Manchester United lost 5-4 to Chelsea last night in a thrilling game. What can supporters take away from it?
Positives
Chicharito’s clinical finishing: Javier Hernandez has now scored five goals in his last six games for United in all competitions. When he put United 2-1 up with a superb strike against Petr Cech, Chelsea fans will have been truly sick of the sight of him. He has now scored six in nine games against the Blues. His movement for the goal was excellent and his finish even better. He is really pushing hard for a starting spot against Arsenal on Saturday, and will likely feel disappointed if he is back on the bench. Even so, it will be a real luxury for United to call on him if needed.
Nani’s excellent third goal: Nani has been truly underwhelming for United this season, but there is no denying his goal was special. It would have been a deserving winner, even though it was not to be. He showed superb poise and movement, and it was almost a carbon copy of his Community Shield winner against Manchester City a season ago. The goal will give him confidence moving forward, just what he needs with rumours circulating about his potential exit from the club. He is a matchwinner, and so almost proved it.
Anderson’s creativity: For the second game in a row in this competition, United fans can take something positive from Anderson. After scoring in the third round against Newcastle with a rocket of a shot, he continued his push for a first team place last night. He provided three assists for United’s goals, including a sumptuous defence splitting pass for Hernandez for his goal. United need him to show his value and potential, and this was a good example of what he can do.
Fletcher’s fitness: At one stage there were even whispers that Darren Fletcher’s career could be over, when he was struck down by a bowel illness and left unable to train. Completing 120 minutes last night showed just how far he has come on his recovery, and when his sharpness comes back he will be ready to start pushing for a first team spot.
Negatives
One chance of silverware gone: It’s never nice to exit a competition, and that’s the reality facing United this morning. It may be the lowest on their list of priorities, but it is one they showed in 2006, 2009 and 2010 that they are keen to win. Chelsea will now be favourites to win the competition, which could give them a real confidence boost in the title race next year.
Needless defensive mistakes cost them: This was an avoidable loss for United, they had done the hard work. First Buttner gave away a needless first half penalty, before Scott Wootton bundled Ramires over in second half injury time to give Chelsea a way back into the contest. That wasn’t it for the tiring Wootton, whose headed backpass in extra time gave the previously ineffective Sturridge a gilt-edged chance which he did not pass up.
Anderson’s fitness: Anderson’s performance was excellent, but the fact he had to be taken off after 80 minutes showed he was short of full match fitness. The Brazilian appeared exhausted as he was taken off, and this is a problem which has existed with him particularly over the past 12 months. Regular match time will help his fitness, but if he is to push for and hold down a regular first team spot it needs to improve.
Momentum: The psychological blow United landed on Chelsea on Sunday has been negated somewhat in the title race, with United losing the momentum gained from their weekend victory. The unlikely late twists in last night’s games, and Arsenal’s dramatic encounter with Reading means the Gunners go into the weekend’s match at Old Trafford buzzing, full of confidence from their win, while United enter the game on the back of a defeat. What’s worse is United went to extra time and lost, and Arsenal have had an extra days rest.
What did you take away from the game?
image: © Gordon Flood
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