Chelsea and Manchester United left today's match with a point each, less-than-satisfactory performances from the Blues, and improved but sub-par performances from United.

Both sides have been having a tough time this season. Chelsea have lost Jose Mourinho, and temporary replacement Guus Hiddink is struggling to get settled at the club and salvage what he was left with. Not much has changed since Mourinho's departure due mostly to the fact that Hiddink has had hardly any time to work with the team, so results have not been much different either, which may prove disheartening for the Blues.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal may face Mourinho's fate sooner or later as his team has had a rough run of form lately. The Red Devils have not won in the last eight games in all competitions. In addition, their draw with Chelsea today has ended a losing streak of four games, and their shaky ability to pull off a tie with a team hovering above the relegation zone, while regarded as "progress," sums up the state of their affairs.

Summary

Despite their recent form, United were superior and created more chances and by all means should have won, but Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and the woodwork ensured that all of the home team's efforts were denied.

In the opening minutes, United captain Wayne Rooney linked up with ex-Blue Juan Mata, who fired off a promising shot only to be denied by the crossbar. Morgan Schneiderlin and Anthony Martial made attempts as well which went wide and struck the post, respectively. Near the end of the half, Rooney had a go, which was stopped by the Belgian 'keeper.

At the other end of the pitch, David de Gea made some fantastic saves as well, denying Chelsea any goals off of the few promising shots they had. Just a few minutes after Mata's shot, John Terry had a well-placed header off of a corner from Willian, only for his effort to be spectacularly saved by De Gea. From then on in the first half, possession was dominated by the home team partially due to their superiority in the midfield, but they were unable to capitalise on the possession to due inadequacy in the final third.

Nemanja Matic had the best chance of the match to break the deadlock. (Image credit: Reuters)
Nemanja Matic had the best chance of the match to break the deadlock. (Image credit: Reuters)

The second half began with both goalkeepers accomplishing world-class feats, from a double save from De Gea to block both Pedro Rodgriguez's and Cesar Azpilicueta's shots to Courtois blocking Ander Herrera's shot at point-blank range. From there, the excitement of a few minutes cooled down, and the nerves affecting both sides became more and more evident.

They were certainly evident in the 62nd minute when Nemanja Matic, provided with an opportunity by Pedro to win the game for the Blues, sent his shot sky-high in a shocking turn of events. Later, when Rooney fired a shot high and wide, it was clear that neither side was composed enough to score tonight.

The outcome may have been different had both teams been awarded the fouls they believed they deserved, and several decisions were certainly questionable, with Mata and Eden Hazard being some of the targets of a few perceived fouls that went uncalled or uncarded.

Significance

Manchester United clearly dominated Chelsea in the first half, and although the Blues came out somewhat stronger than before after the break, it was United that deserved the three points, if anyone. However, the Manchester side were denied a win due to lack of finishing ability in the final third and the heroics of Chelsea's Belgian goalkeeper.

Tonight's stalemate may have kept Van Gaal in his position for another week, but if the Dutchman cannot turn United around when they meet Welsh side Swansea City next weekend, he may be shown the door.

As for the Blues, they did not earn the result they were hoping for and needed, but after their unsavory performance, they were fortunate to have shared the points. Hiddink should not have been expected to drastically alter the lineup against a side such as United, but after another week of training with the team, he should be able to make any necessary changes in time for their next match.

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