• by Hiten Mandalia, writing from West London

This was expected a tight close game between Manchester United and Chelsea, but right from the kick off, Manchester United went straight into top gear.

After 36 seconds, Ji-Sung Park placed an accurate pass to the feet of Hernandez, who calmly placed it pass Petr Cech. Chelsea defender David Luiz, who was covering Hernadez, and Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti began exchanging words instantly, despite being yards apart from one another. From that point, it was evident that Chelsea were going to find it difficult.

Manchester United continued playing with the high tempo that they’re known for. Ji-Sung Park played his heart out, running all over the pitch, as he has done ever since he joined the Red Devils. He laid a pass to Rooney, who took a shot from 20 yards, forcing a good save from Cech. Manchester United continued to dominate with the help of Valencia who continuously outplayed Ashley Cole on the right side.

Man United continued the pressure, with wave after wave of attacks. It was evident that Chelsea weren’t expecting this sort of start from United. Many were expecting the Blues to start the way United did. From a United corner, Vidic headed the ball to double United’s lead. That goal exploded the Old Trafford crowd, as if it wasn’t buzzing after 36 seconds.

During the first half, Man United could have, and arguably should have, had four or five goals. Towards the end first half, however, Chelsea began to apply pressure to cool down the Red Devils. A Drogba free kick forced a save from Van Der Sar, which was the only goal threat they posed throughout the first half. There were some incidents, most notably, Ivanovic’s tackles on Rooney. He rightly saw yellow as a result, but Rooney did exaggerate on one or two occasions.

The second half started the same way as the first with a fast tempo. Unlike the first half, this time it was Chelsea who were on the front foot, knowing that they had to get an early goal if they were to stand a chance of winning the game. Chelsea kept applying the pressure, while United were soaking it up. Then all of a sudden, United hit Chelsea on the break and many opportunities came along for the home team, but they failed to convert them.

The Red Devils had a blatant penalty appeal turned down, with Lampard using his arm to stop Valencia’s cross. Despite that, Lampard scored with instinct at the other end, as he stuck out a leg to score for the Blues. It was proving to be a close, nervy ending and Chelsea continued to apply pressure.

After soaking up all the pressure, Man United had a flurry of chances towards the end of the game, but failed to score. It was an end to end game, with Chelsea knowing that they had to win, in order to keep their title hopes alive. Their attacking football did pay off when Lampard scored but they were also exposed at the back. Man United came into the game knowing anything but a defeat would keep the title race in their hands. With that knowledge, United went out firing on all cylinders from the word go.

Manchester United need a point from their last two league games to claim a record 19th league title and overtake Liverpool as the most successful team in England. As for Chelsea, assuming United lose their final two games, they would have to be victorious in their final two games in order to prevent United winning the title.

[photo by Crystian Cruz]

Anceotti’s future will also be considered as Chelsea have gone this season without winning a trophy. With Abramovich’s lips reading ‘Champions League’, it looks as if another manager recruited by Abramovich has gone another season without lifting the trophy he’s been desperate for since 2003. Could this be the end of Ancelotti’s managerial reign at Chelsea? Let’s now forget that he won the double with Chelsea last season. Will this be a few player’s last season at Chelsea?

With what has been great end for Man United’s season, the shenanigans at the start of the season seem to be fading away. With Rooney’s controversial outbreak in September, to United conceding late goals and losing leads. Lets not forget Antonio Valencia’s injury against Rangers, which left him out for five months. However, since his return from injury, the team has been given a boost, and it has shown in recent games.

With players like Van Der Sar, Rio Ferdinand Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes etc, all to be considered some of the best players to have played for Manchester United, it will be difficult for United to find adequate replacements. Luckily, United have a great manager in Sir Alex Ferguson to take care of it.

Despite this not being Man United’s greatest ever squad, the determination, the team ethic, team spirit and the focus of all the players has allowed Manchester United to be in this position at the end of the season. Bound to be Premiership champions and a dream date at Wembley on the 28th of May for the Champions League final against Barcelona. No one would have expected that at the start of the season.

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