Too much talk of revenge going into this early season clash – this was really about getting 3 points, creating a 9 point gap, putting down a marker and extending a home unbeaten record to a staggering 85 games. United started with the orange primadona on the bench along with “Tevez the Troll” which meant Berbatov (Sulky Mk2) and Shrek started up front. Unfortunately we lost Deco in the warm up and Rickey within 10mins of the kick-off (to be replaced by Alex) so it was a pretty frantic opening quarter. Man U started the brighter and put down an early marker when Cech had to save sharply from Ferdinand of all people. We were being ripped apart and it was no surprise when Park chipped in from close range after Cech could only deflect a snap shot from Berbatov's into his path.
Much like the CL final, the second half was a very different affair with the introduction of Drogba (after the lunacy of Riley not letting him on at the start) and with many more chances coming our way. United sent on Ronaldo for Paul Scholes 10 mins later but he ws largely ineffective. It was all Chelsea and Joe Cole wasted great opportunity on 65 mins, shooting straight at Kuszczak after being beautifully put through by Ballack and then Anelka, having his worst display in a blue shirt by far couldn’t even tap into an open net from 3 yards out. Eventually the pressure paid off when Kalou rose unmarked from a jedi free kick to head home with 10mins to go. It was nearly 2 – 1 seconds later as Neville deflected another Kalou strike over the bar.
But in the end United hung on for a point and so there was no 9 point gap or much of a marker put down but the home unbeaten record was extended to a staggering 85 games – COME ON U BLUES
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