Chelsea player ratings vs Manchester United: Wesley Fofana a bright spark after Robert Sanchez nightmare | OneFootball

Chelsea’s gameplan was undone inside the first five minutes after a sending off to a key player

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Chelsea suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season as they were beaten by Manchester United.

The Blues were on the back foot from the off after Robert Sanchez was sent off inside the first five minutes.

Man United took advantage and took a two-goal lead through Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, before the latter was given his marching orders just before half-time following a second yellow card.

Chelsea pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go thanks to Trevoh Chalobah, but United held on for the win.

Simon Collings was at Old Trafford to see Chelsea in action...

Robert Sanchez 2

Sent off inside the first five minutes after clearing out Bryan Mbeumo when he was in on goal. Reckless and could have no complaints. A nightmare afternoon.

Reece James 6

Partly at fault for United’s second goal as he hacked a clearance straight up into the air. Made up for it by assisting Chalobah’s goal with a lovely cross.

Trevoh Chalobah 6

Got Chelsea back into the game by powering home James’ cross into the bottom corner.

Wesley Fofana 7

Made a couple of great tackles in the first half and had a goal ruled out for offside. The best Chelsea defender.

Marc Cucurella 5

Struggled with Mbeumo, who was lively in the first half. Could not get forward as he usually does with Chelsea down to 10 men.

Enzo Fernandez 5

Another player who had a tough afternoon. Could not influence the game in the way he can.

Struggled: Enzo Fernandez

Getty Images

Moises Caicedo 5

Struggled to get control in the middle of the park, which was understandable with Chelsea down to 10 men.

Pedro Neto N/A

Paid the price for Sanchez’s red card, with Enzo Maresca taking him for an extra defender.

Cole Palmer 5

Started his first Premier League game since last month, but off after just 20 minutes due to an injury.

Estevao N/A

Handed a rare start on the left wing, but hooked early after Sanchez was sent off.

Joao Pedro 6

Had a thankless task leading the line with so little support. The odd nice touch and run, but he was too isolated.

Substitutions

Filip Jorgensen (Estevao 6’) 5

Should have come to claim the ball for United’s second goal when James hacked a clearance in the air. Better after the break.

Tosin Adarabioyo (Neto 7’) 5

On after Sanchez’s red card, with Chelsea moving to a back-three. Did okay.

Andrey Santos (Palmer 21’) 7

On earlier than expected. Held his own well in difficult circumstances. A positive for Maresca.

Tyrique George (Cucurella 64’) 5

Tried to play up top and support Pedro, but was quiet.

Malo Gusto (Fofana 64’) 5

On at left-back as Chelsea chased goals and had a few darts down the line.

Subs not used: Hato, Garnacho, Gittens, Guiu