Roberto Di Matteo’s team’s lead is reduced to a point as they suffer their first league defeat of the season in controversial circumstances. On an afternoon strewn with goals, red cards, drama and controversy, Manchester United beat 9 men Chelsea to cut there lead to a point.

CHELSEA

Petr Cech – 3.5/5 – Made a number of great saves but got no protection at all from his defense for the conceded goals.

Branislav Ivanovic – 1/5 – Left for dead by Van Persie in the build-up to United’s first, and failed to mark the dutch for United’s second. A shambolic game for the Serbian defender and foolishly got sent off for clipping Young’s heels.

Ashley cole – 3/5 – Was responsible for United’s first two goals as he gave Valencia the freedom to move around. Improved later on.

David Luiz – 3/5 – Couldn’t do anything to prevent the own goal and made a number of poor defensive decisions. Tried making up for the goal with a brilliant free kick , which was stopped by De Gea. And caused problems for United whenever he went upfront.

Gary Cahill – 2.5/5 – Disappointing performance from the England International. Could not control the Chelsea back line and has got a long way to be termed as a successor of Terry.

Ramires – 3.5/5 – Full on energy! Never seemed to get tired and pressed United high up and was rewarded for his performance with a goal.

Oscar – 3.5 /5 – Very good game for the Brazilian. Kept troubling the United defense till his time on the pitch. Was sacrificed after Ivanovic was sent off. Replaced by Azpilicueta.

John Obi Mikel – 2/5 – Horrendous start to the game for the Nigerian. But grew in to the game after the sending off of his teammates.

Mata – 4/5 – Led from the front.Scored a brilliant free kick and helped the ball beautifully for the Ramires’ equalizer. A brilliant game for the Spaniard.

Eden Hazard – 3.5/5 – Had a quite start to the game but soon his dribbling and awareness began to trouble United. His linking up with Mata and Oscar was a pleasure to watch as always.

Fernando Torres – 2.5/5 – Another night to forget for the Spaniard. Unlucky as well , he was just getting lively and more and more involved in the game when he got sent off.

Substitutions

Azpilicueta – 2.5/5 – Looked more solid than Ivanovic.

Ryan Bertrand – 2.5/5 – Made the most out of the chance. Played well for the last 20 minutes or so that he was brought on for.

Daniel Sturridge – 3/5 – Worked very hard and troubled Uniteds defense on quite a lot of occasions.

MANCHESTER UNITED

David de Gea – 3/5 – Made a couple of superb saves. And he used his feet to make saves rather often , that was mystifying. But it did the work.

Rafael – 2.5/5 – Definitely a threat going forward! Needs to work on his defensive positions.

Patrice Evra – 2.5/5 – Stayed calm in the defense. Was more of a spectator in the game.

Rio Ferdinand – 3/5 – Was not at fault for either of the goals. Was assuring in defense and strong against a lacklustered Torres

Johnny Evans –1.5/5 – Would have been the flop of the day if Ivanovic was not sent off. Looked very nervous throughout the game. He made a few rash tackles and was lucky not to get booked for the foul on Torres

Antonio Valencia – 3.5/5 – Why doesn’t the Ecuadorian start more often? A really good display by him. He gave Ashley Cole trouble throughout the day and was defensively aware too.

Michael Carrick – 3/5 – Looked totally out of place after the first 20 minutes till the time Chelsea’s two players were sent off. But was usually calm on the ball and moved it around with assurance.

Ashley Young – 3/5 – His movement was great through out the game and tormented Ivanovic, which in the end got the Serb sent off for clipping Young’s heels.

Wayne Rooney – 3/5 – He was the reason United’s midfield and forward line was linking up so well. Tracked back when not in possession. Made a few cynical challenges and was substituted for his own good.

Robin Van Persie – 4/5 – League’s leading top scorer looked dangerous throughout the game and proved that he is ever reliable.

Sunstitutions

Ryan Giggs – 2.5/5 – Could have done much better with the amount of space he was given. But made the simple calm passes in the middle of the park.

Chicharito – 3/5 – Even though he scored the winning goal from an offside position, we have to give him credit for adjusting his body so quickly to net home the winner. A true goal poacher.