Yesterday, I watched a match between ManU and Chelsea. Well, Chelsea had already won the title and ManU were playing for pride. I had an idea that this would be a cracker of a match and happily I was proved right.
First half
The match started on the right note with both teams making moves. ManU was slightly attacking and Chelsea were defensive. But the action was to begin soon. ManU broke the deadlock in the 8th minute with a Van Nistelrooy goal who got a fine pass from the sidelines.
This sudden goal charged the atmosphere and the exchanges just got better with each minute. But Chelsea are not the champions for nothing. They equalised in the 17th minute by a fine shot by Tiago which ManU keeper Carroll could do nothing about.
Then started the fireworks, both teams trying to wrest the initiative but not succeeding. Both teams had their chances but failed to capitalise. But I felt that the ManU defence was a bit shaky and allowed lot of chances if someone could get the ball beyond a point. But Chelsea's defence was very solid allowing few shots at the goal for ManU. Thus at the breather, both teams were evenly poised.
Second Half
If the first half was a breeze, the second was a storm. Both teams went to the attack immediately after the restart, with as many as 5-6 chances in the first ten minutes. The fast pace kept the viewers busy and also the referee ( 3 yellow cards in the second half and many fouls). There were also frayed tempers with Rooney involved in a couple of incidents.There were a couple of missed chances from both teams.
I mentioned that the ManU defence looked a bit shaky. In the 61st minute Gudjohnsen got past a defender and he just had to beat the keeper. And he did not miss it to put Chelsea 2-1.
ManU got into overdrive after this. Saha was brought in place of Fletcher to put more strength in the attack but the Chelsea defence held firm. ManU were trying hard for the equaliser when J Cole made it 3-1 for Chelsea in the 82nd minute. The goal was offside but these things happen in football and there was nothing to be taken from Chelsea for the hard work they put.
Final score: Chelsea 3: Manu 1
In hindsight, the main difference between the teams seems to be the confidence level. Chelsea did not flinch even after conceding an early goal. ManU were not that solid and this can be due the "chopping and churning" policy of Sir Alex and this does not help to gel the team.
Hope the wily Scot gets it right the next time. And thanks Chelsea and ManU for a wonderful game. I really enjoyed it.
