The Premier League title looks set to be wrapped in blue after Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge early Monday Morning.
A solitary goal from Eden Hazard was enough to decide a vital three points, in a strategic battle that illustrated why both teams have been so successful this season.
Louis van Gaal’s men were firmly in control of the early stages, and many around Stamford Bridge thought they had taken the lead when Wayne Rooney’s strike from the top of the box deceivingly shook the net in the fourth minute.
Chelsea slowly began to gain ground, however, and their penchant for taking advantage of any mistake and scoring late in the first-half was on display once more when John Terry stripped Radamel Falcao of the ball and set-off another ruthless counter-attack. Following a pass from Cesc Fabregas, a sublime first-touch backheel from Oscar went seamlessly to the feet of Hazard, who glided through to the six-yard area and finished with a nutmeg of the usually stone-solid David de Gea.
Formations
Jose Mourinho reached back into his bag of tricks for his starting XI and fielded an extra natural defender in the form of Kurt Zouma, who partnered Nemanja Matic in the holding positions. Usual winger Willian was also left out as the manager opted for relative safety even in the higher midfield lines, Cesc Fabregas being able to track-back and defend while also setting up counter-attacks. Didier Drogba remained the only realistic striking option, with 17-year-old Dominic Solanke on the bench in case of emergency.
Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtouis (GK); Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Zouma, Matic; Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard; Drogba
A host of defensive injuries left van Gaal without some influential names from the previous weeks highlight reel 4-2 derby victory. The absences of Daly Blind, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones meant Ander Herrera was pushed back into a deeper role, while Paddy McNair and Luke Shaw filled the defensive gaps. Ashley Young held onto his position in the starting squad, keeping the high-profile Angel Di Maria on the bench until the last 20 minutes.
Manchester United starting XI (4-1-4-1): De Gea(GK); Shaw, McNair, Smalling, Valencia; Herrera; Young, Fellaini, Rooney, Mata; Falcao
United’s pressure coming from the left
Still brimming with confidence on their ascension up the ladder, Manchester moved the ball between their attacking players fluidly and with creativity and it is clear they are finally finding their groove as a cooperative unit.
Juan Mata looked determined to make something big happen against the club that had left him to the wind, sending in five crosses and creating three chances, however, it was on the left-flank where the visitors looked most dangerous. In the headlines since star performances last weekend, Young and Fellaini received enough of the ball to put another four goals into the back of the net, but were repeatedly thwarted at the last hurdle by a defence which was at their sharpest.
United will no doubt be frustrated that nothing came about from their aggressiveness, controlling the momentum and pressure throughout the game. Deliveries came into the box in high numbers, and neither Rooney or Falcao could complain about their service, able to get off a total of seven shots between them.
Mourinho’s machine to efficient to be broken down
While the Londoners’ home record has been impeccable over the campaign, considering the form Manchester City have been enjoying, few predicted they would keep the visitors scoreless heading into the match.
This choice of squad was the same outfit that Mourinho chose to field against Tottenham in the League Cup final, on that occasion shutting down the then untouchable Harry Kane and once again proving too tough of a barrier to find a way through.
Of the 15 shots Manchester United had on goal, Thibaut Courtois was only tested with four saves, the defensive line taking the brunt of the force, making 10 blocks in-and-around the 18-yard box and 30 clearances. Regulars such as Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta had standout games amongst impervious seasons, while the young Zouma continues to shine in the most testing of conditions.
It was a setup largely focused on not losing the game, but the efficiency in their own half continues to translate into good-fortune when on the counter, Falcao’s slip-up providing the opportunity for Hazard to make United pay before they knew what had gone on.
Chelsea conclusion
After another 90 minutes where they were far from dominant, the Blues emerge with the victory that might just have sealed the Premier League title. Supporters will be anxious to see Diego Costa back in action to provide some much needed vigour up-front, yet some of the pressure will be lifted off the visit to the Emirates for next weekend’s London derby.
[interaction id=”5533c06fa39598ff054b96d1″]
Manchester United conclusion
Although there is not a lot to critique about their performance, after five domestic wins in a row Louis van Gaal’s progress has hit a bump, however, it should not prove fatal for their top four hopes. Some will be left wondering what Di Maria’s big match experience may have brought had he started the match, but Chelsea’s setup was just too effective on their home turf. A clash with Arsenal also looms, but on paper looks to be the only testing fixture before the campaign ends, meaning the goal of European qualification is likely to be met.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
