Did Chelsea exploit Manchester United's Phil Jones in 3-1 win?

Chelsea’s Willian is challenged by Manchester United’s Jones

Manchester United’s loss to Chelsea was the type of game that had a bit of everything- bar really good football. A red card, a hat-trick, penalty appeals and a yellow card that was one of the most certain reds in the history of the Premier League.

One thing the game lacked from a United point of view, was a midfielder capable of breaking up Chelsea’s attacks, sticking a tackle in and putting pressure on their attackers. Michael Carrick hasn’t been the same player this season as in previous campaigns and against a Chelsea side, he needed someone with the energy, resilience and tenacity to make up for his lack of pace. Normally Phil Jones would seem like the ideal foil for Carrick in a game against a side full of attacking talent, the problem for David Moyes and United was that even after the first half, it became obvious the former Blackburn man was somewhat off the pace. Jones had only just returned from injury having missed the last four games and Moyes’ decision to throw him back in to the mixer at Stamford Bridge, badly backfired.

Passing wise, Jones was far from embarrassing and while not exactly setting the world alight his ability to retain possession can’t really be called into question on a day when United enjoyed a dominant start, only to be undone by Samuel Eto’o’s deflected opener.

Phil Jones Passes vs Chelsea (87% Pass Accuracy)

The problem that United had was that Jones was unable to truly get to grips with Chelsea’s attackers- including Eto’o for the opener and at times his attempts at tackling were well wide of the mark. It’s harsh to blame Jones, after all playing his first game since before Christmas was always going to be a test, but playing it at Stamford Bridge was even more so and there were times when one had to wonder why Moyes didn’t relieve him of his misery.

Phil Jones Tackles vs Chelsea (14% Tackle Success)

United desperately needed someone to prevent the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, and Eto’o from getting any joy through the middle of the park and for all his efforts Jones was found wanting, managing to commit more fouls than he did actual tackles.

Phil Jones Fouls Committed vs Chelsea

Jones somewhat below par performance has already re-ingited the “is he a midfielder or a centre back?” debate and while Sunday’s showing may suggest he’s better in defence – despite his lack of tackles- it’s worth remembering that returning from injury straight into a game at Stamford Bridge isn’t the sort of match you can truly judge him on.