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Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd: Five talking points from Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates scoring his side's first goal
Image: Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates his late equaliser

Diego Costa's injury-time equaliser denied Manchester United victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

A stunning Jesse Lingard strike looked to have won Louis van Gaal's side all three points but - after a flurry of chances at either end - a climatic finish saw Costa snatch a point for the hosts. 

Here, we take a look at the major talking points from the game - and what the result means for both sides...

United's top-four hopes dented

 Manager Louis van Gaal and Assistant Manager Ryan Giggs of Manchester United
Image: Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs show their frustration at Chelsea's leveller

"It is unbelievable that we don't reward ourselves," said a frustrated Louis van Gaal after watching his side pegged back in the final moments against Chelsea.

Victory would have moved United to within four points of the Champions League qualifying spots but instead Van Gaal was left blasting his side's wastefulness in attack and lack of composure in defence after Costa's late leveller.

United had 17 shots on goal and really should have added to Lingard's superb opener. But instead, they are facing a six-point gap to fourth-placed Manchester City and a surely insurmountable 12-point deficit on leaders Leicester.

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"When you are playing well and not making the gap [on the top four] smaller, it's frustrating," said Van Gaal.

Terry denied penalty - and contract talks

John Terry does not want to leave Stamford Bridge
Image: John Terry celebrates with Costa

On his first return to Stamford Bridge since announcing he may be leaving the club this summer, John Terry was given a hero's welcome by the Chelsea fans. They would have lifted the roof off had his first-half strike flashed into the net, rather than cannoned off Daley Blind's arm.

In the end, United escaped without a penalty awarded against them and Terry was denied his moment.

John Terry Chelsea
Image: Chelsea fans paid tribute to skipper John Terry

After the game, Terry revealed he has "no communication" with the club at the moment but, typically, remains focused on the team's performances on the field. Chelsea's reluctance to open negotiations with their soon-to-be-out-of-contract skipper has left Graeme Souness bemused.

"I cannot believe John Terry won't be there next year," said the Sky Sports pundit. "I can't think of one reason why they wouldn't want him here. If it's solely down to football reasons he has to be here. It would be a mistake at every level if you get rid of John Terry."

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John Terry says there has been no recent dialogue with Chelsea about a new deal but he still hopes to stay

Costa does it again for Hiddink

Diego Costa's transformation under Guus Hiddink has been quite remarkable. The Spain striker's injury-time equaliser against Manchester United was his sixth goal in his last seven Premier League games. He'd managed just three in his previous 14 this season.

No doubt the simultaneous return to form of Cesc Fabregas has helped. The international team-mates combined for Costa's goal on Sunday, just as they had for the striker's goal against Everton in the previous home game.

Fabregas back on form

Cesc Fabregas made more passes than any other player (65) with an 87.7 per cent passing accuracy.

However, much like Chelsea's unbeaten run under Hiddink - which has now stretched to 11 games - it's winning that counts. The Dutchman is still to oversee a home win in his second stint in charge and the Blues remain in the bottom half, after recording a fourth home draw in a row for the first time in Premier League history.

Both 'keepers impress

 David de Gea of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and
Image: David de Gea and his opposite number Thibaut Courtois impressed on Sunday

For all of the problems Chelsea and Manchester United face, they can at least rely on their world-class goalkeepers.

Thibaut Courtois was forced into six saves during the match, including a stunner to deny Anthony Martial and a couple of impressive stops from Rooney and Lingard efforts.

At the other end, David de Gea parried powerful efforts from Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas before stopping Costa's near-post effort at the death.

"We saw some fantastic saves today," said Sky Sports' Alan Smith. "Courtois pulled off a stunner in the first-half, while De Gea knows he's one of the best and his reactions are second to none."

Zouma injury opens a spot for Cahill

Kurt Zouma is treated after injuring his knee during Chelsea's game against Manchester United
Image: Kurt Zouma is treated after injuring his knee

A nasty-looking injury to Kurt Zouma marred an entertaining game. Only Cesar Azpilicueta and Willian have started more games for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, but the France international seems set for a significant spell out after landing awkwardly on his right leg.

"[On Monday] we will know more," Hiddink said after the game. "But if you have this injury then it's bad. Let's see. It's a hyper extension and that's always bad. I had the same problem once and it hurts a lot. We will see tomorrow."

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Gus Hiddink says the injury suffered by Kurt Zouma does not look good

Zouma's absence may hand Gary Cahill an opportunity, though. The England international was awarded a four-year contract in December but has only started one Premier League game since Hiddink took charge.

He had only been on the field for two minutes when Lingard scored for United - with England boss Roy Hodgson watching on - but is now likely to be presented with a run of games in which to convince his managers for both club and country that he still has plenty to offer. 

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