LONDON, Nov 29: The cautious game plan, with Cristiano Ronaldo dropped to the bench, worked for Manchester United.
Hitting Chelsea on the counterattack, with Jadon Sancho scoring his first Premier League goal, and grabbing a point is the type of damage limitation-mode United is in this season.
Snatching a 1-1 draw on Sunday – after home losses to Liverpool and Manchester City in the fading embers of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign – gives Ralf Rangnick a platform to build on.
The disappointment for United will be not holding onto the lead after Aaron Wan-Bissaka caught the back of Thiago Silva’s heel when clearing the ball. Jorginho equalized from a penalty in the 69th minute.
Jorginho had been at fault for the United goal in the 50th minute. Mis-controlling a clearance from United midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ hooked long ball allowed Jadon Sancho to seize possession.
The 21-year-old forward had the space to race through on goal before slipping a shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Now another positive result – after losing five of its last seven league games under Solskjaer – has taken United to within five points of West Ham in the fourth Champions League qualification place.
Brentford vs Everton
Ahead of the Merseyside derby reunion with former club Liverpool, Rafa Benitez has gone a seventh match without a win as Everton manager.
Ivan Toney scored the goal that gave Brentford a 1-0 win over Everton.
Brentford claimed a first home league win since the opening day of the season against Arsenal in August to move up to 12th. Everton is two places lower in the 20-team standings. (AP)
