Mauricio Pochettino explains why Man Utd beat Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Chelsea “couldn’t match the energy” of Manchester United in their defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Chelsea suffered their sixth defeat of the season at the hands of Man Utd, being beaten 2-1 thanks to a brace from Scott McTominay.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Pochettino lamented the defeat and chalked it up to his team simply not matching the energy shown by the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

“I am disappointed because we didn’t start the game well. The feeling is that they started better than us, showing more energy than us. We couldn’t match the energy. I think they were better than us and there’s nothing I can say,” said Pochettino.

Another defeat for Chelsea / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages

“We created enough chances to get something from the game. We drew the first half and at 1-1 had some good chances, and should have scored and been more clinical, that was the problem.

“The second half we started well but then we conceded and again I think we missed a little bit the energy to be more aggressive. We had some chances but not enough to get back in the game again. But overall my feeling is that they were better than us and deserved the three points.”

Chelsea were forced to play with ten players for the full second half of the win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday thanks to Conor Gallagher’s red card on the stroke of half-time.

Pochettino admitted he believed the strain of playing with a man less likely affected his team’s energy in the defeat on Wednesday.

“I think to play against Brighton with a man less for 60 minutes maybe affected a little bit the energy and the performance of the players.”