The wait goes on for an Old Trafford win for Chelsea. It's nine years now without success for the Blues at the home of Manchester United. And let's not forget, this isn't Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. The current side especially is a poor imitation. Sure they play in red, and they have Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the number seven shirt, but beyond that, there's little to strike fear in opponents.
And Thomas Tuchel's side didn't play with angst or concern in Manchester. For much of the contest, they bullied their illustrious hosts. Reece James chief tormentor. N'Golo Kante lead enforcer. It all worked rather well, perhaps that is because ten of the side that started at Old Trafford began last season's Champions League final win over Man City. There was familiarity across the pitch.
Yet the problem with the team last season was profligacy. Too often the Blues dominated games, created countless goalscoring opportunities, but lacked the ruthlessness required. Inexperience in the attack was, on occasion, blamed. It's why Chelsea went out and broke their transfer record to bring in what they felt was a sure-fire thing. The missing piece of the puzzle. The most flat-track of all bullies.
