Chelsea and Manchester United drew 1-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Blues looked to build some much-needed momentum ahead of the FA Cup final with Liverpool.
Marcos Alonso opened the scoring in the second half after Thomas Tuchel's men had largely dominated the opening 45 minutes, volleying home smartly when the ball fell to him in the box. But the joy was short-lived as two minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo lashed a shot passed Edouard Mendy to make it 1-1.
It is a result that ultimately had little bearing on the Premier League title, other than for United to creep slightly closer to the top-four. But what did the national media make of Tuchel's men?
The Mirror
"Chelsea cut United’s defence to shreds again and again in the opening half with waves of attacks and sustained pressure. That it was still scoreless at half-time was largely due to Kai Havertz – who missed three major openings for the Blues.
"Indeed, the German international’s three shots on goals brought up an xG (expected goals) valuation of 0.91 – meaning his chances combined had a 91 percent chance of scoring. Havertz – who has assumed the centre forward’s role in Thomas Tuchel’s side this season, did not enjoy his strongest evening."
BBC Sport
"Chelsea had won their past eight games on the road in all competitions - and they will wonder how they failed to make it nine as this draw ended that club record run. Taking their chances has been an issue throughout this season and although De Gea was in incredible form, the Blues will no doubt feel frustrated they could not score more than once.
"In the end, it was a missed opportunity for the visitors but one that shouldn't dent their chances of finishing in the top four, with seven points needed from their five remaining games to guarantee that."
Sky Sports
"Chelsea put on the pressure, with Havertz shooting into the side-netting from a tight angle before passing up two great chances when he shot at De Gea from N'Golo Kante's through ball and then headed meekly at the goalkeeper from a fantastic James cross. Blues boss Tuchel couldn't hide his frustration on the touchline.
"The Chelsea forward let United off again early in the second half, failing to roll in Kante from a lightning counter-attack which left the home side badly exposed, before Mason Mount's hard low cross flew just beyond the reach of Werner."
The Guardian
"Quite how Manchester United escaped with a point is difficult to explain although, as ever, Cristiano Ronaldo was a part of the answer. Him and David de Gea, whose defiance in goal has been a rare positive during a horrendous season for the club. Plus a Chelsea team who simply could not finish.
"Tuchel would rage at Chelsea’s profligacy, with Kai Havertz the biggest culprit before half-time. The forward blasted into the side-netting after an N’Golo Kanté pass and then came the gilt-edged misses – he shot at De Gea when one-on-one and headed in the same direction from point-blank range.
"The closing stages were acrimonious, which felt appropriate. Matic got away with treading on James, sparking a confrontation between the pair; the returning Romelu Lukaku, on as a substitute for Chelsea, was jeered by the home crowd and Antonio Rüdiger, booked for a foul on Fernandes, avoided further censure after a high boot on Anthony Elanga."
