Juan Mata upbeat over Manchester United display despite Chelsea equaliser

Juan Mata was encouraged by Manchester United's performance at Chelsea on Sunday, despite them letting two points slip following Diego Costa's late equaliser for the Blues.

Jesse Lingard put United ahead in the 61st minute at Stamford Bridge, but Costa replied in the first minute of added time to make it 1-1.

The draw left Louis van Gaal's side in fifth place in the Premier League table, six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, but Mata, despite being frustrated by the result, believes they are still on an upward curve following the 3-0 victory over Stoke in their previous game.

"I want to highlight the team's image," former Chelsea playmaker Mata wrote on his blog.

"From the first minute, we went for the victory and played good football, but unfortunately we let slip two points in the last few moments.

"It's a pity. It would have been a very important step in this second half of the Premiership, but Chelsea pushed hard (as expected) to at least tie the game and they finally scored their goal.

"We are improving our game lately, and I'm sure this is the way to get a series of good results in the next few weeks.

"The team is playing with more determination and confidence, and we want to keep it this way."

Mata received a rousing ovation at Stamford Bridge after being replaced by Ander Herrera in the closing stages.

He added: "I'm deeply grateful for the reception from the Chelsea fans and their applause when I was substituted. It's something you keep in your memory forever."