While we had gone in today’s match as underdogs with the entire United community predicting a draw or a loss, the show that our lads put up was exemplary. We not only dominated the game but showed a character and strength that made me feel proud to be a supporter of such a club. However, not all good things are meant to last. So when Matkin Atkinson the match referee gave a clean tackle marked as foul and awarded Chelsea a free kick that went on to be scored, I along with millions of Red Devil fans was shattered.
We ruled the first half in terms of possession with over 56% of it in our favour. Sir Alex seemed to have come up with a strategy to keep a strong midfield that would see only Rooney left to move up front and the rest of the team provide support. However, with Berba on the Bench and Nani and Anderson given the task, it was not to be seen. Anderson indeed seemed to be sucked up by some invisible black hole where he was nowhere to be seen when he was actually needed. The opportunity created by Rooney who passed the ball to Giggs only to be passed to Ando and missed was one of many. Despite all of that, we kept the pressure high on Blues.
Another point that was proved in today’s game was that Berbatov is indeed a class player and his absence was felt more than once in today’s game. Every opportunity that Rooney created, was somehow perfect for the classy Berba, who was probably left feeling the same on the bench. The midfield was probably the best one in this season. Also Brown and Evans did a pretty good job to tackle a dozing Dogba. Valencia kept Cole held up at the back.
The second half saw some great counter attacks from Chelsea, however we kept hustling. We faltered but we came back. All in all we were just an inch away from taking 3 points time and again, however, fate had something else in store. Referee Atkinson books Fletcher for a foul tackle (which was indeed dubious) in the 75 minute. The free kick awarded was very nicely headed for a goal by John Terry. Not only that, the smart referee booked Rooney for run of play as he argued after the goal was scored. All this for something that was not a foul from any angle to begin with. Well done Atkinson!
While the support from the referee was expected to be very minimal ever since the Alan Wiley comment from Fergie, however, this was indeed height of such a negligence. Here is to the hollow victory of Chelsea and to the pride of Mancunians!
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PS: John Terry is a cunt.
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