Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso will be pleased at how his Blues stuck to the plan and eventually overwhelmed 10-man Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The visitors showed up in better spirits than we’d seen in some time and could’ve taken a lead into the break were it not for an offside by Matheus Cunha on a would-be goal.

But Chelsea scored after the break and then cashed in a penalty after Lisandro Martinez was sent off around the hour mark. Estevao Willian was sensational and had a goal ruled off for the slimmest offside shortly before a great move was denied by a terrific Senne Lammens save.

The Blues turned into a cruise from there, and Alonso’s men moved level with third place Brighton before the Seagulls kicked off at Man City.

Xabi Alonso speaks after Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United

Thoughts on the game? “We struggled at times but it feels good to get the three points, to get a serious performance. First half was quite intense. After 2-0 the sending off, the context of the game was on our side.”

“The first 15 minutes of the second half we were in good control. We connected really well, had good balance.”

Estevao’s game was strong: “Really, really happy for him. He deserved this moment to connect the good feeling on the pitch with the crowd. He was tired at the end but he deserved the ovation. It’s the best way to respond to a coach when you’re not playing that much.”