A fantastic second-half performance by the Blues at Old Trafford reminded football fans across the world why the Stamford Bridge club is so well respected.
The first half of the match clearly belonged to United with two goals in under 15 minutes. For everyone who had watched the dramatic Champions League game between the Red Devils and the Los Blancos sensed that United had the match all wrapped up in no time at all. In fact the expectation was that more goals from United would rock the Chelsea net. It also seemed that “the Interim One” Rafael Benitez would soon be coming under more fire and that his detractors have been gifted additional fuel.
The two second half substitutions by the Chelsea manager then suddenly turned the game on its head. The introductions of Eden Hazard and John Obi Mikel worked like magic. Out of the blue, the momentum was with Chelsea. Blues fans could sense something was going to happen and indeed a lot did. United on the other hand inexplicably dropped down a few gears and fell back to defending against the fast movement of Hazard, Mata and Ramires who started pressing high up in the field.
The sense of urgency in the visitors’ movement was wonderful to watch for die-hard fans of the Blues and might just serve to take the heat off Benitez. It’s time for the fans and the owner to back the manager so that the newly found belief in the team can spur them on toward success.
It was a night to remember for Chelsea and fans should hope that the momentum gained can be carried on into the end of this season for a strong finish.
Is this the Chelsea of old? Put in your comment and let me know.
Source: DSG
