Chelsea Player Ratings vs Man Utd: Caicedo and Palmer Shine in Draw
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Moises Caicedo’s stunning volley rescued a point for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Blues midfielder fired home from the edge of the area to keep Enzo Maresca’s side on track, although Chelsea may feel they deserved all three points. The London club had to recover from an early deficit after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez conceded a costly penalty, allowing Bruno Fernandes to put United in front. Fortunately for Chelsea, Caicedo and Cole Palmer stepped up, playing vital roles in securing the result.
Here’s a look at how the Chelsea players performed:
Robert Sanchez – 3
Sanchez’s mistake was costly. A mistimed challenge on Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area handed United the lead. His decision-making was poor, as he fouled Hojlund in an area where there was little threat. It’s not his first penalty error this season, and this one nearly cost Chelsea the game.
Malo Gusto – 5
Operating in a high, advanced position within Chelsea’s 3-2-2-3 formation, Gusto struggled to create opportunities in the final third. Manager Maresca replaced him at half-time, bringing on Marc Cucurella to play a similar role on the opposite flank.
Wesley Fofana – 6
Fofana managed United’s attackers well and partnered effectively with Levi Colwill. Chelsea’s defense held strong, and any issues stemmed more from Sanchez’s error than from the defenders’ performances.
Levi Colwill – 6
A dependable showing from Colwill, who maintained his solid form. While Chelsea’s defenders didn’t concede from open play, they could point to Sanchez’s mistake as the only blot on an otherwise disciplined defensive performance.
Reece James – 7
Chelsea’s captain reminded fans of his talent, particularly in handling Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. It was a solid outing for James, who has now impressed in back-to-back games since returning from injury.
Moises Caicedo – 8
Caicedo was Chelsea’s standout performer. His presence in midfield was commanding, and he capped it off with a stunning volley that brought Chelsea level. Caicedo’s form has been remarkable this season, adding confidence and control to Chelsea’s play.
Romeo Lavia – 7
Lavia put in an excellent shift, showing composure and skill in his role, which has kept Enzo Fernandez on the bench. His ability to control the deeper areas of midfield adds an important layer to Chelsea’s structure.
Cole Palmer – 8
Palmer was the creative force behind Chelsea’s attack. Nearly everything positive went through him, and he threatened with well-timed runs and precise set-pieces. His contributions were crucial to Chelsea’s ability to push forward.
Noni Madueke – 6
Madueke had a quiet game and missed a great chance to score when he hit the post with a header. While not a bad performance, he struggled to make a strong impact against United’s defense.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Jackson has shown promise this season, but he still needs a defining moment in a high-stakes match. He was largely quiet at Old Trafford, and while he worked hard, he’s still looking for a breakthrough game.
Pedro Neto – 7
Neto had some positive contributions, narrowly missing with two powerful shots. He looked dangerous and played an important role as Chelsea applied pressure in the later stages.
Substitutes
- Marc Cucurella (for Gusto, ’46) – 6
Cucurella took up a high position on the left after his substitution, adding width to Chelsea’s attack. - Mykhaylo Mudryk (for Madueke, ’70) – 6
Mudryk was sharp, stepping aside as Caicedo’s shot flew in. He contributed positively in Chelsea’s offensive efforts as they chased a late winner. - Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, ’70) – 5
Fernandez had minimal impact after coming on, struggling to influence the game in his substitute role.
Overall, Chelsea’s performance showed resilience and promise. Caicedo and Palmer led the charge, overshadowing Sanchez’s error, and securing a valuable point on the road.
