Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has rued the club’s missed chances in their 1-1 draw away against Man United on Thursday night.
The Blues put on an impressive showing at Old Trafford, but could only get a single point, which, nonetheless moved them closer to clinching a Champions League spot.
Marcos Alonso’s second-half opener was canceled out by Cristiano Ronaldo a few minutes later, and none of the teams could find the winner.
“I’m a little bit frustrated,” the German said after the match.
“We were very strong on and off the ball. Very dominant. A lot of ball wins, a lot of deliveries, a lot of half-chances, a lot space around the box, but unfortunately we lacked precision and determination in the box to finish it off.
“When we had it [the lead], we gave it away it one minute later, so it started all over again, but the reaction was good. I’m very happy with the performance. It was a huge team effort and we showed what it needs to win in a big stadium on a big stage, on a focus level, on a physical input level.
“We were very fluid, very confident. I was happy with the way we played. We found enough moments for acceleration to take more advantage. It felt like a little bit was missing in the last 16 yards of the field to be more decisive earlier,” he added.
Tuchel was asked whether the team’s lack of efficiency in the final third was the main reason the Blues have fallen behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the league this season.
“I don’t think so,” he replied. “When I see the way Reece James played and know we missed him for 12 weeks, then I’m very impressed we are still in the top three, so close to another Champions League semi-final, and in two cup finals. You saw the quality that was missing.
“Today Mateo Kovacic was missing, same with Ben Chilwell, and this is the story of this season. The big difference is Man City and Liverpool have full squads available, and we have struggled through the season, Covid period, long-term injuries, and this is more decisive than anything,”
Chelsea are sitting third in the standings on 66 points, six ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal with five matches to go.
