EPL 2017/18: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United, Player Ratings

Alvaro Morata's header from Cesar Azpilicueta's cross brought Chelsea a vital three points against Manchester United.

Antonio Conte's side bounced back from last week's 3-0 defeat to Roma to move level on points with the Red Devils.

Here's how the players fared at Stamford Bridge:

Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois - 8/10

Courtois did not have a great deal to do in terms of saving shots on Sunday, but did make good stops off strikes from Lukaku and Fellaini. The Belgian was also excellent at coming off his line and claiming crosses.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 8/10

Azpilicueta was back to his best in this game and recorded his fifth assist of the season - more than any other defender in the Premier League. It was a delicious cross for Morata. Moreover, the Spaniard was also solid at the back.

Andreas Christensen - 8.5/10

A surprise inclusion as David Luiz was left out of the matchday squad for tactical reasons, Christensen was terrific in the middle of Chelsea's back three. Composed in possession and astute in his reading of the game, the Dane helped the champions record a clean sheet.

Gary Cahill - 7/10

Cahill delivered a solid performance to help Chelsea get back on track. The captain was strong in the tackle when he needed to be and was rarely caught out of position.

Chelsea v Manchester United - Premier League — Cahill was solid at the centre of defence

Davide Zappacosta - 6/10

Zappacosta was a little wasteful in possession when pushing forward, but he showed good stamina to get up and down the right flank to try and contribute in both departments.

N'Golo Kante - 8/10

Chelsea are not the same team without Kante and they looked a great deal stronger as he returned to the starting XI here. The Frenchman's combination of dynamism, speed and reading of the game helped him win three tackles and make two interceptions.

Cesc Fabregas - 9/10

Fabregas was key to Chelsea's victory. The former Arsenal man used the ball brilliantly and was typically creative in possession, helping the Blues dominate the midfield.

Tiemoue Bakayoko - 6/10

Bakayoko made some dangerous runs from midfield, including in the build-up to Morata's goal. He was, however, profligate with his finishing and inconsistent with his passing.

Marcos Alonso - 7/10

Alonso was a little quieter than usual, but he still had an effect in attack with his galloping runs and provision of width. He was not caught out defensively, either.

Eden Hazard - 8/10

Hazard's elusive running and tricky footwork caused problems for United all afternoon. His low centre of gravity makes him a difficult opponent, and he helped create chances for his team-mates.

Alvaro Morata - 8/10

Morata took his goal brilliantly, directing a header out of De Gea's reach and into the corner of the net. His movement was fantastic and he showed great strength against United's centre-halves.

Substitutes:

Antonio Rudiger - 6/10

Chelsea shut the game down impressively in the second half, and Rudiger deserves credit for the role he played. The defender helped to keep the likes of Lukaku and Rashford quiet.

Danny Drinkwater - 6/10

Drinkwater helped to shore up the midfield as Chelsea held on for the win.

Willian - N/A

Willian was introduced in the closing stages to offer speed on the counter-attack.

Manchester United

David de Gea - 6/10

De Gea could have done little to stop Morata's header, but he did push a couple of saves back into the danger area rather than getting the ball clear.

Eric Bailly - 6/10

Bailly was probably the best of United's centre-backs, positioning himself well and using his speed to recover when Chelsea ran in behind.

Phil Jones - 4/10

Jones was substituted in the second half, with Mourinho wary of him receiving a second yellow card. The defender was rash in his decision-making at times and was fortunate to receive a free-kick after turning the ball into his own net in the first half.

Chris Smalling - 5/10

Smalling struggled to get a handle on Hazard and Morata, who asked questions of the United defence all game. He did make a team-high three tackles, though.

Antonio Valencia - 5/10

Valencia was not able to provide the same sort of driving runs down the right as we have grown accustomed to. He dealt with Alonso reasonably well, but did not have a noticeable effect on the match.

Ander Herrera - 5/10

Herrera was extremely rash both with and without the ball, making some poor tackles and some sloppy passes. He did not have the type of creativity needed to help United get back on level terms.

Nemanja Matic - 5.5/10

United were overrun in midfield, with Matic's lack of mobility an issue against the likes of Bakayoko and co. He was typically calm in possession, though, and made more passes than any other United player.

Ashley Young - 6/10

Young put a couple of excellent crosses into the box, but spent most of the afternoon defending. He did a decent job of it, particularly against Davide Zappacosta.

Romelu Lukaku - 5/10

Lukaku had a half-chance in the first half, forcing Courtois into a save to his right. He was extremely quiet thereafter and struggled to get into the game.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 4/10

Fielded ahead of Herrera and Matic in United's 3-4-1-2 formation, Mkhitaryan had little influence and struggled to get on the ball in dangerous positions. His poor run of form continued at Stamford Bridge.

Marcus Rashford - 6/10

Rashford was United's liveliest attacker, making some good runs in behind and going close with a late free-kick. He had four shots in total, but none found the target. He missed a glorious chance early in the game to give United the lead.