Chelsea took on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the final match of week 31 of the Premier League. Though neither team has performed at the level expected of a big 6 club, fans always look forward to their matchups, and this match certainly reflects why.
Chelsea took an early lead just 4 minutes after kick off, with their captain Conor Gallagher giving them the perfect start. Cole Palmer, their rising star and arguably best player of the season, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 19th minute.
Erik Ten Hag and his team, however, were not out of it just yet. Alejandro Garnacho brought one back for the Red Devils in the 34th minute, and Bruno Fernandez, his Portuguese teammate, equalized just 5 minutes later. Scores were level 2-2 at the end of an exhilarating first half, but the drama was far from over.
Garnacho took the lead for United in the 64th minute, in an incredible comeback. However, holding on to this lead would be a difficult task. Relentless attacks from Chelsea threatened United’s defence, but they managed to hold onto the lead till late into stoppage time. That, however, is when things started to go downhill for the 20 time league champions. In the 97th minute, Diogo Dalot fell and accidentally tripped Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. It was agony for United, a mistake would possibly cost them the lead which they worked so hard to get from 2 goals down. The pressure did not get to Cole Palmer, as he sent Manchester United’s Andre Onana the wrong way and scored from the spot once again.
The crown was going wild at Stamford Bridge, while the United Players were in shock, having conceded in the 100th minute. Chelsea, however, were not satisfied just yet, attacking straight after kick-off. Though they had a good chance in front of goal, the ball went out for a corner. Enzo Fernandez wasted no time in taking it. He saw Cole Palmer completely unmarked at the edge of the box, and passed it to him immediately. Palmer took 2 touches before striking the ball. The shot, however, seemed to be going straight to Onana. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, a deflection from Scott McTominay meant Onana, who had already begun his dive, was left helpless. Cole Palmer, hero for Chelsea, had completed his hat-trick, and what a way to do so.
Surely Chelsea were down and out, but 2 goals after the 99th minute, a historic feat, secured them the 3 points.