Lukaku Defies Critics in Big Game Display

Chelsea went into the game having never lost this season after taking the lead. A powerful display from Romelu Lukaku saw that record come to an end as Manchester United reclaimed second place.

United started a bit off the pace with the tempo of the game quite slow.  Both sides misplaced passes in the opening exchanges with Chelsea looking slightly more assured.  The away side then capitalised on the break with Willian driving from one box to the other. He fed the ball to Eden Hazard before bursting past him, the Belgian threaded the ball between the United backline for Willian to latch on to. 

The Chelsea man then lashed the ball into the back of the net with De Gea disappointed to be beaten at his near post. Valencia looked to be at fault, dropping significantly deeper than his fellow defenders allowing Willian to be comfortably onside.

Willian continued to cause problems but the Red Devils then got a foothold in the game, bursting forward through Pogba, Sanchez and Lukaku. It was the latter, who is often criticised for his lack of goals in big games, that got United back on level terms. 

Lukaku battled well on the edge of the box, allowing Sanchez to drive at the Chelsea defenders. He found Martial, who in turn did brilliantly to slide the ball to Lukaku. The big striker then coolly finished past Courtois in the Chelsea goal.

Pogba started to dictate the play in the second half, helping to drive United forward at every opportunity and picking simple but effective passes. Lingard was introduced in the 64th minute which seemed to add some impetuous to a game which had drifted by for the past 10 minutes. 

Lukaku then saw a spectacular bicycle kick saved when Sanchez dug out a cross mid way through the second half. Unfortunately for the number nine it was straight at the Chelsea stopper, either side of him would have seen a goal of the season contender.

However, United did manage to take the lead through Lingard a few minutes later. Lukaku's quick feet on the corner of the box gave him a yard of space to whip in a delightful ball. The Chelsea defenders allowed Lingard to drift in between them to nod home unchallenged.

Chelsea did have the ball in the back of the net late on when Fabregas chipped an inch perfect ball to Morata, who finished expertly, only to see the flag had already been raised. It was a tight call, definitely one for VAR...if the lines are straight.

Lindelof and Smalling had one of their better games as a centre back pairing, looking comfortable on the ball and dealing well with the threat of Chelsea's wingers (apart from one lapse in concentration by the former). Young midfielder McTominay continued to impress, doing the basics well and not putting a foot wrong all game. It was Lukaku who stood out though, getting a goal and an assist in a big game which proved to be the difference between the two sides.

TGtM Man of the Match: Romelu Lukaku 

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