Chelsea returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester United, giving Xabi Alonso’s side a much-needed boost after a difficult run of results. The Blues delivered a positive response at Stamford Bridge, taking all three points and easing some of the pressure surrounding the manager.

Goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secured the win, adding to Manchester United’s troubles as their difficult run continued. There were encouraging performances across the Chelsea side, alongside a few areas that still need attention, but the positives comfortably outweighed the negatives on an important afternoon for Alonso.

With confidence restored and three valuable points on the board, we look at four Chelsea winners and two losers from the 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

The Winners and Losers

Winner: Xabi Alonso

The significance of the win was less about the performance itself and more about what the three points meant. Had Manchester United turned up at Stamford Bridge and left with all three points, the pressure on Xabi Alonso would have intensified considerably. The team talk at half time worked magic.

While I do not agree with calls for a manager to be under pressure so early in his tenure, some supporters can be too quick to demand a change, potentially putting the progress being made at risk.

Winner: Romeo Lavia

The Belgian has now completed two consecutive 90-minute appearances, marking a significant step forward in his recovery from persistent injuries. He impressed in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks before distributing the ball effectively to help launch Chelsea's own attacking moves.

One of the best players on the pitch.

Loser: Wesley Fofana

Despite much of the Chelsea fanbase wanting to see the back of Fofana and sell him at the earliest opportunity, the Frenchman did little to change their minds. He will be disappointed with his performance, having given away a dangerous opportunity and coming close to conceding two penalties in the first half alone.

Winner: Estevao

Repaid Xabi Alonso’s faith with an excellent performance, with only a goal missing from his display. He had one effort ruled out and saw several shots on target saved by Senne Lammens, proving to be one of Chelsea’s biggest attacking threats throughout the game.

Winner: Morgan Rogers

Questions have been raised about his recent dip in form, but perhaps expectations were simply heightened by the incredible level he showed at the start of the season. He reminded everyone of his quality with an impressive display, capped off by a superb goal. He dribbled past several defenders with ease before finding the net to open the scoring and set Chelsea on their way to victory.

Loser: Cole Palmer

Those around him are starting to deliver, but the playmaker is still struggling to produce the numbers expected of him. Since returning from injury, he has found it difficult to make the same impact in front of goal, with goals, assists and overall attacking influence still lacking. He did get on the scoresheet today, but only from the penalty spot. Even then, he was fortunate to see his effort beat Lammens, as it was far from a convincing strike.

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