Match Review Manchester United vs Chelsea

This was to be the first big test for Louis Van Gaal in the Barclay’s Premier League. Coming up against a table topping Chelsea side that hasn’t yet lost in the league is a daunting task for any team but United’s problems were compounded by Rooney’s absence due to suspension and Falcao picking up a knock in training. For a team that doesn’t boast of a tight defense and depends on its attack force to outscore the opposition, this was a big setback. On the other hand Chelsea too were struggling similarly with Costa out injured and his back-up, Remy, picking up an injury in the Champions league clash versus Maribor leaving Drogba as the only fit senior striker.

There was a genuine threat of the match ending in a goalless draw as few chances were created and whenever the opportunity came, the young goalkeeping duo proved up to the task. De Gea pulled out massive saves against Drogba, Willian and in a one on one with Hazard who had jinked his way into the box. Courtois too came up on top in a one on one with Robin Van Persie and commanded his box with much ease picking off most of the crosses. There was one big moment on the 36^th minute when Chelsea will be convinced they were denied a penalty for not one but two players being wrestled down in the box. As I’ve said earlier, despite being a big unit, Chelsea score a surprisingly low number of goals off set pieces. Fabregas’ free kick from the left only had to be tapped in by Ivanovic but he was clearly wrestled to the ground by Smalling who had an arm around Ivanovic’s neck, Rojo was doing the same to John Terry.

Chelsea have so far scored in every game and they kept that streak alive when Drogba scored his first league goal since 2012. Rafael failed to stay with Drogba who headed Fabregas’ corner into the near post. The goal showcased United’s, and in particular Rafael’s, defensive frailty as Drogba had been making similar runs for almost all the previous corners yet he wasn’t tracked. Why Rafael was marking Drogba who uses his height and physicality in all its might is also a mystery when United had bigger players like Fellaini who could do a better job of it. Chelsea created more opportunities with Hazard and Oscar finding their way into the United box with regularity and ease. What would have been even more alarming for Van Gaal was the amount of space even Ivanovic found in their box on a couple of occasions. Only the lack of clinical finishing kept the score at 1-0.

Towards the end Mourinho, going against his new style of play, decided to shut shop. Oscar was withdrawn in favor of Mikel who slotted in beside Matic with Fabregas moving up the field, Hazard made way for Schurrle and Kurt Zouma replaced Willian. But a second and very debatable yellow card meant Ivanovic was sent off with a minute remaining. The resultant free kick which was headed towards goal by Fellaini was saved by Courtois but the rebound fell to Van Persie who smashed it in to level the score. It may be noted that Ivanovic had successfully marked Fellaini in the Chelsea box throughout the match and his absence was clearly a factor. Although both teams ended with a point each, the way one team celebrated while the other was totally dejected told the story.

Ivanovic’s first yellow card was a 50-50 decision where he eased Di Maria off the ball. It was a soft decision but the referee deserves the benefit of doubt in such cases and either decision would have been acceptable. For the second one he clearly tried to stop himself but clipped Di Maria’s heels in the process. It was inadvertent and even if it was a foul it didn’t deserve a booking.

The result leaves Chelsea still on top of the table while United dropped to 8^th. It also leaves both managers with a lot to consider. While Mourinho will be happy with the way his team played, he won’t be happy with the result. Van Gaal on the other hand will be happy with the result but not with the way his side played. Jose now has to contend with the absence of both his full backs for the next match along with the uncertainty surrounding Costa’s return to action. Van Gaal will be worried about his back line too, his best defender so far has been young Tyler Blackett and they would have ended with no points against Chelsea and Everton if it hadn’t been for De Gea’s heroics.

Match Review Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

The big worry for Jose Mourinho ahead of the visit to Selhurst Park was the injury to Diego Costa. He has been at the key to Chelsea’s blistering start to the season and as the 1-0 loss showed last year, Crystal Palace have the potential to be the proverbial banana skin for Chelsea. Last season the loss at Selhurst Park, along with a few others that were seen as winnable, were the difference between Chelsea being crowned champions and finishing third.

Diego Costa had to miss out after aggravating his thigh injury by playing in both the Euro qualifiers for Spain and Loic Remy was picked ahead of Drogba to start upfront. Jose also named 17 year old Dominic Solanke in the squad. The rest of the squad picked was the same with Willian keeping his place in midfield due to injuries to Ramires and Schurrle. Courtois who had recovered from his collision with Alexis Sanchez returned to take his place in goal. The start was along expected lines with Chelsea on the attack and it wasn’t long before Willian won a free kick just outside the box. Surprisingly it was Oscar stepped up to take it and he scored with an exquisite finish into the far corner. Chelsea continued to boss possession but the second goal was proving to be difficult in the face of some dogged and ironically "Chelsea-like" defending by Palace.

The turning point of the match came when Cesar Azpilicueta lost the ball near the center line and in his effort to win it back he dived in studs up. Missing the ball completely and clattering into Mile Jedinak right in front of the referee, he can have no complaints about the decision to send him off. That could have been the lifeline Palace were looking for but just three minutes later Damien Delaney who had earlier been yellow carded had a brain freeze as he cynically pulled down Remy to earn a second yellow and handing the upper hand to Chelsea. At 10-vs-10 Chelsea who were the aggressors clearly had the advantage as it opened up spaces for their creative players. The second goal was a result of precisely that. Fabregas started a move of quick one touch passing with Hazard and Oscar who played it to him in acres of space in the box. He took his time to score his first league goal. Chelsea continued to push for a third but despite enjoying almost 80% possession they failed to add to the tally. At the other end Frazier Campbell who had worked tirelessly all day and had come close on a few occasions only to be thwarted by Gary Cahill, finally found an attacking partner in the lively Wilfried Zaha and a short period of pressure at the very end gave them a goal they hardly deserved and it proved too little too late.

 
The biggest plus over the last two matches has been the performance of Oscar who has not only been at his creative best while combining with Hazard and exchanging places with Fabregas but has also showed a bit of mongrel while going into tackles to break up play and recover possession. These are qualities Mourinho loves in his players. In the absence of Costa the contribution of the midfield quartet will be crucial else the wheels could quickly come off the juggernaut.