As my friend described the match, he said...Chelsea won by an elbow. I believe so, the 2nd goal by lampard was catalyzed by the elbow event on Evra, which started the counter attack by Drogba, and ended in 2-1 score. United fought well till the end, with Rooney scored the equalizer at injury time. But, nevertheless, Chelsea won the penalty shoot-out with Cech in great form. Lesson learned, never miss on the 1st penalty (remember the Everton penalty shoot out?). In the end, Ancelotti can taste his first English competitive match victory, welcome !!!
United's starting linea up was quite predictable, with the new signings were sitting at the bench, which is not surprising, since Fergie wants to put the experienced starters. With O'Shea on the right, Evra left, and Rio with Evans as the center back, and Nani as the left winger and Park on the opposite side, combined with Carrick and Fletcher as midfielders. In front, Rooney and Berba led the attack.
On 1st half, I think this formation was working well, with Park occassionally played as striker, and Berba fell back to 2nd striker. Rooney, on the other hand, didn't have something special, well, at least until the injury time goal, where he finally can free from the tight marking. Fletch also did a great job to silence Lampard on the first half (realized that we missed him so much at Rome). Nani showed that he also got quality and he proved it with a goal and couple of good runnings.
But, on the other hand, the weakest link was Foster. I remember when he made the blunder in KL, and suddenly the same thing happened again, although the mistake was not as foolish as I mentioned before. But, I think he's out of focus, and sometimes showed uncertainty in making choices. The 1st goal by Chelsea mostly caused by the Foster, where he didn't strongly punch the ball out, and left Carvalho with a free header. He often made poor clearances and simple back pass. But, I guess the presence of Drogba added another element.
Yes, I believe Drogba has come back to 100% fitness. His presence and movements is really dangerous, and he's strong as a bull. I don't think Rio and Evans can do much againts him (we need Vidic!), and sometimes Fletch or Carrick has to go back to mark him. Ancelotti's diamond formation didn't work so well in the 1st half, I guess, since United could pick some holes in the defence, and with Lampard and Anelka didn't do well.
The match was quite even until Ballack came into the field, and started to mock around the midfield. The incident with Evra was controversial, and the counter attack was nicely done, although Foster managed to get a hand on the ball, but Lampard's power was too overwhelmed.
Valencia didn't have much to show, while Ferge surprisingly put another 4 subtitutes (Owen, Fabio, Scholes, and Giggs). Owen didn't have much chances, Fabio created good running from the right, with Giggs provide the assist for the Rooney's goal.
Oh well, in the end, it was a good match, and remember it's still pre-season, and these teams show a tremendous quality, as if they are fighting for 3 points. Love the enthusiasm. Can't wait for the new season starts !!!
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