Both Chelsea and Manchester United were tied 2-2. However, I think it was Manchester United that is frustrated because they missed a golden opportunity to create a win in Stamford Bridge and destroy the unbeaten streak of Chelsea. What actually happened in that match?
Formation:
As expected, Chelsea maintained 4-3-3 formation in their new ‘Sarri-Ball’ system that gave a great start for Chelsea this season meanwhile Manchester United used 4-2-3-1 and Sanchez is benched (Again)
For this match, Sarri-ball is used by exploiting Hazard’s creativity to punish United’s defence which has conceded 14 goals in 8 matches previously.
Chelsea main attacking focal point is from left especially in United’s defence area. Chelsea did 72 passing from the left. So, did Sarri-Ball succeed in punishing United’s defence? Technically no. How did United stop Eden Hazard? Let see how Manchester United denied Sarri-Ball tactical?
Looking at Chelsea’s current form, it’s not surprising Mourinho choose to defence mood in most of this match although they didn’t go Ultra-defence. What was Mourinho’s idea?
Sarri-Ball is a tactical based on ball possession with short passing in a triangle to trap the opponent. United played with the 4-2-3-1 system so that they can change to 4-5-1 quickly when defending. They did not press Chelsea player and more comfortable in staying at their own half to avoid fatigue. United manage to contain Sarri-ball, resulting in Chelsea’s attackers hovering outside of United’s penalty box and United just lets all the passes executed as long it does not threaten them. The problem is United spent to much time neutralising Sarri-ball but did not attempt to threaten Chelsea.
No’Pocket’ for Eden Hazard
Last season, Mourinho stops Chelsea by chaining Hazard’s movement. Ander Herrera was instructed to closely mark Hazard by not letting him move freely with the ball. This time around, Manchester United not man-marking Hazard and instead of taking it in turns to foul him. They did not give many spaces for other Chelsea player as well.
So how did United attacked?
Trailing at first half, United need to look forward to scoring goals. Hence, United start to counter-attack quickly. Both Chelsea’s fullback, Marcos Alonso and Azpilicueta tend to go forward to attack hence leaving behind huge spaces at the back with only David Luiz and Rudiger at the defence which is why Martial and Rashford often stay in the wide area during the attack. That is the space that can be exploited during counter-attack by United. Manchester United’s second goal by Martial shows how the spaces at the right are used to counterattack Chelsea effectively.
What went wrong for United?
Manchester United clearly having a problem in defence. They were good in zonal marking but poor in man marking. Chelsea’s first goal is because of confusion between Pogba and Lindelof as Rudiger escaped the man marking of Pogba, Lindelof should leave David Luiz for Pogba to mark and keep on tracking Rudiger. United clearly having a problem in man marking especially when defending set pieces and the long ball. Even David Luiz almost scored a header from a corner kick set piece. As for Chelsea second goal, Lindelof supposed to control Barkley but still fails to man mark him effectively which results in him scoring the winning goal.
Final thought
United was successful in stopping Sarri-Ball and almost won the match but they were punished due to poor defending. Although draw but in tactical perspective, Mourinho overcame Sarri. Morata needs to play are a more vital role in attacking as Chelsea should not heavily focus with Hazard.