Review: Manchester United 2 (Tevez 45+2, Saha 90) Chelsea 0
If you watch Channel 4’s American import “My Name is Earl” you’ll know about Karma and the concept that if you do something wrong, life will treat you bad until you do something to make up for it. In the TV show, Earl has a list of things he’s done wrong. Well, Jon Obi Mikel needs to make his list now and top of it should be “1. Subbed Man United and used lawyers to get out of a signed contract”. Until he does, he will continue to be sent off. I have to say that I thought the sending off was harsh. It was a poor tackle, but only one footed and would normally been a yellow card, but for some reason (karma?) the ref saw two feet and sent him straight off.
However, the reference got a number of other decisions wrong. Worst of all was the disgusting, despicable tackle by Joe Cole which should have seen a straight red. That sort of thing disgusts me more than anything and Cole was subbed soon after as the manager probably felt the same. There was also the type of classlessness from Chelsea when they failed to give the ball back after it had been played out for an injury. Also, there was Ashley Cole being himself and being hated by everyone. I’m glad Rooney pushed him to the floor and made him eat some Old Trafford dirt.
Unfortunately, the reffing issues (timing of the first goal, missing a penalty, wrong man sent off, a penalty for a dive) overshadowed the footballing story. Chelsea were never in this game, United bossed it and had it easy. Even a 10 man Chelsea would have tried something, possibly three at the back or something. Mourhino would have attempted something and maybe would have got a draw. As it was, they played one man up front and offered nothing.
In my preview I thought Giggs and Tevez would be substitutes and I’m very glad that I am not manager of Manchester United because they combined to score United’s first goal. Giggs played in a fantastic cross with the outside of his boot and Tevez scored his first for United with a diving header from much the same place as his last goal in the Premiership.
Late on, Saha picked up the ball inside the area and turned the out of depth Ben Haim. The Chelsea defender stuck out his leg, kicking Saha who let’s say “made the most of it” and won a penalty. Ok, he dived. I don’t like it and it wasn’t needed, but it was sort of funny because it happened to Chelsea.
So, an easy 2-0 against a hapless Chelsea. Will they come back strong spending another £100 million in the transfer window on some more stars and get themselves a good manager? Or will they turn into the Hearts of the south and be laughed at a lot? I don’t know, but I think this season at least, winning the league has just become much easier simply because Chelsea are not as good as they were. Karma is kicking in.
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