man United 0-0 Chelsea: How Jose’s Men Fared Against The Champions

Chelsea held champions Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night. Here, Chelsea fan Joe Carroll gives us  his player ratings from the game.

Chelsea held Manchester United to an anti-climatic 0-0 draw at Old Trafford as both teams failed to score in this blockbuster fixture.

All eyes were on Man United striker Wayne Rooney who has been at the centre of a storm of transfer speculation, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho making no secret of his desire to bring the striker to Stamford Bridge. Much had also been made about the first home game of David Moyes’ Man United reign; the first without Sir Alex Ferguson who retired at the end of last season.

Rooney was one of the stand-out performers on an evening of little excitement. Chelsea will be the happier of the two teams, with United enjoying more chances than the away side. But John Terry will take the plaudits with a towering show of leadership and defensive excellence.

The game is best summed up by the fact that the most notable incidents were penalty appeals that were turned away by referee Martin Atkinson. Tom Cleverly’s shot clearly struck the arm of Frank Lampard, but Atkinson judged that the contact was not deliberate with the England midfielder too close to react. And Ashley Cole thought he was brought down in the area under the attentions of Phil Jones, but the officials saw no infringement and again no penalty was awarded.

Danny Welbeck spurned United’s best chance on the hour mark, while Chelsea’s chances were limited. The most telling indicator of  Mourinho’s intentions to ensure they left Old Trafford with at least a point was his decision to start the game with no recognised striker. Romelu Lukaku and Fernando Torres settled for spots on the bench while Demba Ba was not included in the match day squad.

Here are my ratings for the Blues:

Chelsea

Cech- 6– rarely had much to do and the saves he did have to make were comfortable, from long-range.

Cole- 6– generally good. Had a gruelling from Antonio Valencia at times but was solid for the most part. Hardly covered himself in glory when trying to win a penalty.

Terry- 8– I’ve a feeling the ex-England skipper will be a vital part of Mourinho’s title assault this year. Demonstrated his worth in a fine defensive display, nullifying the threat of Robin van Persie and showing exemplary leadership. Man of the Match

Cahill- 7- much improved performance following shaky start to the season. Showed good understanding with Terry and provided some vital blocks.

Ivanovich- 7– formed part of a solid back four- never put a foot wrong.

Lampard- 5– shame to see the England star’s performance dip here following an encouraging start to the campaign. Tends to thrive on the big games but he was for the most part a passer-by.

Ramires- 5– good thing Chelsea’s defenders were on top form, because they received very little protection from their midfield at times. Rooney was allowed to dictate play from the areas that Ramires should have been patrolling.

De Bruyne- 5– another midfielder that struggled to impose himself on the game. Belgian does however have the excuse of having little Premier League experience. On this evidence, the occasion got the better of him.

Oscar- 7– Chelsea’s better midfield performer. Provided the creative spark on occasion but sadly not enough. Restricted to a couple of decent long range shots.

Hazard- 5– another big name, another name that failed to turn up. Shackled too easily by a strong United defence.

Schurlle- 6– seemed to be played in a strikers role (in the absence of any strikers!) and did not look comfortable. Given the benefit of the doubt considering this is not his favoured position. Needs to be played just of the main striker to see his true worth.

Subs

Torres- 6– showed some neat touches but couldn’t hold the ball up which would have relieved some much needed pressure.

Mikel- 5– came on with just minutes to go- little time to make an impact.

Azpilicueta- 5– unfair to judge a performance that lasted less than a minute. Introduced in stoppage time.

What did you think of the game? Do you agree with the player ratings? Should either team have had a penalty? Which team should be happier with the result?…Please leave your comments below