DAVID DE GEA:
Had a good game. Was good in the air and dealt with the set pieces pretty well, although could not do much to stop Drogba’s bullet header from going in. Made a few great saves, including the superb one-on-one to deny Hazard.
RATING: 3.5/5
RAFAEL:
Did not have the greatest of days. Got booked early in the match for an unwanted tackle. He was the one marking Drogba and totally lost the tussle leading to the Chelsea goal. Did not have anything significant to show going upfront as well.
RATING: 2.5/5
CHRIS SMALLING:
Smalling did reasonably well in the absence of the injured Phil Jones. Was pretty much solid at the back, had a good distribution rate and made a couple of extremely crucial blocks. Almost conceded a penalty by pulling down Ivanovic in the box during a corner.
RATING: 3/5
MARCOS ROJO:
Was a bit sloppy throughout. Almost gave away Chelsea an early lead by a slip-up which released Willian on the counter but was saved the blemish due to Smalling’s timely intervention.
RATING: 2/5
LUKE SHAW:
The youngster played extremely well, reminding of his performance from last season for Southampton. In addition to some good defensive work, was a constant threat through the left. Linked up well with Fellaini and Januzaj in the 1st half and with Di Maria in the 2nd half. Occasional concentration lapse is one thing he will have to work on though.
RATING: 4/5
DALEY BLIND:
Was uncharacteristically sloppy during the first half, giving away possession a few times. But was back to his self in the second half and neatly pulled the strings for United’s moves upfront during the last 25 minutes.
RATING: 2.5/5
MAROUANE FELLAINI:
Was excellent and one of the best players of the match. Was a strong presence in midfield and never allowed Fabregas to dictate the game as he always does. Also, linked up well with Januzaj and almost became the day’s hero by scoring the winner only to be stopped by a terrific save from Courtois before Van Persie put the ball in the back of the net.
RATING: 4/5
ANGEL DI MARIA:
Was not his best day after moving to Manchester United. His dribbling and crossing was not really up to his level. Still managed to create 4 chances, the most in the game, including the free kick from which the equalizer came.
RATING: 3/5
ADNAN JANUZAJ:
Did pretty well and much better than last match. Linked up well with Shaw in the left in the first half and came close with a shot hitting the side netting. Was moved to the right in the 2nd half and yet kept the defenders guessing with his dribbling skills.
RATING: 3.5/5
JUAN MATA:
Although he was good in possession and created a couple of opportunities, with United taking a more counter-attacking approach, he couldn’t really influence the game in any way. Was subbed off around the hour mark.
RATING: 2.5/5
ROBIN VAN PERSIE:
Was a menacing presence upfront. Came extremely close twice in the first half only to be denied by Courtois’ splendid saves. In the second half, was frustrated by Cahill and Terry who never let him be free, but eventually got the winner in stoppage time.
RATING: 3.5/5
JAMES WILSON:
Came on for Juan Mata in the 67th minute. Did not get much off the ball to impress, but was good with his positioning and had one attempt on goal with a looping header which landed on the top of the goalpost.
RATING: 2.5/5