LONDON: Manchester United blew the Premier League title race wide open with a 2-0 win over lethargic leaders Chelsea, while Liverpool are back in third place after a 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were rocked by Marcus Rashford’s early goal and a deflected Ander Herrera strike soon after half-time at Old Trafford delivered a major blow to their title ambitions.
The Blues barely managed an attack of note and a second defeat in their last four league games leaves them clinging to a four-point lead over second placed Tottenham, who had piled on the pressure with a 4-0 rout of Bournemouth on Saturday.
After appearing set to cruise to the title for most of the season, Chelsea now face a nerve-jangling final six matches as they try to hold off a strong challenge from their London rivals.
“They deserved to win because they showed more desire than us,” Conte said.
“In this case, the fault is the coach. I wasn’t able to do the right motivation.
“I have concern because we have to work together and find quickly the right ambition to win this title.
“Tottenham is in good form and playing with enthusiasm. We must find the same.”
It was a sweet moment for United manager Jose Mourinho, who had suffered a 4-0 thrashing against Chelsea in October on his first return to the club since being sacked last season.
United were also knocked out of the FA Cup quarterfinals by Chelsea last month and avenging those painful losses kept alive their bid to qualify for the Champions League via a top four finish.
Mourinho’s men, unbeaten in their last 22 league games, are now fifth, four points behind fourth placed Manchester City with a game in hand.
“Chelsea are the best counter attacking team in the country and we controlled them very well,” Mourinho said.
“We beat them convincingly. Nobody can doubt our credit to win the game.
“I’m happy. Not because it’s Chelsea, it’s because we need these three points. I don’t feel extra joy at beating Chelsea.”
Chelsea’s cause wasn’t helped by the absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was injured earlier in the week, and the pre-match withdrawal of left wing-back Marcos Alonso due to a reported illness.
And the Blues looked less solid than usual at the back as United carved them open to take the lead in the seventh minute.
It was a goal rooted in controversy from Chelsea’s point of view as United midfielder Herrera appeared to handle to win back possession.
Even so, Chelsea defender David Luiz was still exposed too easily by Herrera’s precise pass, with Rashford allowed to gallop clear before slotting a cool finish under Asmir Begovic for his ninth goal of the season.
United, whose leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic started on the bench, were rewarded for a vibrant display when they struck again in the 49th minute.
Perfect day
Ashley Young’s persistence opened space for Herrera and the Spaniard’s shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected off Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma before looping over Begovic. At the Hawthorns, Liverpool playmaker Roberto Firmino settled a scrappy game with a close-range header in first half stoppage-time. — AFP
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