Is This The End For Manchester United’s Star Signing? 3 Things We Learned From Chelsea’s 1-0 Win Over United

Eden Hazard’s composed first-half finish was enough to move Chelsea 10 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The result ended Manchester United’s six-game winning streak and extended Louis Van Gaal’s wait for a first competitive win over a Jose Mourinho side. Although the visitors dominated the possession, their inability to take their chances cost them as they lost an opportunity to move ahead of Arsenal into second place.

Wayne Rooney misplaced an early effort into the side netting and Radamel Falcao hit the post in the second half, but the Red Devils couldn’t find a way past a resolute Chelsea defense. Instead, it was the Belgian who scored from a back heel from Oscar’s pass late in the first half to extend the Blues’ unbeaten home record in the league this season.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

Plenty of positives for United

Manchester United’s winning run might be over, but there were still plenty of things for them to be pleased about. Injuries to four key players ahead of a crucial clash would have dented the otherwise sky high spirits, but United’s performance, especially that of those who came in represents a good day in the office for the Red Devils. Even without their two holding midfielders and three first-choice center backs, the fact that they dominated possession and created the bulk of the chances would certainly please the Dutch manager, who has prided himself on performances and not just results.

On Sunday, Luke Shaw gave perhaps his best performance yet, in a United shirt and reminded everyone just why they made him the most expensive teenager. Although he didn’t always pick out the right final ball, his pace got him in behind a resolute Chelsea defense, and he looked like the side’s most potent threat going forward. Another young defender who impressed was Paddy McNair. While many thought he might have a tough time coping with Didier Drogba, the 19-year-old showed remarkable composure on the ball and ended the game as the side’s best player along with Shaw.

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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.