Manchester United’s last face-off with Chelsea ended in dramatic fashion and an unfortunate new Premier League record for the Red Devils.
The match at Stamford Bridge was anything but ordinary, as Chelsea came from behind in the final moments to clinch a 4-3 victory that will be remembered for a long time.
The game began poorly for United, as they found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first 19 minutes. But they quickly rallied, clawing back to level the score before halftime. Then, in the second half, Alejandro Garnacho’s goal put United ahead, sparking hopes they’d leave London with all three points.
However, things took a wild turn in stoppage time. United’s Diogo Dalot fouled Noni Madueke in the box, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer converted the penalty in the tenth minute of added time, tying the game at 3-3.
Chelsea wasn’t done. Moments later, a quick breakaway led to a corner kick, and while United’s defense seemed momentarily unfocused, Enzo Fernandez passed the ball to Palmer, who seized the chance, firing the ball in off Scott McTominay for the dramatic winner. The goal, coming in the 11th minute of added time, sent Stamford Bridge into a frenzy.
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This late collapse from United set a Premier League record as the latest point in a game (99 minutes and 17 seconds) at which a team had been leading and then failed to win. It broke a previous record held by Sheffield United from earlier in the season.
For Palmer, this game was personal and historic. Having grown up a United fan, the former Manchester City star scored the latest Premier League winner ever recorded, cementing Chelsea’s comeback as one of the season’s classic games. His goal also completed his first hat-trick for Chelsea, a memorable feat since joining the Blues in 2023.
As United and Chelsea prepare to meet again, this time at Old Trafford on Sunday, excitement is building. Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over after Ten Hag’s departure, is eager to secure United’s fourth league win of the season. Meanwhile, United awaits the arrival of Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon as their new permanent manager.
Chelsea heads into the match with confidence, sitting six points clear of United. Despite a recent 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea defeated the Magpies in league play just days before and will look to maintain their momentum.
United will be hoping to break Chelsea’s decade-long winless streak at Old Trafford, adding even more intensity to one of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixtures. With both teams vying for a crucial win, Sunday’s matchup promises yet another thrilling chapter in this rivalry.
