Ten minutes into the second half, the game turned upside down. Few could have predicted that the Swansea boss would field an offensive formation full of attack-minded players for a visit to Chelsea.
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Oscar put them ahead in the 23rd minute and an own-goal by Swansea defender Federico Fernandez restored the lead after Andre Ayew had equalised for the visitors.
After Bafetimbi Gomis beat the offside trap in the 55th, he was hacked down by Courtois on the edge of the penalty area.
Swansea were first to threaten, with Gomis heading wide and then being denied by a late John Terry block.
The Ecuadorian had his fun with arguably the league’s best right-back on Saturday, but easily forgotten in the display of dribbling wizardry and enticing crosses were two decent shots, each quick-fire surprise strikes which forced strong reaction saves. When we came here last year we did well for 45 minutes but today we were excellent for 90.
This is a side that wants goals, and Monk’s confidence in his reinforced squad to provide just that should make Swansea as deadly as they will be exciting this season.
“It’s always hard, it’s the first time they’ve played at Old Trafford”, Van Gaal told BT Sport, saying he would celebrate his birthday in his favourite restaurant later.
There was a feel-good factor around Stamford Bridge heading into the game, with the club basking the afterglow of last season’s success and the self-proclaimed Special One penning a new long-term deal.
“When you go to the pitch to assist a player, you must be sure the player has a serious problem, and I was sure that Eden hadn’t [picked up] a serious problem”.
“So maybe a bit more control in the game (was needed) but unfortunately obviously a draw at home which is, to be honest, not ideal but give a lot of respect to Swansea, they played well”.
Referee Michael Oliver showed the Belgian keeper a red card and Gomis got up to slot the penalty past his replacement in goal, new signing Asmir Begovic.
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Mourinho’s unwillingness to discuss Oliver’s performance suggested he might have started the new season with a resolution to keep his opinions about refereeing decisions to himself.
