Credit : Premier League's X
LONDON, October 31, 2026 – Morgan Rogers scored a superb solo goal and Cole Palmer converted a penalty as Chelsea beat 10-man Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Premier League celebrated the result on its official X account with a clip of the Chelsea manager on the touchline, writing: “Morgan Rogers scoring, Xabi Alonso celebrating. We’re getting used to seeing this for Chelsea.”
The first half was evenly contested, and both sides had the ball in the net only to see the goals ruled out for offside. Estevao Willian had an effort disallowed for Chelsea, while Matheus Cunha had one chalked off for United.
Chelsea broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart. Romeo Lavia won the ball back in midfield and laid it off to Rogers, who advanced from around 35 yards, eased past Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez and lifted a deft finish over goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The second goal came after a VAR review. Martinez was judged to have raised an arm to the face of Wesley Fofana from a corner, only minutes after being booked for a foul on Rogers. Referee Peter Bankes went to the pitchside monitor, awarded a penalty and showed the Argentine defender a second yellow card. Palmer powered the spot-kick past Lammens to make it 2-0.
With an extra man and a two-goal lead, Chelsea were in control for the rest of the match. Estevao thought he had added a third when he fired into the roof of the net, but that goal was also ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Alonso said: “We are happy. The game had different moments. The first half was close; few chances for both teams. At half-time we spoke about keeping control and said we will win the game if we keep the ball. It was a mature performance.”
He added: “I am very demanding. We can do better. We are taking a step forward but I don’t know how far we are.” Alonso also praised Estevao, saying the young forward “did really well” and deserved his chance.
The numbers backed up Chelsea’s dominance after the break. They finished with 59 per cent of possession, completed 516 passes, 147 more than United, and had twice as many shots as their visitors, 20 to 10. In the first half, though, United had managed nine shots and forced Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders into action three times.
Alonso had started without an orthodox striker, with Pedro Neto leading the line and Palmer, Rogers and Estevao operating behind the Portuguese international.
Rogers’ goal was his fifth in the Premier League this season, and no Chelsea player has more. He also became only the second Premier League player, after Erling Haaland, to reach 10 goal involvements in all competitions this season. The win lifted Chelsea to fourth place in the table after Matchweek 9.
For United, the defeat extended their winless run to nine games in all competitions, their longest since 1984, and left them just a point above the relegation zone, putting further pressure on head coach Michael Carrick.
Source: Premier League on X
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