Jesse Lingard’s Header Regains Second Place to Mourinho’s United

In a fitting reply to the away defeat back in November, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United bagged 3 points as substitute winger Jesse Lingard’s 75th minute comeback goal earned a 2-1 victory against last season’s champions Chelsea. Lingard, who replaced Anthony Martial, came off the bench to earn his team the much-needed lead at Old Trafford.

Conte’s men drew first blood, who have started the game very well and dominated in the first half therafter, when Willian worked out an exquisite counter-attack play along with Belgian mid-fielder Eden Hazard. But Chelsea’s lead lasted only seven minutes as Martial set up Romelu Lukaku to score from close range. It was his first goal against his former club. He has spent 3 years at Chelsea, before moving to West Bromwich Albion on loan. This goal, his 22nd in all competitions, came as a relief to Lukaku, who for the first time scored against a top six team this season.

Thibaut Courtois’s timely save prevented United’s second goal as the clock ticked 75 minutes. Lukaku’s acrobatic bicycle kick was parried onto the goalpost by the goalie. In no time, Lingard’s header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner, assisted by Romelu Lukaku with a cross, won the game for Manchester United.

The victory brings Manchester United above Liverpool to second with 59 points. Chelsea are six points clear of United, and have been replaced in fourth by Tottenham Hotspur after their win over Crystal Palace. Harry Kane’s goal scoring stint continued as his late goal in the 88th minute got all 3 points for Tottenham.

Manchester United will play Crystal Place away on March 5th, while Chelsea are set to play League leaders Manchester City at home.