United Beat Chelsea to Win Shield (08.08.10)

Hello,

Welcome back to a new season of BLOGS on RED TILL DEAD.COM. My name is Derek Collins-Newman and the blogger for the Cup Competitions which include the FA COMMUNITY SHIELD. While I am not much of a fan of this particular competition, this year's edition was much better than the last couple. The crowd was also in better form, with each team supporters booing their opponent's England villain. United beat Chelsea 3-1 and played very well for most of the game save a spell in the second half but that could be due to the many substitutions.

While both teams made only a couple small moves during the summer, the glimpses at new faces Yossi Benayoun, Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez would have to wait to after half time. Herdandez would make another splash, this time with his face.

The first half was a good half of football with both teams having some chances and both teams having players completely disappear for 20 minutes at time (are you listening Owen). While being booed, Wayne Rooney ran down another great ball from Scholes to give a sublime pass through some defenders legs to Valencia for the goal. I hope Capello was watching: put Rooney up front NOT all over the pitch. Hernandez took to the field in the second half and, with the help of his face, gave the reds the lead. Chelsea did perform better in the second half, pushing United back, especially after Drogba came on. After Chelsea scored, Berbatov's great touch helped put the game out of reach for both the Chelsea keeper and Chelsea themselves.

With the pre-season over, a couple things stand out for me. First, Paul Scholes is playing excellent football. Second, Wayne Rooney will be fine to start the season. Third, Hernandez not only scores but is very fast and gets open. If he can handle the tough ELP season, we are in for a treat. Forth, Vidic needs to stay healthy to help Jonny Evans and Smalling through the season. Finally, Valencia looked solid and like Pat (club member) says is a true winger.

For me, it comes down to United and Chelsea again this season. If all things stay the same and 8 defenders do not get injured at same time, I think the PL title is coming back to Old Trafford.

See you next time.

Derek