Lukaku inspires United fightback against Chelsea

MANCHESTER: Romelu Lukaku broke his barren run against top six Premier League oppositions and provided the winner for Jesse Lingard as Manchester United came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Defeat allied to Tottenham Hotspurs late win earlier in the day at Crystal Palace sees Chelsea slip to fifth.The visitors enjoyed the better of the first period but failed to build on Willians 32nd-minute opener.

Lukaku levelled seven minutes later from close range and then crossed for substitute Lingard to head home as a ruthless United took full advantage of their limited chances. The spectre of another fiery clash between Mourinho and Conte, who have publicly bickered in recent months, hogged the headlines before kick-off, but there was a peace offering when the pair shook hands before the action got underway.

Mourinho recalled Paul Pogba to his starting XI after dropping him for Wednesdays stalemate at Sevilla in the Champions League.But it was one of Contes two changes from his sides 1-1 draw with Barcelona in midweek who nearly made an impact.

Alvaro Morata started for the first time in six weeks, but saw his side-footed volley from Marcos Alonsos driven cross come back off the bar just four minutes in.Chelsea dominated possession in the opening quarter, but much like they did to Barcelona on Tuesday with limited time on the ball, United restricted them to few other clear-cut chances.

United had offered little going forward themselves until Anthony Martials low cross picked out Alexis Sanchez inside the area.However, the Chilean is still waiting for his first big moment since joining United last month as he poked the ball tamely into the arms of Thibaut Courtois.

Moments later, the hosts were caught by a blistering Chelsea counter-attack to open the scoring.Willian picked up the ball just outside his own area and drove through the United midfield before exchanging passes with Eden Hazard.

The Brazilian then unleashed a shot too powerful even for David de Gea to register his fourth goal in three games.The lead lasted just seven minutes, though, as for the first time in a United shirt, Lukaku netted against one of their top six rivals — at the seventh time of asking.

Sanchez fed Martial and his clever reverse pass was slotted home by Lukaku to muted celebrations against his former club.Earlier, Harry Kane struck late to secure Tottenham Hotspurs 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace. Spurs appeared set for disappointment after struggling to break down a Crystal Palace fighting to move clear of the relegation places.

But Kane finally found the breakthrough on 88 minutes, meeting Christian Eriksens corner at the far post and directing a header past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who should have done better after getting a firm hand to the ball.