Manchester United Undone
The stage was set for a spectacular game between Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Chelsea. It’s hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago I was actually in London touring Chelsea despite my firm allegiance to Man. United. Regardless, today I watched a brilliant football match that left me feeling a bit disappointed, but hopeful still as life without Ronaldo and Tevez begins in just one short week.
Even though today’s Community Shield match was brought to a tie in the closing minutes of regulation by Wayne Rooney’s masterful footwork, the final outcome left Chelsea on top and Man. U. without any hardware or bragging rights.
Nevertheless, the team will find itself. Nani showed promise and perhaps the first glimpses of escaping Ronaldo’s shadow. He is, of course injured with a dislocated shoulder and will miss the start of the 2009 - 2010 campaign. Rooney also stepped up and looks to be able to secure the goal scoring form of his youthful past. Carrick and Fletcher also performed with confidence and stability in the midfield. I expect them to hold down the fort all season long.
Now don’t get me wrong - I am not a sore loser. In fact, I support Chelsea (unless they are playing Man. U.) most of the time. Today, they were better. Their penalty kicks were crisper, and their keeper (Petr Cech) was much better than Ben Foster. But most people will realize that there are two things to think about as the season approaches. Chelsea is probably going to peak early - as they did last season. By mid season they will fizzle out. Man. United are notorious slow starters. They don’t hit their peak until it matters. Secondly and lastly, Manchester played without a majority of their key players. Chelsea had a line-up that boasted most of their starters they used in the last campaign. Vidic and Van der Saw were both absent and that makes a huge difference. They are the spine of the defense and if you don’t think that plays a part - you are out of your mind.
So here’s to Chelsea and their first shoot-out victory against Man. United since John Terry missed in the Champions League two years ago in Moscow. Enjoy it boys because you may not see a trophy like this for a long while.
Resist. Multiply. Support good football.
Tags: Chelsea, Community Shield, Manchester United