N'Golo Kante's moment to forget and Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking goal have surfaced as significant takeaways from Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Each of their respective involvements ignited fans on social media into conversation.
Thomas Tuchel's side began in the ascendency and overran United in the first half, but, despite a series of gilt-edged opportunities, the west Londoners failed to capitalise on their dominance. Marcos Alonso notched the Blues ahead after a quarter of an hour into the second half.
Chelsea were left to quickly rue the succession of missed chances after Ralf Rangnick's side intercepted Kante's loose pass and fed Ronaldo, who then levelled proceedings at Old Trafford. The Blues still sit fourth in the Premier League with a six-point advantage over London rivals Arsenal, and eight over Tottenham.
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's effort was his first-ever career goal against the Blues in the Premier League. Ronaldo had, of course, found the net against the west Londoners in 2008 Moscow Champions League final with a synonymous towering header.
Though, United's No. 7 has Kante to thank for his record-breaking evening. The 30-year-old midfielder had his pass intercepted when Chelsea's backs were against the wall and twice made errors in possession before, like a slingshot, the Red Devils fired the ball forward and, soon enough, Ronaldo found himself through on goal.
Kante's display follows a sequence of disappointing performances in a Chelsea shirt lately. The France international, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in June 2023, has struggled with injuries this season which has thrown a blanket of doubt over his future in west London.
With doubt casted over Kante's future, Tuchel has identified Conor Gallagher as the Frenchman's replacement, privately believing that the pair share a lot of the same desirable qualities, as per the Evening Standard. The 22-year-old has enjoyed an incredible campaign on loan at Crystal Palace and has emerged as the obvious solution to the Blues' next problem.
