Honours even as Manchester United snatch late draw with Chelsea
Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho and his old friend Louis van Gaal of Manchester United had different reasons to be satisfied with a point after their teams drew 1-1 in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Robin van Persie snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn United a deserved share of the spoils after Didier Drogba, starting for the injured Diego Costa, headed the visitors in front in the 53rd minute from a corner.
Chelsea seemed likely to hold out but just before the final whistle Branislav Ivanovic was sent off for a second yellow card and from the free kick Thibaut Courtois saved from Marouane Fellaini but could not keep out Van Persie’s fierce follow-up.
We have created a lot of chances, much more than Chelsea
The draw extended Chelsea’s lead to four points over second-placed Southampton and six over champions Manchester City but they would have been expected to see the game out after a strong second-half performance.
It was only the second time this season Mourinho’s side have failed to take all three points, both games being in Manchester, where they also drew 1-1 with City.
Mourinho summed up the game as “a good Manchester United but a very good Chelsea.
“My feeling is that we had a good first half and a fantastic second half,” he said.
A relieved-looking Van Gaal said United’s point was deserved.