Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first Premier League goal against Chelsea to rescue Manchester United a point in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old notched his 100th top-flight goal – all for the Red Devils – in last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. However, none of them had come against the Blues.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo ticked Thomas Tuchel’s team off the list with his response to Marcos Alonso’s opener. A quiet first half saw Chelsea dominate before the two quick-fire goals brought the game to life.
Neither side could find a winner as the game wore on, with Chelsea and United remaining in third and sixth, respectively.
Both sides had chances in the first half, but Chelsea got the better of their hosts to come closest on a couple of occasions.
Midfielder Mason Mount combined well with full-back Reece James on the right early on. James subsequently had two powerful shots blocked by Raphael Varane and David de Gea in the first eight minutes.
But a minute later, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Bruno Fernandes’ header from Alex Telles’ cross at the other end.
And after Ronaldo got an overhead kick attempt all wrong from a corner, Chelsea settled and began to dominate.
N’Golo Kante found space in the gaps between Man Utd‘s midfield and defence. He slid in Kai Havertz twice, the first effort hitting the side netting when the German could have crossed to Marcos Alonso.
But Havertz’s second effort was Chelsea’s best of the first half, but De Gea did well to smother the shot.
Fernandes remained lively at the other end, but his decision to pass to Ronaldo instead of shoot when in space cost the hosts a chance.
Chelsea take lead, but Ronaldo responds
Both sides threatened early on, before two goals in quick succession really brought the game to life.
Chelsea‘s play down the right paid off with Alonso’s volleyed opener. James sent a cross in which Havertz headed behind him and Alonso watched the ball all the way before rifling it…