the blog of manchester united

Manchester United put on one of the more convincing display of the season, and further inflict damage on Chelsea’s misery by winning the contest with 2 goals to nothing, and gave a question mark to Abramovich’s chosen Avram Grant ability.  The game started brightly for United as Rooney curled a superb strike just outside the penalty box where it looked destined to go in only for Cech to produce a magnificent save to deny Rooney his first goal of the season.   The game went on with both sides battling for the ball, although United looked to be slightly more comfortable with posessions compared to Chelsea who chose to play both Makelele and Essien in the middle of the park alongside Jon Obi Mikel, with Joe Cole and Malouda supporting from the wings, leaving in-form Wright-Phillips on the bench.  Shevchenko, is playing upfront as the lone striker with a point to proof after Mourinho’s departure (and his failure to bring the best out of the one time European Footballer of the Year).

Slightly to the contrary that the turning point of the game is Mikel’s red card, I agree with Sir Alex that the turning point of the game instead is really Tevez’s timely header ahead of Cech’s reaction off Giggs’ outside of the foot cross from the right wing after Wes Brown headed back to the United’s captain off John Terry’s half clearance from Giggs’ corner. United led 1-0 at the stroke of the half time.

In the second half, United were in full control as Chelsea took a defending approach and tried to caught United off-guard with their counter-attack.  The tactic though were not successful as Vidic and Ferdinand stood firm to the challenge.  The introduction of Saha towards of the end of the game gave United presence upfront and the Frenchman slotted home a fine penalty kick after a challange from Ben Haim at the stroke of the fulltime.  The contact was minimal, but at the end of the day, I think the referee was just balancing out  a few decisions during the game, which will be explained in the following 11 musings:

1. United should’ve been awarded a penalty kick when Evra was brought down by Joe Cole early in the first half.

2. Did United deserve the penalty on Saha’s foul?  Well, technically a foul in the penalty box will be punished with a penalty kick.  Maybe Saha is a bit exaggerating it, but a foul is a foul, and the referee had missed out a penalty call in the first half.  So, it was kind of a balancing act.

3.  Did Mikel deserve the red card?  As a football fan, my answer is no.  He should get a yellow card with a serious lecture.

4.  Did Joe Cole deserver a red for the lunge on Cristiano Ronaldo midway the second half?  Absolutely yes.  Again, it was sort of a balancing act by the referee.  He could’ve and probably should’ve sent him off but considering his arguably decision in the first half, I think it was right for him not to send him off.

5. Does Rooney deserve a yellow card (thus his second) for his push on Ashely Cole?  That is a tough call, and I think the referee took the benefit of the doubt and let the player stay for the good the game.  You really don’t want to end a game with 9 playing 10 especially for a huge game watched by millions around the world.

6. Does United earn an illegal first goal as the minute has expired (3 minutes added time instead of 2).  Absolutely no.  Football is not basketball or American football where each second is countable and the clock stopped after each certain play, there’s human element in this.  Will Chelsea complain if they score instead?

7.  Evra has caused two red cards for two opposition players’ challenge on him this season.  The first being Kitson (Reading).

8. Giggs looked lively on the left wing after playing at his normal position.

9.  Marco van Basten is spotted sitting alongside Abramovich gang for this game while the only Dutchman playing is van der Sar, who is in no special need to be assessed by the Holland national coach.  Anyone, van Basten for Chelsea?  Please don’t ruin this guy’s good work, Mr. Roman!  We don’t need another Shevchenko in England.

10. United hasn’t conceded goal in 4 matches, that is, 360 minutes … and counting.
11. It’s the first time this season United were able to score more than one goal.