Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Five thoughts

1. Our successful system was disrupted thanks to so many injuries

With Blind, Jones, Rojo and Carrick all out injured for a game which was always going to  be challenging, United had to reshuffle - bringing in players who have spent large periods of the season on the bench (and therefore have been out-of-the-loop in terms of their involvement in United's  recent revival), while playing some key players out of position (see 'Falcao and Rooney' below).



In what has been a truly fantastic run of form for United we maintained our game-plan of keeping incredibly high levels of possession (71% at Stamford Bridge? How many other teams have achieved that in recent years??) however with the absence of so many key players - Carrick's influence in midfield being felt most strongly - our effectiveness in front of goal was almost entirely absent (only two shots on target out of 15 attempts). Our football at times was decent and we definitely deserved a draw given the number of attacks we created, however we definitely appeared to play with a different rhythm to how we did against City. Whether that was due to the injuries or Chelsea's tactics, preventing the likes of Young and Fellaini from being their usual, menacing selves - either way, our fluid football and awesome attacking play was rarely seen in a disappointing, frustrating afternoon.

2. Falcao and Rooney

A rare start for the Falcao who's presence in the starting XI forced Wayne Rooney into his un-fancied role in midfield. Unfortunately, it was a largely unforgettable day for both players.



Falcao, who was dispossessed by Terry in the build-up to their goal (the debate continues as to whether we should have awarded a free-kick for the challenge), was generally weak on the ball and ineffective in front of goal. Rooney was certainly more effective on the day as his work-rate and energy, forcing the play forward while helping out the defense whenever necessary, were excellent - however he wasn't able to control the game anywhere near as much as he did against City. Gary Neville discussed his understated yet highly effective performance up front in the 4-2 win, creating pocket's of space for his teammates to run into and create chances, however in order to have the same sort of success against Chelsea, he either needed to maintain this role in a deeper position, or pass that duty onto Falcao. Neither happened.

3. Luke Shaw

The forced change that I don't feel we suffered from at all was Luke Shaw replacing the injured Blind at left back. This was definitely Shaw's best performance for United, especially coming forward (both on the wing and cutting inside). He linked up brilliantly with Young at times and did a good job of keeping Oscar and Drogba quiet. A very promising sign that he hasn't had a completely wasted first season at United.





4. Van Persie



Losing the game 1-0 and with one final substitution left to make the manager opted against bringing on another striker in van Persie, instead replacing Shaw with Blackett in defense. Perhaps we shouldn't read to much into this decision, given that he's only just returned to the squad after a spell out injured, however is this perhaps a clear sign of LVG's feelings towards van Persie? After a series of injuries, and with a new system firmly established that doesn't appear to have any room for van Persie, has his time at United come to an end? With news emerging of United showing serious interest in another Dutchman, it could appear so.

5. Is a third place finish still a possibility?

Of course it is. Silly question, really. However the points-gap between us and City has now closed to only one thanks to their win against West Ham and all of a sudden, from feeling supremely confident this time last week, squeeky bum time is truly in full effect.



The trip to Stamford Bridge was undoubtedly the toughest game of our run in, but with trips to Everton and a game against the inform Arsenal still to come - while City have a relatively easy run-in - I'm a little concerned that we still have some more points to drop. The best thing we can hope for is a swift return to the side for Carrick leading to normal service being resumed.