Chelsea secured a comfortable home victory over a depleted Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with second-half goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer sealing the win after Lisandro Martinez was reduced to ten men.

Rogers breaks the deadlock

Rogers, Chelsea's record £117 million signing, broke the stalemate in the 50th minute with a sublime dink — a moment of genuine quality that capped a difficult afternoon in the number nine role. The striker had endured a quiet first half but came alive once he had space to run at United's defence.

Romeo Lavia was the catalyst for the opener, winning the ball and sparking the move with intelligent passing. His ability to play through United's press was a recurring theme throughout the afternoon.

Martinez's moment of madness

The game turned decisively when Martinez conceded a penalty and was then shown a red card for what BBC Sport's reporters described as a ridiculous moment of recklessness. Palmer stepped up to convert from the spot, though he did so unconvincingly. His rating of 6 reflected a largely quiet performance that also included a speculative effort from inside his own half and a costly error that gifted United a major chance.

Martinez received just a 3/10 from BBC Sport's reporters — the lowest rating of the day — for a performance that unravelled spectacularly after Chelsea opened the scoring.

Standout performers

Estevao Willian earned an 8/10 despite having two goals ruled out for offside. The winger looked lively throughout, delivering high-quality set-pieces and attempting several dangerous efforts on goal. Rogers matched that rating after his decisive contribution.

On the United side, Amad Diallo was among the visitors' brighter performers. He tested Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders from long range and at his near post, and had another goal-bound effort blocked by Wesley Fofana. Diallo should have scored before the break but ultimately finished on the losing side.

A forgettable day for United

Carlos Baleba had been United's best player in the first half but an impetuous midfield tackle proved extremely costly, shifting momentum firmly in Chelsea's favour. Bruno Fernandes returned as captain but missed a clear opportunity to put United ahead, and the visitors never truly threatened after Martinez's dismissal.

Chelsea's defensive display was far from convincing — Fofana twice allowed Diallo to break clear on the counter-attack — but on a day when United capitulated to ten men, the hosts had more than enough to claim all three points.