In the most dramatic of late collapses, Manchester United lost a 3-2 lead to Cole Palmer twice in the tenth and eleventh minutes of stoppage time, securing an incredible 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The times when both sides fought for supremacy in their own countries and throughout Europe seem a long time ago. Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag were hoping for a quick turnaround from their teams after losing to Brentford and Burnley, respectively, in their previous meetings.
With only four minutes remaining, Pochettino achieved his goal when Conor Gallagher, after a deflected cross from Malo Gusto, rifled a close-range finish past André Onana and between Casemiro’s legs. After Antony was given a red card for bringing down Marc Cucurella in the box, Chelsea increased their lead by two goals. Palmer converted the ensuing spot kick with the ultimate display of composure. With his 14th Premier League (PL) goal of the year, the club he grew up supporting was in serious trouble.
The Ecuadorian was mercilessly punished by Alejandro Garnacho, who sliced the lead in half as the hosts seemed to be coasting after Moises Caicedo played a blind pass into his path. Five minutes later, Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant far-post header from Diogo Dalot’s precisely weighted cross tied the score for United. It had been a masterfully executed move. Just seconds before halftime, Gallagher’s shot struck the post, cutting the deficit to just inches.
Harry Maguire made an impressive run down the left before his angled strike went just over the bar in this wide-open game, which saw Ten Hag’s team take the lead at the start of the second half.
In their four-vs-two attack on the Chelsea defense, the Red Devils were unable to capitalize, and Fernandes’ reckless shot went over the crossbar. But for Antony, who gave Garnacho the most unbelievable assist with the outside of his left foot to nod the ball past Petrović, it was a case of redemption. The Brazilian’s first Premier League assist of the year arrived in spectacular fashion.
This appeared to have completed the most incredible of comebacks for United, but Palmer was on hand to score his second penalty kick and give the hosts a share of the spoils after Dalot was sent off for a challenge on Noni Madueke at the end. But the Blues weren’t done yet, as Palmer appeared to have the whole of West London at his disposal after seizing Enzo’s short corner and beating Onana with a deflected strike in one of the greatest Premier League games ever.
Man of the Match: Cole Palmer of Chelsea