Half-time: Chelsea 1 Man Utd 2

Juan Mata’s free-kick late in the first half gave Chelsea a boost after they had found themselves two down after only 11 minutes following David Luiz’s own goal and Robin van Persie’s simple finish.

Manchester United went ahead when the ball dribbled over the line after Van Persie’s shot struck the post and then the unfortunate Luiz.

Luck went against the Premier League leaders on that occasion, but they had no-one but themselves to blame for the second goal.

Antonio Valencia had time on the left and after Chelsea failed to clear the Ecuadorian’s low cross, Van Persie was able to smash home from five yards.

Chelsea ended the half strongly and almost scored when defender Jonny Evans turned John Obi Mikel’s cross onto his own post and Gary Cahill went close with a header from the resulting corner.

Visiting keeper David De Gea then produced a fine save to deny Fernando Torres but was beaten by Mata’s curling effort.

Before the game, United’s Rio Ferdinand shook hands with Ashley Cole following speculation about whether he would snub the Blues left-back during the traditional pre-match routine.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Romeu, Moses, Marin, Sturridge, Azpilicueta, Bertrand.

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