Chelsea showed good fighting spirit to beat Premier League leaders Manchester United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last night.
Fighting spirit seems like a quality which has been lacking this season amongst the Blues players.
Comeback
Manchester United controlled the first half and Chelsea just didn’t look interested at all.
However the second half was a different story as Chelsea came out and performed far better.
In fact I think it would be difficult for anybody to argue that the Champions didn’t deserve something from the game. It was perhaps hard on Manchester United that they took all three points but Chelsea’s second half display really was superb.
Luiz
Brazilian defender David Luiz arrived almost under the radar on transfer deadline day because of the record signing of Fernando Torres on the same day. At the time sources close to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed that he was almost as glad to sign Luiz as Torres.
The reason being that 23 year-old defender is the sort of player that Chelsea was in need of. They were short of central defenders and he fits that bill. He can also play as a defensive midfielder and at left-back.
Not only is he versatile he is supremely talented. He has all the attributes you need in the modern game. Luiz is the sort of defender that can come out of defence and attack the opposition, as last night’s superbly taken goal proved he can finish as well.
He may be a bit impetuous at times and he showed that side of his game by nearly getting himself sent-off in last night’s clash but his attributes far outweigh his faults. He looks like he could be a superb signing from Ancelotti.
Torres
Chelsea’s record signing Fernando Torres still hasn’t found the net. The £50million man is however starting to look slightly sharper than in his first few appearances. Last night he worked hard and did find the net only for it to be ruled out for an earlier foul.
I don’t think that Chelsea fans should be worrying just yet though. Once he gets settled I’m sure the Spanish international will start finding the net on a regular basis.
Referee
Although Chelsea produced a far better performance in the second half the referee Martin Atkinson had a big say in the second half. The official should have sent Chelsea defender David Luiz off for a challenge on Wayne Rooney, after the Brazilian had already been booked and United were disappointed with Atkinson for awarding Chelsea a spot kick.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson certainly wasn’t pleased with Atkinson’s display but then again he wouldn’t be! The Scot told Sky Sports: “I think that we defended badly on the first goal, that was a bad one to lose, but the penalty kick was so soft,”
Talking about Luiz’s challenge he went on to say: “It’s incredible. Even before that, he’s done Chicharito off the ball, he’s done him late and there’s nothing done and the referee’s in front of it.
“Then he does Rooney, it’s clear as day and he’s six yards from it, but he doesn’t do anything – that changes the game.
“You’re talking about what changed the game in the second half and these decisions changed the game, and he’s going to be refereeing every week.”
Title
Chelsea’s victory last night cut the gap between themselves and United to 12 points. It would be an amazing comeback for the Champions to get back from that sort of point’s margin and win the Premier League title. I really can’t see it happening and I think most Chelsea fans have accepted that fact.
This victory did put the Blues back into those all important Champions League spots though. I doubt Chelsea fans would have seen themselves in this sort of position before the league started. However that is now their most realistic goal.
Crucial
This victory could be a crucial one for the Blues. Chelsea haven’t been in the best of form and the whole club needed a lift. This victory gave them that lift and I fully expect them to go on to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Could Chelsea do the unthinkable and win the Premier League title?
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