Martínez sent off as Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0

Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on 31 October, with Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scoring and United defender Lisandro Martínez sent off. The defeat extended United’s run without a victory to nine matches across all competitions.¹²

Second-half goals settle the match

United had opportunities before the interval but did not convert them, according to the Guardian’s match report. Its account described Chelsea as struggling in the first half, leaving the visitors with chances to establish a lead before the hosts scored after the break.¹

Rogers opened the scoring in the 50th minute, according to the BBC. Romeo Lavia won possession in the move that produced the goal, the broadcaster reported. Rogers advanced through the centre and lifted the ball over United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, as described by the Guardian.¹²

Martínez then committed two fouls within 83 seconds, according to the BBC’s account, leaving United a player short and two goals behind. At a corner, he caught Wesley Fofana in the face with his elbow. The BBC reported that VAR recommended a review by referee Peter Bankes before the dismissal.²

The defender received a second yellow card, and Palmer converted the penalty for Chelsea’s second goal. According to the Guardian, it was Palmer’s 50th Premier League goal for the club, achieved in his 105th appearance.¹²

United manager Michael Carrick pointed to the consequences of that passage of play. “The second goal and losing a man at that stage had a big influence on it, for sure,” he told the BBC. The broadcaster also reported that two efforts from Estêvão Willian were disallowed for offside.²

Contrasting consequences

The victory moved Chelsea into fourth place, according to the Guardian. It also reported that this was their first Premier League home victory without conceding in 13 matches. Estêvão was making his first league start of the season.¹

United’s nine-match sequence consists of three draws and six defeats, the Guardian reported. Its account said visiting supporters sang in support of Carrick but booed the players, criticised Jason Wilcox and called on the Glazers to sell the club.¹

United next host Roma in the Champions League. The BBC said Carrick was expected to remain in charge for that Tuesday fixture and that Martínez would be suspended for the following Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa. “We've got to move forward and win football matches, it's as simple as that,” Carrick said.¹²