On a disappointing day of tepid football, it took a deflected effort from Juan Mata to break the deadlock and provide our only goal, as Chelsea earned a precious three points at Old Trafford following the goalless Merseyside derby. Here’s the Stock Check from Sunday’s two matches…
On the Up
Juan Mata
The Spaniard’s deflected shot earned him the assist for Chelsea’s winner, with both Opta and the Press Association awarding Sunday’s decisive strike as a Phil Jones own goal. Despite that, Mata’s assist means that he has now returned in his last four league outings going into Wednesday’s crunch clash with Spurs. Mata now has a staggering 18 assists this season.
The Chelsea Defence
Today’s clean sheet was the third in four matches earned by the Chelsea rearguard. It’s notable that David Luiz is the only defender to line up in all those matches, as Rafa Benitez’s rotation policy continues to make it almost impossible to nail down a regular starter beyond the versatile Brazilian. It remains to be seen if Rafa’s defence can resist the form of Gareth Bale in midweek.
The Liverpool Defence
While Brendan Rodgers’ side were fortunate to keep their sheet clean, Liverpool have now earned four shut-outs in their last five to reward those who had kept faith with the likes of Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson.
The Everton Defence
David Moyes’ rearguard has been even more impressive. Today’s goalless draw ensured that Everton have conceded just a single goal in their last five league outings, with six clean sheets in their last eight. Having gone much of the season without defensive returns, Leighton Baines has enjoyed a major spurt as a defensive asset, repaying the faith without contributing attacking returns. Remarkably, in Everton’s strong defensive spell, Baines has returned just a single assist.
Going Down
Rafael
A straight red for violent conduct will rule the young Brazilian out of United’s remaining two matches and the opener for next season. Rafael’s absence will surely cement Phil Jones start for the final two fixtures, with the former Blackburn man likely to shift to right-back should Sir Alex Ferguson opt to move Jones from central defence or midfield; Chris Smalling is the other option available.
Eden Hazard
The Belgian was removed by Rafa Benitez in the midweek Europa League tie, with the Chelsea boss remarking that this was as a “precaution”. Hazard was, however, unable to take his place in today’s matchday squad due to a tight calf, to disappoint those who invested in his talents for the double Gameweek. Chelsea, and his Fantasy owners will be hoping for a return against Spurs on Wednesday.
Robin Van Persie
With Sir Alex Ferguson shuffling his pack to give starts to some second string players, United failed to spark and, although Van Persie had opportunities, there will now be some concern that he may struggle to maintain his recent rate of scoring in a team that could canter to the finish line with matches against West Brom and Swansea.
David De Gea
Dropped to the bench to allow Anders Lindegaard to earn a rare start, De Gea’s owners will now be on alert and pondering whether their man will be handed the two starts that remain. With issues elsewhere in our squads following the injury to Michu, De Gea’s absence today has provided an unwelcome and untimely poser for some.
