While we had gone in today’s match as underdogs with the entire United community predicting a draw or a loss, the show that our lads put up was exemplary. We not only dominated the game but showed a character and strength that made me feel proud to be a supporter of such a club. However, not all good things are meant to last. So when Matkin Atkinson the match referee gave a clean tackle marked as foul and awarded Chelsea a free kick that went on to be scored, I along with millions of Red Devil fans was shattered.
We ruled the first half in terms of possession with over 56% of it in our favour. Sir Alex seemed to have come up with a strategy to keep a strong midfield that would see only Rooney left to move up front and the rest of the team provide support. However, with Berba on the Bench and Nani and Anderson given the task, it was not to be seen. Anderson indeed seemed to be sucked up by some invisible black hole where he was nowhere to be seen when he was actually needed. The opportunity created by Rooney who passed the ball to Giggs only to be passed to Ando and missed was one of many. Despite all of that, we kept the pressure high on Blues.
Another point that was proved in today’s game was that Berbatov is indeed a class player and his absence was felt more than once in today’s game. Every opportunity that Rooney created, was somehow perfect for the classy Berba, who was probably left feeling the same on the bench. The midfield was probably the best one in this season. Also Brown and Evans did a pretty good job to tackle a dozing Dogba. Valencia kept Cole held up at the back.
The second half saw some great counter attacks from Chelsea, however we kept hustling. We faltered but we came back. All in all we were just an inch away from taking 3 points time and again, however, fate had something else in store. Referee Atkinson books Fletcher for a foul tackle (which was indeed dubious) in the 75 minute. The free kick awarded was very nicely headed for a goal by John Terry. Not only that, the smart referee booked Rooney for run of play as he argued after the goal was scored. All this for something that was not a foul from any angle to begin with. Well done Atkinson!
While the support from the referee was expected to be very minimal ever since the Alan Wiley comment from Fergie, however, this was indeed height of such a negligence. Here is to the hollow victory of Chelsea and to the pride of Mancunians!
You can also view this video later on our Social portal for Manchester United Fans: 11Reds Connect
You can also view this video later on our Social portal for Manchester United Fans: 11Reds Connect
PS: John Terry is a cunt.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Chin up guys, consider this…
8 November Last Year..Played 11, Points 21, Position 4th + a game in hand which if taken as a win would have been 24 Points – 5 points behind leaders Liverpool on 29. Remember there was still a trip half way around the world still to come.
8 November This Year..Played 12, Points 25, Position 3rd – 5 points behind leaders Chelsea. NO extra travelling scheduled.
Where did we finish last season? So it’s not all that bad is it?
Haha! you make it sound so good! Nice to see such optimism among fans!
Of course it’s optimistic mate but as Rafa would say “FACT, no?”
United were the better team at the Bridge. What we lacked was the cutting edge in front of the goal. 1 goal from us could have changed the game completely.
That’s football Munish. It can be a cruel game which sometimes smiles on you and other times kicks you in the arse! Overall nothing to be disappointed about EXCEPT for the scoreline! Still a long season ahead with lots of twists and turns.
What really got me excited towards the end of the game was the impressive cameo played out by Gabriel Obertan. I was waiting to see how he would fare against a quality opposition under tough circumstances and I have to say, he didn’t disappoint.
Overall, a very good performance from the boys and I was really proud of our performance at the end of the day. If only we could sustain this level of intensity and drive in our performances there would be no competition in the League for us. Our supposedly weak midfield gave Chelsea hell and was a joy to watch. However, I still think our midfield lacks flair; there is hardly any player who can change the game in the blink of an eye with an outrageous piece of skill.
Football is a funny old game – my belief was that Manchester United were going to be triumphant when they met Chelsea at Stamford Bridge especially after the away result at Anfield but I have to eat humble pie. If we have to be honest and say which club deserved the win after watching the game then it as got to go in favour of United and more so for not been up to full strength as key players were missing. Also I think, and this does make a change, the ref went with Chelsea a few times on decisions at the expense of United. Surprisingly I thought Brown and Evans in the defensive role did quite well, much better than anticipated. Rooney had his chances but been on your lonesome held him back somewhat and this I believe was United’s downfall in the lack of goals and even attempts, so as for bringing Owen on when the whistle is about to blow is ludicrous and I cannot figure Ferguson’s game plan here?