Hello,
Wednesday was probably the most nervous I have been going into a match in a long time. Saturday, I arrived 8 minutes before the end of the first half against West Ham, saw the score (2-0 WH) but was not nervous. I was angry but not fearful that United could not come back. Against Chelsea, at the Bridge, I was nervous.
This game has everything a fan and a neutral would want: a heated rivalry, a league lost to the other last season, one team that lifted the European trophy thrice – the other, never. Controversy in the last three meetings between the clubs. Finally, a famous slip in the final that handed the Champions League trophy to the other team. This one has it all.
On paper, besides Barcelona, United fans might not have wanted to see Chelsea’s name on the drawn piece of paper. As we discussed in previous episodes, United has the worst record against Chelsea than any other of the so-called top four clubs in the Premier League. In the last five years, United has five losses with only three wins and three draws against Chelsea.
United’s record at Stamford Bridge does not bold well for the red devils either. You have to back to April of 2002 to find the last time United won at the Bridge. Since the year 2000, United have played 13 matches at the Bridge and have lost 5, drawn 4 and, as mentioned, won only one match.
That said, their overall cup record against Chelsea is much better. United have 7 wins, 3 draws and 4 loses in the last 14 cup matches.
You could see why I was nervous.
United came out with a curious mid-field. Three wingers and no Scholes. Rio was back and while this is a boost, I was still nervous because I was not sure what to expect from him. When healthy, Rio provides the speed in the back and the vision to begin counter-attacks quickly. Having him back there allows players like Rooney and Hernandez to get in the heads of the opponent's back-line. Make them think about it more. For me, getting in the heads of the defenders is so important, especially against teams like Chelsea. Big teams do not tire as easily and can run for a full 90 minutes with losing too much. Psychology is so important and with United's mid-field issues, I am glad to see Rio back. Smalling has done very well but we need Rio against the big clubs in big games.
Facing an FA ban decision, Wayne Rooney scored to give Manchester United their first victory at Stamford Bridge since April of 2002. Lots of controversy again as Chelsea had many shady tackles in the first half. Two in particular on Rooney from Essien and one from Ramires.
While United looked good in the first half, Chelsea's best effort of the game came shortly before half-time when Torres hit the far post and Frank Lampard's weak shot on the rebound was cleared off the line by Patrice Evra.
Chelsea was also denied a penalty deep into added time, when Evra failed to get the ball as he brought down Ramires - and just moments later Torres was booked after tumbling under a challenge from Antonio Valencia.
All in all, I feel this is a big advantage for United and I am not speaking of the score-line. I feel like Chelsea threw almost everything at United both in an attacking and defensive sense. They attacked with every player and combination of players they would field at Old Trafford (Drogba-Torres, Anekla-Torres) and they also showed us a different defensive posture with moving Essien back after he Mikel substitution. They showed us a lot which is advantageous for United going back to Old Trafford where Chelsea's record is not as strong as at home.
Great result.
Derek
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