Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Torres, Mata and Player Grades for the Blues

The highlight match of the weekend lived up to the billing as Manchester United came from three goals down to claim a point at Stamford Bridge.

Two penalties by Rooney capped off the revival that started off some fortune for the hosts.

Chelsea were gifted a goal in the 36^th minute against the run of play. Daniel Sturridge was lucky to find the ball fall to his feet on the right side of the box. After beating Patrice Evra to the goal line, his cross took a double deflection of David De Gea then Johnny Evans to give Chelsea the lead.

United would go into the locker room feeling that they were the better side and unfortunate to be down 1-0.

However, Chelsea immediately proved that they belonged on top as less than a minute into the second Juan Mata would give the hosts a two goal cushion. Fernando Torres found space on the right flank and delivered a superb cross that was only bettered by Mata’s finish off the volley.

Luck would again favor Chelsea minutes later as Mata’s free kick found David Luiz unmarked in the United box. Luiz’s gracing header did just enough to direct it into the path of Rio Ferdinand who incidentally nodded it into his own net for what should have counted as the second United own goal of the match. Instead Luiz was fortunate enough to get the tally.

Just as things began to sway in Chelsea’s favor, Evra would make up for his error on Sturridge by arranging a penalty kick off the youngster. Wayne Rooney remained calm and put it away to make the score 3-1.

United would edge closer in the 68^th minute as Ivanovic brought down Danny Welbeck for United’s second penalty. Rooney again stepped up to put it away to make the score 3-2 and a nervous remaining 20 minutes for the hosts.

The comeback was completed in the 84^th minute as substitute a Javier Hernandez headed in a Welbeck cross unchallenged. It was the final goal in an exciting 3-3 draw.

Villas-Boas discussed how luck had been against them all season. Well, today it was not, and still his team failed to live up to expectations.

Here are the grades for a disappointing day for Chelsea.

Petr Cech: B+

Had a nervy beginning, but settled down to be important in at least preserving the one point.

Nothing he could have done on any of the three goals and should be upset by the  play of the defense in front of him.

Jose Bosingwa: C+

The biggest liability all season long for Chelsea finally put in a good performance. He was solid in the left-back position, filling in for the suspended Ashley Cole and had a tough test against an in form Valencia.

He did not get forward as much as he has, but it was fine considering the speed on the wings United has.

Gary Cahill: C-

Not a terrible first game in blue for the England international, but also hopefully not his best. He  was very fortunate not to get an early penalty called against him that would have surely changed the flow of the game.

He did make a critical mistake as he did not fall back to cover an unmarked Javier Hernandez who socred the game tying goal.

David Luiz: D

Had a great game up until he allowed an unmarked Hernandez to score the game tying goal.

This has been the problem with Luiz since he arrived: he will play an excellent 89 minutes, scoring goals like he did today, but then be the cause of the decisive move for the opponents.

Until he can consistently play a full 90 minutes of  good defense, he will never be considered great.

Branislav Ivanovic: D+

To complete a back line that was poor in the second half, Ivanovic conceded the second penalty and then did not close down on Welbeck fast enough.

The absence of Terry showed today and further provided evidence that this back line, even with the new faces is not any good.

Michael Essien: C+

Still recovering from his ACL injury, you can see he is not fully fit no matter what the Chelsea staff may say.

He was tentative on the ball and made a lot of errant passes. Not what you expect out of the typically reliable Ghanaian.

Tough spot to come into not only because he is still picking up the pace of the game, but is essentially playing with an entirely new team. Give it time and I am sure he will be back to his old ways.

Florent Malouda: C-

A performance that will only fan the flames of those who want Malouda out of the club.

He made far too many poor passes and was even slow by standards of the “old Chelsea”. He had a good try on target or two, but nothing to note. Honestly, was one of the worst games I have seen him play in a Chelsea uniform. He was definitely missing his midfield partner Frank Lampard.

Raul Meireles: B

Had a good day overall, but the result won’t show it. He linked up nicely with everyone around them and was the best passer on the ball.

However all that matters is the score. His good performance will be overshadowed by that result.

Juan Mata: A-

Needed to be at his best today if Chelsea were going to win and absolutely was. His goal ignited Chelsea in the second half and his assist put it out of reach.

I have said time and time again that if Mata is involved then Chelsea can win the game. If he is not, then they have little hope. It could have been much worse had he not been there at all.

Daniel Sturridge: B-

One of those games that gave evidence to both those that think Sturridge is great and those who think he has a long way to go.

His initial move to set up the first goal was excellent and the exact thing he needs to do on a consistent basis. But his penalty was just another example of how his rash style of play can hurt the team.

Fernando Torres: B-

Another heartbreaker for Torres. Had a good day despite not scoring with an assist and some strong runs. Overall he will be judged for not getting the decisive game winner as a forward should be.

His Chelsea woes will continue and the debate stronger than ever as a Chelsea side absent of Didier Drogba or any real goal threat behind the Spaniard again drops points.

Oriol Romeu: N/A

Had very little influence on the game at all.