All eyes would be on Stamford Bridge on Saturday as one of the biggest games in world football would take place. Chelsea FC vs. Manchester United. The Blues, still sitting atop the league table, would know a win, even a draw would continue to increase their chances of winning the league. Diego Costa and Loic Remy still haven’t gotten over their injuries, meaning Didier Drogba would get the start as the lone forward again. Kurt Zouma would set into a defensive midfield role, and Oscar would take up a wide midfield position for Willian.
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United got things started in the match, as Wayne Rooney almost gave his team the lead within five minutes. Luke Shaw played a great cutback from the left flank, Rooney hit the ball first team, and barely missed, putting his shot just wide of the near post.
Early on in the match, United enjoyed the lions share of possession, maintaining roughly a 60-40 advantage over Chelsea in ball control. They had a hard time executing a final ball though, and couldn’t open the scoring.
Chelsea would open the scoring in the 38th minute, through Eden Hazard. After winning the ball in midfield, Cesc Fabregas found Oscar sitting free in an advanced position. Oscar then played Hazard through on goal, and was able to beat David de Gea, and put the Blues in front.
The score would remain 1-0 as the teams went into the halftime break. The second half would be an interesting one, tactics wise. Would Jose Mourinho try and set up shop, and defend the lead at all costs, or would he instruct his men to push on for a second?
The lead was nearly doubled in the 54th minute, with Hazard being on the end of things again. Drogba was sent through with the keeper to beat. His shot was slightly off target, but Hazard was there to redirect it towards goal. Unfortunately for Chelsea fans, his effort bounced off the crossbar and back into play.
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United looked lively after getting their feet in the second half, and nearly found an equalizer through Paddy McNair. The young defender had some space at the top of the box, and let off a shot that tested Thibaut Courtois.
Again United created a dangerous attack, but had nothing to show for it. This time Radamel Falcao was through on goal, but blasted his shot into the side netting.
As the game drew to a close, Chelsea brought on reinforcements to make sure the lead wasn’t squandered. John Obi Mikel and Willian came on late and saw the match out and earned a vital three points against tough oppostion.