Chelsea analysis: Antonio Conte shows players who's boss as Tiemoue Bakayoko outshines Nemanja Matic

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Simon Johnson5 November 2017

Alvaro Morata gave Manchester United a taste of what could have been by heading Antonio Conte's Chelsea to a much-needed victory as Jose Mourinho endured another frustrating Stamford Bridge return.

All eyes were on the touchline as the combustible managers faced off, with Manchester City's latest win leaving United eight points off the Premier League summit as pressure mounted on Conte just months after leading the Blues to the title.

The Italian twice got the better of Mourinho at Stamford Bridge last season and made it a hat-trick in a tense encounter on Sunday, with Morata's fine header giving Chelsea a deserved 1-0 win against second-placed United.

Our man at Stamford Bridge was Simon Johnson, and here’s his analysis of the match…

Antonio Conte is showing his players who's boss

No-one can suggest that Conte is afraid to take on some of the biggest players in the dressing room after the past few days.

Against Roma on Tuesday night, he took off captain Gary Cahill early in the second half as they trailed 2-0 in the Champions League.

PA

If that was a big call, then the decision to leave out David Luiz altogether this afternoon was even bigger.

The Italian explained that it was 'a tactical' decision. Some might argue that Andreas Christensen deserved to start anyway, but to pick 17-year-old Ethan Ampadu on the bench ahead of Luiz? That's the kind of decision that could have long lasting repercussions for the duo's relationship.

Still he was proved right with a fantastic display from his men.

What a difference N'Golo Kante makes

It's stating the obvious that Chelsea look a far better side when Kante's in it, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be said...again.

Chelsea have looked totally unbalanced and at times clueless without the France international for the past month.

Kante sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with France and the Blues haven't been as good in defence or attack in his absence.

Getty Images

Opponents have found Conte's side far easier to score against, while the Blues have struggled going forward.

But on Sunday, Chelsea looked far more solid all over the pitch. With Kante doing what he does best and winning possession, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas were able to relax on the ball and give Manchester United's backline more problems.

This game just demonstrated that Kante is irreplaceable and Conte will hope he won't suffer any more injury problems from now on.

Alvaro Morata comes back to haunt Manchester United

Morata would have been wearing a Manchester United shirt today if manager Jose Mourinho hadn't had a late change of heart.

A deal with Real Madrid was agreed in July, the player was packing his bags for Old Trafford, only for Manchester United to gazump Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku instead at the 11th hour.

Chelsea ended up buying Morata and it is proving to be a lot more than a consolation prize.

The Spain international suffered a drought after sustaining a hamstring injury in late September, but ended it in timely fashion here against the club that snubbed him.

And what a superb way to get back on the scoresheet, a sublime header into the far corner.

His overall display was in stark contrast to Lukaku, who continues to struggle to find the net against one of the top six.

Bakayoko outshines Nemanja Matic

Another subplot to this fixture was the battle in midfield between Chelsea's past and it's present.

In the red of Manchester United was Matic, whose £40m transfer to Mourinho's side this summer has been the subject of a lot of debate.

Many pundits have questioned the wisdom of Chelsea's decision, even though it had been clear for a long time last term that the Serbia international was looking to leave and Bakayoko was being lined up to be his replacement.

REUTERS

Chelsea bought the France international for the same amount of money and given he's six years younger, it looks like smart business in the long-term.

Of course with Matic impressing at United, the form of the pair has come increasingly under the microscope in the short term.

Yet there was one clear winner at Stamford Bridge. While Matic was anonymous for long periods, Bakayoko was an effective midfield enforce for the home side.

He needs to work on his shooting because Chelsea could have won more comfortably if his radar was working.

Manchester United must hate playing Chelsea

What is it about playing Chelsea that gets under Manchester United's skin so much?

Not even the Special One can change their hopeless record against the team from west London.

PA

This was their 18th defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League - no team in the top flight has beaten them more.

It was a costly defeat too as they lost even more ground on leaders Manchester City, not that Chelsea will care.

This was a huge three points for their season too and talk of Conte's job being under threat will be silenced - for another few weeks at least.

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