Costa’s Last Minute Goal Salvages Chelsea Draw Against Man United

Diego Costa scored an injury-time leveller as Chelsea secured a 1-1 draw against Manchester United to maintain Guus Hiddink’s unbeaten run since becoming manager.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Michael Carrick both dispatched long-range sighters before Thibaut Courtois was called into serious action in the 18th minute, palming Anthony Martial’s drive around the post.

Costa rescued a point in the 91st minute after rounding De Gea following Cesc Fabregas’ pass.

Surprise package Leicester City are five points clear at the top after their 3-1 win at Manchester City on Saturday.

Chelsea’s French centre-back Kurt Zouma will undergo scans on Monday after being stretchered off with what Hiddink feared was a “very bad” hyperextended right knee.

There has been heavy criticism aimed at his compatriot Van Gaal at Manchester United this season for a poor playing style, and Hiddink feels their fans certainly demand fast, attacking play, resulting in lots of goals, and says they are correct to do so. However, Sunday could see the return of midfielder Eden Hazard to the Chelsea starting lineup, according to BBC News.

In the first half there was the embarrassing sight of sending one long pass out of a goal kick without a blue shirt in sight, and later he dribbled the ball out of play. The United boss eventually brought on Morgan Schneiderlin for Marouane Fellaini in the 79th minute, but by then Chelsea had significant momentum.

However, United backed off after scoring and invited pressure, Costa pouncing from close range after a terrific Fabregas pass. If they go about their upcoming fixtures in the same frame of mind as they did against Chelsea then they still have a chance of Champions League qualification starting with Sunderland away next weekend.

When Costa blazed over the bar after a free-kick it looked all up for the hosts.

Firstly, Wayne Rooney carried on his improved form of late, giving the Chelsea defence a worrying afternoon. It is more frustrating they scored in extra time and how they scored because Daley Blind slipped more or less.

“I am happy with the reaction of the team. We played like we played today but we are not making the gap smaller (on the Champions League places)”, he said.

“Without seeing all the images, they started well and they stretched us out and because of that we dropped back instead of going forward”. But more importantly we need to start winning matches and get up the table where we should be.

“It isn’t a lack of concentration it is not being composed when you are defending. Again. And we didn’t win”, said a frustrated Van Gaal at full-time. “They have suddenly become the favourite in the Premier League and it makes our game (next week) a big game”. A hard-fought goal by Diego Costa leveled the score, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.