Despite failing to take advantage of their dominance in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday, Chelsea moved closer to sealing a place in next season’s Champions League.
With five games remaining, Marcos Alonso’s opener was immediately cancelled out by Cristiano Ronaldo, putting the Blues eight points clear of Tottenham in fifth place in the Premier League.
United interim manager Ralf Rangnick had already given up hope of making the top four, and a point puts them five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with two games remaining.
Rangnick’s ill-fated spell at Old Trafford could be cut short, according to rumors that he is set to take over as Austria manager instead of taking up a two-year advisory post.
Erik ten Hag has already been hired as United’s manager for next season, but another lackluster performance offered little hope for the Ajax coach.
On a night when United fans vented their frustrations at the Glazer family, ownership difficulties loomed large over the club.
Many fans waited outside the stadium until the 17th minute in protest of the 17 years after United was taken over by Americans through a leveraged acquisition.
Chelsea looks set to become the next Premier League team to be sold to an American, with a deal anticipated to be completed before the conclusion of the season.
In recent weeks, the uncertainty surrounding Stamford Bridge’s future has begun to manifest on the field.
Thomas Tuchel’s side has lost heavily at home to Brentford and Arsenal, as well as having their Champions League defense come to an end.
But they were just the latest squad to have too much energy, ideas, and organization for a United side that can only match their lowest ever Premier League points count by winning their final three games.
Only David de Gea and Ronaldo deserve credit for keeping the hosts in the game at either end, as has been the case all season for the Red Devils.
In recent weeks, the uncertainty surrounding Stamford Bridge’s future has begun to manifest on the field.
With the finest chances of the first half, De Gea spread himself well to deny Kai Havertz twice.
Tuchel was enraged by his German colleague’s poor finishing, although Havertz did have a hand in the goal that put the visitors ahead on the hour mark.
Havertz flicked on Reece James’ cross, which Alonso met with a wonderfully shot volley beyond De Gea.
Ronaldo was at his clinical best two minutes later, smashing home United’s first big chance of the game.
For his 23rd goal of the season, Nemanja Matic chipped a superb pass into the path of the Portuguese, who controlled and fired high beyond Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea should have won all three points had James not curled against the post in the closing seconds from Mason Mount’s exquisite backheel.
AFP
