The much anticipated clash between two of the Premier league heavyweights didn’t disappoint on Monday morning (AEST) at Old Trafford.
Manchester United looked set for a big score when Smalling scored in the eighth minute. Smalling was offside and missed by the sideline assistant referee. The goal though would set the pace for the Red Devils.
Chelsea were solid in attack for most of the match. Only at times when the likes of Nani and Rooney exposed the Chelsea defence brought about goals for the Old Trafford faithful.
Chances to score goals befell Chelsea with opportunities for Ramirez in the first half and an absolute sitter for Fernando Torres in the second could have meant that Chelsea could come close. If nothing else a least a draw would have been in the offing.
It wasn’t Chelsea’s day. Although solid in attack, their defence let them down.
But one couldn’t take away from United’s brilliant attack. Their timing and precision in the midfield and masterful play in the penalty box is lethal.
Chelsea could be thankful the final score wasn’t an embarrasment. With Rooney missing a penalty kick, falling as he struck the ball, and Dimitar Berbatov denied by Ashley Cole’s boot with the goal open.
Manchester United 3- Chelsea 1
Smalling (8th) Torres (46)
Nani (37)
Rooney (45)
Crowd 75,455
About Basil Naimet
I mostly follow two sports: The NRL in Australia and the Premier League in England. I'm taking a fancy to the Coca Cola championships in England too. Education: BA (UNSW) currently undertaking a Master of Journalism and Communication (UNSW). Im a bit of a fitness man as well.( I like to exersize regularly)
I was in a state of non comatose at about 2.30 am and switched on the cross to BBC while lying in bed.
Torres missed three quite getable goals and so it was not the rout purported by some of the Brit press.
The result of the weekend was of course QPR (Blue and white hoops) 3 – Wolves 0