Even for a side with Manchester United’s powers of recovery, this was a remarkable demonstration of the competitive spirit and togetherness that makes them such formidable champions. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team were three behind after 50 minutes and facing the prospect of a chastening defeat before another feat of escapology from a side that have made these kind of comebacks their speciality over the years.
It was a remarkable game in which dubious refereeing and questionable defending both played a part, and each side could reflect that they had enough chances to win. The lingering memory, however, will be of United’s response to finding themselves staring at the possibility of defeat.
The game had seemed to lurch away from them at the start of the second half when Juan Mata lashed in a brilliant volley and David Luiz’s header took a decisive flick off Rio Ferdinand’s shoulder. Jonny Evan’s own goal, deflecting Daniel Sturridge’s cross past David de Gea, had given Chelsea a first-half advantage and, at 3-0, André Villas-Boas could probably have been forgiven for thinking his side had built an unassailable lead.
Instead, what followed was a display of remarkable character from Ferguson’s team. They replied with two goals in the space of ten minutes, both penalties from Wayne Rooney, to leave themselves with 22 minutes of normal time to salvage an equaliser. It came from the head of the substitute, Javier Hernández, in the 83rd minute and, from that point, United might actually feel disappointed they could not go on to complete the job.
Chelsea, too, had their chances, denied a late winner by two brilliant saves from De Gea on a day when Villas-Boas also felt the referee, Howard Webb, had been generous with both penalties. He had a point, although an incensed Ferguson could also argue that Gary Cahill could have been sent off for an early challenge on Danny Welbeck.
Premier League 2011-12ChelseaManchester UnitedPremier LeagueDaniel Taylor
guardian.co.uk
