A big match for both but was probably bigger for Chelsea as they knew anything but victory for them would mean there title hopes would be over for this season. Chelsea rise to the occasion and got the result they wanted as Lampard scored a penalty near the end to give Chelsea the 3 points.
This was not before Rooney had put Man U into the lead with an wonder strike from outside the box before Luiz got the equalizer before Lampard's controversial penalty gave Chelsea the 3 points. But this game was an real treat as it was an end to end exciting match where both teams had chances to score and it showed the premiership in all its glory.
Chelsea started the game off strongly as Malouda and Anelka had shots at van der Sar early on. Torres (who was keeping Drogba on the bench) was keeping the Man U defense busy. Then Man U started to get into this match Hernandez and Rooney were linking up together well and Rooney had there first shot which went just wide.
Rooney reception wasnt the best as he got booed when ever he got the ball. The only time when the Chelsea were silent when he was on the ball was when he scored an screamer of an goal from the edge of the box which Cech had no chance in saving.
Man U started to dominate position and were controlling the middle of the park without creating any chances they looked comfortable. But Lampard was looking dangerous for Chelsea from set pieces as he had a near the end of the first half which he made Van der Sar made an top save and his reactions were quick afterwards as he punched away Ivanovic attempt to knock in the ball from his save.
The second half- Chelsea came out fast as they did at the start of the first half. But this time they came away with an goal as a cross from Essien was which allowed Luiz to connect and hit a low volley which Van Der Sar could do nothing about and Chelsea were back level.
With both teams knowing how big a victory is for them they both went for attacking substitutes. Chelsea brought on Drogba and Zhirkov on for Anelka and Malouda and brought on Berbatov and the record breaking ever green Giggs, for his 606th appearance to equal Sir Bobby Charlton record of appearances for Man U, for Hernandez and Scholes.
The outstanding player for was the new signing Luiz. He was a dangerous player in opposition defense and is a really solid defender but he might have been a little lucky as he mistimed an tackle on Rooney at that time he was already on a yellow card. But the most controversial moment happened when Zhirkov and Smalling came together in the box and Smalling was seen by the ref to have fouled Zhirkov. Despite protests Lampard does what he does best and that is scoring goals. The penalty was take convincingly and Van der Sar had no chance.
Man U day was made bad to worse as Vidic was sent off in the dying seconds of the match. He pulled back Ramires and he was given his second yellow and will miss the match against Liverpool at the weekend.
What this does to the table is Chelsea move up to 4th place as they leap ahead of Spurs. They are still 12 points behind the leaders and most people feel they are still rank outsiders. They have a game in hand over Man U. Man U stay 4 points ahead of Arsenal put they have played one more game. They have a big match at Anfield next which they will prob need a result otherwise we could see Arsenal leap ahead of Man U soon. This Premier League is really hotting up and will be the most fascinating last 10-11 games for all teams as everyone is fighting for some position still at this late stage of this race.
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