The Super Sunday finale yesterday afternoon was between Chelsea and Manchester United – a tie that we have been so used to seeing have a result at the top of the table. But with United struggling at present there was only one outcome, and the Blues took a 3-1 win over the current champions. Here are five things we learned from the fixture.
1) Chelsea are real contenders
It is now 15 wins out of 22 in the Premier League for Chelsea this season and they are still only two points behind leaders Arsenal. The west London side are just waiting for the Gunners to slip up as they plug away nicely – they have won five games on the spin.
2) Miracle needed for Moyes
It was a case of desperation in the away end though as the Red Devils slip further behind the title challengers. United are now wedged in seventh and 14 points behind Arsenal, while just one point above Newcastle. A miracle is needed if they are to retain the title.
3) Chelsea solid at home
We knew they would be tough to break down at Stamford Bridge – they were previously unbeaten in 70 games on their own patch under Mourinho, but they put in a real dogged performance. In the 90 minutes, Chelsea made 52 clearances, 20 more than United did.
4) United working hard in the middle
Despite the lack of a real game changer in the middle of the park, United endure that they weren’t completely flattened by making 17 interceptions and getting the better of Chelsea in the air. They also attempted, and won, more tackles than the hosts.
5) Chelsea act as sponge
Chelsea let United attack them before hitting them on the break yesterday, and it worked brilliantly. The home side completed just 78% of their 335 passes, while United were successful with 84% of their 419.