The big game has ended, 1-0 to the Blues.
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The match started positively, both sides were very offensive, wanting to get that all-important first goal.
Neither team were parking the bus, a very fluid first half, both sides hitting each other on the counter attack.
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Rooney was employed as a lone striker up front, my first impression: "Bleh, he's probably gonna be starved of supplies"
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Boy was i wrong, he connected well to the low crosses from Valencia and Giggs, occasionally carving a chance for himself to shoot. Rooney played also as a target man, laying off for his fellow midfielders to shoot.
Carrick? He cant shoot like Scholes could.
Fletcher? Fired right into the stands.
Anderson? He didnt manage a single shot in the entire game.
Time for a goalscoring midfielder this January? Van De Vaart anyone?
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Well credits to the 3 central midfielders though, they did well to retain possession against Chelsea's midfield diamond.
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It wasn't all Reds in the first half, Chelsea did provide some threat, with the impressive Branislav Ivanovic marauding the right flank.
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There was no end product though, both Anelka and Drogba failed to test Van der Sar.
Deco, handed a rare start, did his best impression of a Lucas Leiva.
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And hence, the first half ended goalless.
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Second half started with a bang.
Valencia continued to trouble Ashley Cole on the right flank, but credit to the fullback for his impressive defending.
Fletcher fired over the bar for 25yards. Why am i not surprised?
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Then Drogba sent his first warning. The man-on-form shrugged off O'Shea, only to misfire his effort over the bar.
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Seems like in a game where the midfield is so packed, the wide players are performing better.
Evra and Rooney combining well, though Giggs was pretty anonymous.
Ivanovic continued his confident display at right-back, for a moment Bosingwa wasn't missed.
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Anelka was doing well, running at defenders, but could not provide the finishing product.
Drogba, saw very little of the ball. Invisible man.
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Another great chance for United, Darren Fletcher fires on goal, only for his effort to be blocked by Carvalho.
Sometimes you can't help to wonder, what if someone else took that shot.
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The first substitution of the match, Joe Cole comes on for the disappointing Deco.
Joe Cole receives a warm applause, it's his 28th birthday, and his 250th appearance for Chelsea.
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Then came a sudden burst of adrenaline from the English bulldog, Wayne Rooney.
He does well to fend off his markers, and with little space, he fires a curling shot to the top right hand corner of Cech's goal. Great effort but Cech did well to tip it over for a corner.
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And just minutes later, Rooney again cuts in from the left, but his shot was blocked.
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Oops! Seems like Jonny Evans decided to take things in his own hands. As Drogba and Evans were both going for a high ball, Evan's studs went crashing straight to the Ivorian's ribs! That's gonna hurt real bad, Drogba spends quite a long time receiving treatment, and yet is rewarded a yellow card! Evans scots free! Ridiculous refereeing!
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Kudos to Drogba, he gets back up strong.
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Goal! Karma just kicked United in the ass! Lampard floats a free kick from the left channel and captain John Terry heads home!
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United are furious, Drogba has fouled Wes Brown in the penalty box, but Terry's goal will stand!
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Oh yeah, how is fans' favourite Joe Cole doing? Not any better than Deco, seems like Chelsea's midfielders are really loathing the role on the tip of the diamond.
Michael Essien is the one running the show for Chelsea.
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Uhoh! Looks like someone just lost his cool! Jonny Evans again! This time he charges at Carvalho and kick him in his calf. This boy gotta learn to keep his temper in check!
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United are attacking relentlessly, Chelsea are defending for their lives.
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Valencia, a match winner in so many recent games, drags a shot wide. Disappointing.
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I was praying for a substitution, it's 80th minute already!
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Finally on the 85th minute, Obertan and Owen comes in for Giggs and Anderson.
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Obertan, good link-up play with Rooney. And the youngster also has some tricks up his sleeves, he skins Ivanovic on the left wing, but the rightback recovered well.
Owen is always lurking in the box, you know he will be there to pound on any chances.
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United cannot find a breakthrough though! Chelsea are determined to keep a clean sheet.
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The fouls are flowing in, United are really desperate now.
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Obertan dances past 2 defenders only to have his shot blocked!
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Final whistle! Chelsea has won 1-0. A case of captain saves the day.
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Determined defending from the Blues at the final stages, and they secure the precious 3points that take them top of the table.
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As a United fan, i'm disappointed, why did Ferguson to bring on substitutes only at the 85th minute? Bizarre.
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Oh and they played 4-3-3 today instead of the usual 4-4-2.
The football was beautiful, but results is what matters.
Boring 4-4-2 gets you 3 points,
Arsenal-like 4-3-3 may be an eyecandy, but we leave Stamford Bridge empty-handed.
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My men-of-the-match(i couldnt decide on just one)
Rooney, for all his tenacity and hardwork.
Evra, for all his speedy runs down the flank, though all in vain.
Obertan, for being such an impressive substitute.
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Essien, he bombarded the midfield, period.
Ivanovic, for all his attacking, and also very impressive defending.
Ashley Cole, for keeping Valencia in check.
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End of my amateurish match review.