Costa strikes late as Chelsea holds Man United to 1-1 draw

Diego Costa snatched an injury-time equaliser to secure Chelsea a 1-1 draw against Manchester United and preserve the Premier League champions’ unbeaten run under Guus Hiddink.

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho has been strongly linked with United, with the most recent news suggesting that the Portuguese has already signed an agreement to take over from Van Gaal at the end of the season, with Spanish paper El Confidencial saying the deal has been brokered by Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes.

But they gained a point on fourth-placed Manchester City, who lost to Leicester, and now trail their local rivals, who occupy the last Champions League qualifying spot, by six points.

Arsenal moved behind second-place north London rival Tottenham on goal difference.

After finalising his media duties, Hiddink is thought to have watched a replay of the moment when John Terry’s first-half shot struck Daley Blind’s hand and concluded his team deserved a penalty. Referee Michael Oliver disagreed.

The Chelsea defender’s partner will have looked on with concern after her husband had to be substituted in the second half at Stamford Bridge and was carried off on a stretcher after suffering a painful-looking knee injury.

“As you know they kicked Chelsea out last season so you can consider them the favourites”. The England global was awarded a four-year contract in December but has only started one Premier League game since Hiddink took charge. “JT Captain, Leader, Legend” it read. It could be argued, though, that Terry would represent a step up in class than Per Mertesacker. Terry thanked the fans at the final whistle.

By the 25-minute mark United had earned themselves nine corners before Chelsea finally woke up and begin to threaten themselves.

Oscar next played in Costa, who shot wide across goal, before the playmaker blasted off target. Everton refused to relent back then but an offer of even more money from Manchester United might be too tempting to turn down.

Zouma was forced off after landing awkwardly and then Lingard scored.

A low cross from 19-year-old Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was laid back by Wayne Rooney to Lingard about 12 metres from goal.

At the other end, David de Gea parried powerful efforts from Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas before stopping Costa’s near-post effort at the death.

The Red Devils looked set for a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge after Jesse Lingard gave them the lead with a sublime goal in the 60 minute of the game.