EPL CHELSEA VS MANCHESTER UTD 1 DEC 2003
01.12.03 Next >>>
Today is a big match for we have Manchester United against Chelsea. I have decided to change my style of writing... Well, just felt that if you really want to know more about the match details, there is always the Soccernet and they are more professional and unbiased in their full time report. Nevertheless, I still very much hope that you will still find my stuff here interesting.
Old Rivals, New Feud.
Henceforth... I shall now only give some views of my own on the matches and other news about the club I support.
The Lineup
With Diego Forlan on the row, I think Alex Ferguson finds it difficult to not name him for the starting eleven. Still, I must admit that I have never quite liked Forlan, but cannot help it that he is indeed in the team, no matter if or how he scores. So pardon me. Quinton Fortune is in too, he is a hardworking fellow but lack creativity. Paul Scholes is recovering, but not fit as yet, so Phil Neville is in. I quite like Phil in his new role for he is quite good at it. A pity that his mid-fielder talent is found only till now. Anyway, the rest of the old boys are in, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane but I am not going to name all here.
The 1st Half
Man U gave a wide coverage for this half, keeping strong pressure on Chelsea. Both teams had made unsuccessful attempts but a foul committed by Roy Keane cost Manchester United to lose the lead. Though Man U did composed themselves well after the goal, they were still unable to produce any goals. Chelsea did a good job of holding off Man U while at the same time giving Tim Howard some work to do. They kept good possession of the ball, delaying till the half time whistle is blown.
The 2nd Half
Second half started with much less intensity, and again, both teams had tried hard to create chances. Both teams had made substitutions to infuse new life into the game. Both teams were unlucky with their shots, some were saved but most went just wide. Tim Howard had been outstanding, blocking further attempts by Chelsea players, especially the one where he saved twice consecutively.
The game ended with Man U trying their best and Chelsea stalling for time whenever they could.
Chelsea is now on top of the table while the red devils left Stamford Bridge dejectedly. Not to worry, it is still too early to tell who will be the ultimate winner. With impeding return of Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I am sure Man U will find their Champion's performance play again.
The Goal
Chelsea had won by a penalty scored by Lampard in the 28th minute. Tim Howard tried to confuse Lampard by skipping left and right. He jumped to his left but the shot was to the right. Lampard is indeed an experience player.
Lampard's Penalty Settles It
Both teams did not really do well today and neither displayed their true mettle on the field. Man U was fighting hard but the overall match performance is yet to be their best. Chelsea, too, had to resort to stalling for time, but perhaps we are talking about playing against the Champions, playing safe can't do any harm. It does, however, reflects that Chelsea is still unable to keep Man U at bay totally. Think only time will tell who is the better team.
B.Man
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