Our 3️⃣ points as Chelsea and Man Utd fire blanks in snoozefest | OneFootball

It was honours even between Chelsea and Manchester United after their 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Neither side was able to create any clear opportunities, although both have now extended their respective unbeaten Premier League runs.

Here are three points we took from the game …

Best of both worlds

We are never sure what to make of this Manchester United side. They are stacked with individual quality and devastating on the counter attack, but they always leave us wanting more.

After their 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, that’s now eight league games without a goal from open play against the traditional ‘Big Six’ teams – stretching back to March 8, 2020.

But then on the flip side, their unbeaten run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stretched to 20 games. Only five teams have achieved this same feat (Arsenal x2, Liverpool and Chelsea) in Premier League history.

Avoiding defeat is paramount but to be considered true title candidates, you must be able to beat those around you which has been their downfall. Next week’s derby could be a great time to change that.

German inefficiency

According to The Athletic, Chelsea were intrigued by the idea of Thomas Tuchel building a rapport with fellow countrymen Kai Havertz and Timo Werner after their difficult starts in English football.

But that hasn’t quite worked out. Werner has contributed just one goal and one assist in six appearances under Tuchel, while Havertz is battling for minutes following his recovery from coronavirus.

The 47-year-old has spoken glowingly about both players in recent press conferences but both were available on the substitutes bench against Manchester United – one was anonymous and the other ignored.

Their Deutsche connection should not guarantee appearances, especially with others playing well in their place. But those upstairs will be hoping to see an eventual return on £120m worth of investment.

Jekyll and Hyde

It’s probably the right time to highlight this: Bruno Fernandes is struggling to impact big games for Manchester United.

As per Squawka, the playmaker managed to lose possession 20 times (more than anybody else on the pitch) against Chelsea, was dribbled past four times, had no shots on target and created no chances.

The 26-year-old also spent most of the game complaining when soft free-kicks weren’t given his way. Against the traditional ‘Big Six’ this season, he has just one goal in seven games – a penalty against Tottenham.

We’re not saying he isn’t one of the best midfielders in England – because he clearly is. But top level players are judged by their contributions at the highest level. Can he make that step up?