Chelsea and Tottenham Disappoint, Cavani Saves Manchester United

Chelsea and Tottenham disappointed today, with the game at Stamford Bridge ending without goals. Meanwhile, Manchester United provided a thrilling comeback in Southampton, erasing a two-goal deficit and winning in the last moments of the encounter.

Jose Mourinho used his trademark defense to stop Chelsea today. The Portuguese manager didn’t have any sympathy towards his former team and the captain, Frank Lampard, who is now in charge at Stamford. He would use conservative tactics, not wanting to attack and play football, but relying upon quick transition and set pieces. In the end, Tottenham didn’t manage to utilize any of those situations, but the Spurs are much happier with a draw than the hosts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlzHVd1tzXI

One point from tonight’s clash kept them at the top position in the EPL standings, tied with Liverpool. Mourinho himself was pleased with the outcome, saying that his team should have won the match.

“We had a big chance in the last minute. But importantly, we did not concede. We protected Hugo Lloris. If someone has to win this match, it is us.”

That wasn’t the exact case on the field, as Chelsea’s players had better opportunities and the initiative throughout most of the event. Ziyech, Mount, and Abraham threatened Lloris, and Olivier Giroud missed the best chance for the Blues in the closing moments of the stoppage time, allowing the guests to go home undefeated.

“The clean sheet factor against a side set up to counter-attack – that was excellent. We didn’t give Kane or Son a sniff,” said Lampard to the journalists.

Tottenham and Liverpool have 21 points each, while Chelsea sits third with 19.

Unlike this, the game in Southampton was superb, with Manchester United reaching all three points in the last moments. Edinson Cavani replaced Mason Greenwood after halftime, and that turned out to be the jackpot for guests.

The Uruguayan netted twice in the second half, completing a sensational comeback of his Red Devils. Southampton was in control of the match following the first 45 minutes, with Jan Bednarek bringing the lead to the Saints in the 23rd minute, and James Ward Prowse extending it ten minutes later.

Bruno Fernandes used Cavani’s assist in the 59th minute, sparking life among the visitors. Some 15 minutes later, Cavani leveled the result, creating the momentum for United, and indicating a sensation.

Marcus Rashford’s cross from the left side fell perfectly on Cavani’s head, with the veteran Uruguayan placing the ball behind Southampton’s goalkeeper.

“He is a number nine who wants to be in between the posts, he is always on the move, he wants to get in front of you, and I am very pleased with him,” said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about Cavani.

United is now seventh in the standings, with 16 points, while Southampton sits fifth with one more. The Red Devils have a massive clash this Wednesday night, as they host Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League. This could easily be the most important match for their European campaign and Solskajer’s future.

A last-minute victory like this will no doubt boost United’s morale. On the other side, showing two completely opposite faces during 90 minutes is something that concerns all the fans. Man Utd struggles with consistency, and that is, according to many, Soslkjaer’s fault. Having Cavani in top shape would improve his situation.

Since arriving from Paris, the newcomer scored three goals, and he will surely have a colossal motive on Wednesday to add a few more hits to his tally.