Chelsea do what they do best
Jose Mourinho is yet to lose a game against any of the current top four this season and his side’s performance against United showed just why. If they showed they can play free-flowing football earlier in the campaign, the way in which they dug in against a side who had won their previous six league games on the bounce showed just why they are 10 points clear at the top of the league. Jose Mourinho’s side might not always been the most exhilarating to watch, but they always get the job done.
Against United, with Kurt Zouma coming to counter the physical presence of Marouane Fellaini, the home side showcased their intentions even before kick-off. There are few teams who can defend as well as this Chelsea side, and fewer still who are better at holding onto a lead. And once Hazard scored, despite United’s possession, there was an air of expectancy surrounding the final result. The home side sat back, defended their box expertly and thwarted everything the Red Devils threw at them. While it wasn’t pretty, it got them the result they were looking for. A result that leaves them just two wins shy of winning the league for the first time since 2009/10.
Is this the end for Falcao?
Both United and Chelsea started the game without the best striker up front. For the hosts, it was due to injury to Diego Costa and Loic Remy, while United had to move Rooney back in order to make up for the loss of two central mid fielders. It meant that the supporting cast was called on for a momentous clash that was to decide how soon the Blues were going to wrap up the title.
Although he didn’t score and had a sub-par game, Drogba did what he has done so well, throughout his career, drag defenders out of position, bully them in the air and win fouls for his side, when nothing else is on. Unfortunately for United, for all of his effort, Falcao simply couldn’t replicate the same. Whether you think he was fouled in the build-up to the Chelsea goal or not, there was no denying the fact that the power and pace that made him one of Europe’s elite strikers is missing. His confidence too is short, as was evident from his effort that hit the post, instead of sailing in. Once either Carrick and Blind are fit, Rooney will slot back in up front and you get the feeling, this might have been the Colombian’s last chance to prove his worth, which he unfortunately didn’t make the most of.