English Premier League
Result: Man United 1-1 Chelsea
Date: 26 October 2014
Venue: Old Trafford
A stoppage-time strike from Robin van Persie helped Manchester United come away with a point after a tight 1-1 Premier League clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford. Didier Drogba's second-half goal seemed to be enough for the win with time running out, but Van Persie sneaked in a stoppage-time equaliser to break Chelsea hearts. United created the first real opporunity of the clash after 23 minutes. Adnan Januzaj picked out Robin van Persie's angled run perfectly but the Dutch striker was kept out by the onrushing Thibaut Courtois who did well to react quickly. The Blues had a decent penalty shout 38 minutes in after Branislav Ivanovic was brought down in the area by Chris Smalling, with Cesc Fabregas teeing up a cross into the danger zone. Referee Phil Dowd turned down the appeal despite Chelsea's passionate protests. Four minutes before the break, Chelsea had their best chance of the first half. Oscar cut the ball back deftly for Drogba to hit, but his low shot was kept out by a wide-awake David de Gea in goal. At the other end moments later, the Red Devils had a chance of their own. Januzaj surged into the Chelsea third and made space for himself before unleashing a powerful shot that went only inches over the target. The league leaders came close shortly after the interval. Eden Hazard was clean through on goal after a one-two with Drogba but De Gea pulled off a tremendous save as the Belgian forward put in a shot. The deadlock was broken by Drogba in the 53rd minute. The Ivorian rose high at the near post to steer the ball into the back of the net via Van Persie. It was the Chelsea veteran's first goal in the Premier League since March 2012. United continue to put pressure on the visitors as the second half wore on but couldn't find a gap in the defence. Chelsea looked determined to hold on to the fragile lead and hunted down every loose ball while continually pressing the United players in possession. Late drama saw Ivanovic earn his second yellow card in stoppage time. With only 10 men on the field the visitors had to fend off a free-kick. Angel Di Maria served up the ball in and Marouane Fellaini headed it with power, forcing a save from Courtois. Unfortunately for the keeper, the ball fell for Van Persie to slot home from close range and salvage a point for the hosts.
