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To say that the 2020-21 Premier League season has been a rollercoaster one would be an understatement, as the campaign has produced some shocking results already - Manchester United losing 1-6 to home to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool losing 1-7 at Aston Villa - to name a few.
Last week, Chelsea inexplicably let slip a 3-1 lead to draw with Southampton while Manchester United put behind their heavy home defeat against Spurs by winning 4-1 win against Newcastle United. However, when the two sides met for the first time in the Premier League this season, neither won.
Both teams started cautiously, not looking to give the other an inch in the final third. Apart from a few snap shots from Marcus Rashford, not much noteworthy happened during the ninety minutes at either end, as Manchester United and Chelsea nullified each other to settle for a share of the spoils.
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On that note, let us have a look at five talking points from Manchester United's goalless Premier League draw with Chelsea.
#5 Victor Lindelof stakes his claim for a place in Manchester United's starting-XI
After the 6-1 mauling at the hands of Tottenham, it became clear that Manchester United’s defensive personnel were not good enough.
Since then, every Manchester United defender has been under the spotlight. Victor Lindelof was one of them at the receiving end that day, but against Chelsea, he proved his worth in gold.
Although Chelsea weren’t at their potent best, the Swede dealt expertly with everything thrown at him. Even in possession, the 26-year-old tried to force the issue by venturing forward and strived to destabilise Chelsea’s low-block.
In a solid performance, Victor Lindelof won three duels, made two clearances, one tackle, one interception, created one chance and completed 56 passes. With Axel Tuanzebe forcing his way into contention mid-week by pocketing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Lindelöf needed a potent display to keep himself in the Manchester United starting-XI.
#4 Edouard Mendy stands firm for Chelsea
Despite Frank Lampard constantly backing Kepa Arrizabalaga in public, it has become beyond apparent that the manager has already planned for life beyond the Spaniard. The signing of Edouard Mendy has given the Blues boss an alternative to the error-prone keeper, and against Manchester United, the former Ligue 1 custodian proved his worth.
In a game that offered little quality, it was Manchester United who attempted the most shots on goal, which meant that Mendy was the busier of the two keepers.
In a performance that was assured beside one slip-up, the 28-year-old made four saves and completed 74% of his passes. He may not have been spectacular, but Chelsea fans will value having an above-average keeper at goal for once.
#3 Edinson Cavani made his much-awaited debut for Manchester United
It’s been a long time since Manchester United's new striker Edinson Cavani was last seen on a football pitch, to be precise it’s been about six months.
The 33-year-old was exiled from PSG after an apparent falling out with Neymar and other teammates. From then on, Thomas Tuchel refused to select the Uruguayan striker.
While all that was transpiring, Cavani's agent was working on an exit for the player in the summer. Miraculously, in the final weeks of the summer transfer window, Cavani secured a dream move to Old Trafford.
Edinson Cavani made his much-awaited Manchester United debut when he came on in the 57th minute against Chelsea. Such is the quality of the Uruguayan that he almost scored with his first touch!
However, due to a lack of service, the 33-year-old had seven touches of the ball and attempted one shot which was masterfully blocked by his ex-teammate Thiago Silva. Nevertheless, Manchester United will hope to see much more of Edinson Cavani in the coming weeks.
#2 Chelsea’s conservative approach
Despite spending close to £200million on attacking talent in the summer, Frank Lampard opted for a more defensive lineup against Manchester United.
On paper it was a 3-4-3, but on the pitch, Chelsea transformed into a 5-4-1 that looked to stifle Manchester United’s attacking talent. The approach worked, but considering the amount of money Chelsea have spent this summer, the Blues should not be parking the bus at any ground that’s not the Etihad or Anfield.
In comparison with Manchester United’s tally of 14, Chelsea only attempted a meagre six shots on goal across the ninety minutes. The Blues looked cautious in their attacking play and were seemingly content with playing for a draw.
On paper, Frank Lampard has manoeuvred his way to one point away at a top 6-side, but in reality, he missed a great chance to lay down a strong marker for the season.
#1 Harry Maguire was lucky not to concede a penalty
It’s been a torrid two months for Manchester United’s captain. His name has been plastered around the press while being simultaneously mocked by the masses online.
Even representing his country didn't soothe his pain as he was sent off after 30 minutes at Wembley. Back in Manchester United colours, Harry Maguire played well against Newcastle, even scoring a goal.
Against Chelsea, although he wasn’t tested, the 27-year-old didn’t put a foot wrong except for one dubious moment. Midway through the first half, Harry Maguire was seen putting Caesar Azpilicueta in a headlock as the pair tussled for a corner.
The fact that VAR didn’t even review the challenge only adds more bewilderment to the situation.
It’s been a running gag that a game can’t go by without the Red Devils getting a penalty. If the incident had happened at the other end, a penalty would most likely have been given.
