Mata Frustrated On Chelsea Return

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata expressed his frustration after Chelsea scored an injury-time equaliser on his return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Reds took the lead just after the hour mark through Jesse Lingard’s fourth goal of the season, as the 23-year-old spun 12 yards out before firing the ball brilliantly into the top left-hand corner.

Louis van Gaal's side were the better team for much of the game, but Diego Costa netted a 91st-minute equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared in the capital. The Spaniard evaded Cameron Borthwick-Jackson's challenge to round David De Gea and slot into the empty goal.

"We played very good football," Mata told Sky Sports after the game. "Coming here to Chelsea isn’t easy, but particularly in the first 30 minutes and in the second half we played well – we had it so close.

"But Chelsea were always pushing and they scored a late goal and we didn’t have any time to get another goal. It’s frustrating."

It was a sentiment that Lingard, who said his superb goal was down to "instinct", echoed. "We played well for the majority of the game, and to concede so late feels like a defeat," he said.

"But we’re playing a lot better now. The team spirit is good and as a collective group we’re doing well."

Mata, who received a warm round of applause from both sets of supporters when he was substituted late on, believes recent good results were the reason behind United’s positive display.

"When you win and when you play good football, confidence grows," he said. "I think we’re showing now that we can play a high level of football and can play attractive, offensive football.

"That’s what we’re trying to do – that’s what the fans want to see, so we try our best in every game. I think the last three or four games we’ve played really well."