Rogers and Palmer Sink 10-Man United as Chelsea Climb to Fourth

Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a result that lifted the Blues back into the top four and left United winless in nine matches — their worst run since 1988. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring five minutes after half-time before Cole Palmer converted a penalty to seal it.

The first half had been goalless, with United wasting the better chances and seeing goals for both Estevao Willian and Matheus Cunha ruled out for offside. The game turned on a frantic 83 seconds early in the second half: Rogers drove through the heart of United's defence to finish past Senne Lammens, and Lisandro Martinez was then sent off for a second yellow after an elbow on Wesley Fofana conceded the penalty Palmer dispatched for his 50th Premier League goal.

Victory moves Chelsea to 16 points and fourth place, a welcome response after a league defeat to Tottenham and a League Cup exit to Liverpool. United, meanwhile, sit just a point above the relegation zone in 17th, with manager Michael Carrick under mounting pressure ahead of a Europa League tie against Roma on Tuesday.

Estevao's coming-out party

Even without a goal to show for it, Brazilian teenager Estevao was Chelsea's brightest spark on his first Premier League start of the season — two goals chalked off, three chances created, and a standing ovation when he was substituted.

United's crisis deepens

Nine games without a win, one point above the drop zone, and a manager running out of answers: Carrick's side at least showed fight in the first half, but the collapse after the break will only fuel the doubts around his future.

Source: BBC Sport / AFP