Whenever two teams among the top six meets, fireworks are expected. However, after the disappointment that was City vs Liverpool, people held little expectations from the Chelsea Manchester United clash, especially considering the two teams’ contrasting form.
While Mourinho’s men languish at the ninth spot, with manager-player issues plaguing the side, Chelsea flew high at the first place with their star man Hazard flourishing under Sarri-ball.
So, here are four reasons why the unexpectedly good match can be crowned the game of the season so far.
Goals Galore
In a game that saw four goals, every single one was a thriller. Chelsea’s first saw David Luiz cleverly block Paul Pogba as Rudiger ran free and headed it home from a perfectly planned corner.
Their second, a last minute equaliser, saw a shot off the post, which Rudiger once again tried to head, but was blocked by De Gea, only to be tucked away by Ross Barkley on the rebound.
Both of United’s goals came from Tony Martial, in his first start of the season! His first was a neat finish from close, while his second was a curling effort from the edge of the box that left goalkeeper Kepa with little to do.
United’s Comeback
After the first half, Chelsea looked clearly the better team as they vehemently denied United any chances on their goal. Manchester United’s forward line was so disengaged that striker Romelu Lukaku managed only nine touches in the first half!
However, after the break, the Red Devils finally started to click with Mata creating chances and Lukaku dropping deep to link up with his teammates.
Not only did Martial grab a brace in quick succession but the onslaught of Hazard and co reduced a smidgen as Paul Pogba shone, bringing life right back into the match.
Sarri-Ball
In a phenomenon that has taken over English football in the recent months, Maurizo Sarri has inducted the basic principles of ‘pass and go’ into Chelsea’s playing style. Many players such as Ross Barkley and Eden Hazard have been vocal of their support for their new chain-smoking Italian coach and his system.
Versus United, every Chelsea midfielder stayed about 15 yards ahead of the halfway line, forcing defenders to remain cautious of their long balls, as well as shots, giving Hazard and left back Marcos Alonso plenty of freedom to go on runs and get shots off.
Also, players like Morata and Kante found themselves with acres of space before the United box, regularly taking shots. Their movement and short passing play was orchestrated by the metronome Jorginho, an old disciple of the system who played under Sarri in Naples, before following him to London.
Drama, Drama &.... Oh Yeah, More Drama
No show is complete without drama, and this one had some in it right from the beginning. Chelsea main man Eden Hazard was fouled twice initially by Matic and Young, both tackles warranting a yellow card for the offenders.
Hazard himself was next, as he clattered into Rashford, delivering the young man with a tackle he himself receives so often.
However, after Ross Barkley scored in the last minute, all hell broke loose on the sidelines. A member of the Chelsea staff did a Jose, as he ran down the touchline to celebrate, staring down the main man himself. Fair to say, Mourinho was not amused as he had to be held back by players and stewards as he reached out towards the Chelsea bench.
A confusion about the restart of the match led to a scuffle between the players themselves in the centre circle as the match neared the 100th minute.
As Chelsea supporters booed Jose off the pitch, he responded in his classic way, holding three fingers up to them to remind them the number of premier league titles he has won with them.
Many commentators said the end of the match soured the rest of it, but let’s be honest, in a match that was pure entertainment, the drama was the icing on the cake.
(The author is a school student who follows football, when he’s not finishing his homework. On a side note, he also answers to the name ‘Pele’ after his mother nicknamed him that for troubling her a bit much from the womb.)
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