Manchester United and Chelsea played out one of the wildest and most exhilarating halves of football in Premier League history at the Old Trafford on Saturday, with both teams having a man sent off in the first 45 minutes. In the process, the English rivals became responsible for setting an unbelievably bizarre Premier League record.
First half ends in 10v10
Fans witnessed a blockbuster clash on Saturday evening as an under-fire Manchester United welcomed world champions Chelsea at the Old Trafford. The two rivals were always going to deliver an entertaining game, but it all became more interesting after Sanchez was given the marching orders in the fifth minute following a mistimed tackle on Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim's men took full advantage of having an extra man, as they breezed to a two-goal cushion thanks to Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, before the Brazilian received his second yellow and thus, a red card in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time.
AdvertisementAFPUnited and Chelsea join hands for a bizarre record
Chelsea's response to going a man, and eventually a goal, down was to make three substitutions within the first 21 minutes, which also saw Cole Palmer come off due to an injury relapse. Enzo Maresca’s side made Premier League history by making the earliest three substitutions ever recorded in a match.
However, more records were set to be created, as the clash between United and Chelsea became the first game in Premier League history to record at least two goals, two red cards, and two substitutions in the first half, according to .
Old Trafford, Chelsea's kryptonite
Trevor Chalobah's late strike was not enough to save the Blues from their first league defeat of the season. Saturday's loss stretches Chelsea's streak without a win at the Old Trafford to 13 games, the most they have ever gone without a win on the road against any team in the top-flight.
AFPA lift-off for Amorim & Co.?
The win against Chelsea could be just the psychological lift-off Ruben Amorim's men need in their bid to reverse their fortunes. After just one win from their opening four games, beating one of the title contenders can prove to be a huge boost for the Red Devils.
