Chelsea down to fifth after defeat at United
Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1
Romelu Lukaku scored against his former club and set up Manchester United’s winner as they came from behind to secure victory at Old Trafford.
Chelsea were excellent in the first half and Alvaro Morata hit the bar before Willian put them ahead.
But Lukaku equalised against the run of play five minutes before half-time and crossed from the right for substitute Jesse Lingard to head home with 14 minutes remaining.
It moved second-placed United six points clear of Chelsea, who are fifth following their defeat and Tottenham’s win at Crystal Palace.
Morata, recalled to the side along with Danny Drinkwater, volleyed against the woodwork after being found by Marcos Alonso’s fifth-minute cross.
There was no let-off for United when Willian latched on to Eden Hazard’s lovely reverse pass and scored just after the half-hour mark.
Willian had started the move, winning the ball near the edge of his own penalty area, finding Hazard on the right and then galloping forward to collect the Belgian’s return ball.
Chelsea were by far the better side but were undone when Alexis Sanchez’s ball into the box was nudged on by Anthony Martial towards Lukaku, who finished from eight yards out.
United were better in the second half, with the introduction of Lingard proving decisive.
Chelsea: Courtois, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Moses (Giroud 78), Alonso, Drinkwater (Fabregas 81), Kante, Willian, Hazard (Pedro 73), Morata.
Subs not used: Caballero, Zappacosta, Cahill, Emerson.
