CHELSEA 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 8
United's march towards the Premiership title continued today after a
stunning display at Stamford Bridge. The Super-Reds went ahead just before the kick-off when Ryan Giggs' through-ball sent the linesman away down the right flank. His cross was handled on the half-way line by John Terry, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stepped up to slot the ball home for his 65th penalty of the season, after hitting one of the five United substitutes who were holding Carlo Cudicini down in the Chelsea goalmouth. It was no more than Uniteddeserved.
The 15th minute saw the Super Reds go two up after Frank Lampard was
penalised for coughing just outside the area. Juan Veron's free kick hit the back of Desailly's boot and the ball bounced up and landed in thereferee's hands. A quick throw into the top corner of the Chelsea net and it was 2 - 0. It was no more than United deserved.
The 21st minute saw more trouble for Chelsea when Mario Melchiot was
sent-off for enquiring about the referee's United shirt. However, two minutes before the interval Chelsea struck back after an amazing piece of good fortune. The linesman could only parry Eidur Gudjohnsen's shot and Hasselbaink thumped home the rebound. After 10 minutes trying to find a reason to disallow it, the referee grudgingly admitted it had to stand. Hard done by Man United could scarcely believe their bad luck and Alex Ferguson threw down his programme and wouldn't talk to anyone for ten minutes. Fortunately, things settled down again once the referee agreed to award United a consolation goal. So 3-1 at half time and no more than United deserved.
Just after the restart, unsportsmanlike Sam Dalla Bonna was dismissed for making ridiculous claims for a penalty after Nicky Butt had severed Gianfranco Zola's head. The referee missed the incident due to the red scarf flowing in his eyes but replays showed that Butt's use of the chainsaw was clearly unintentional. Ten minutes later Ferguson took off Juan Veron and replaced him with five other players. Wonderful, Wonderful Man United's fourth came shortly after. Emanuelle Petit was caught offside in his own penalty area and Dennis Irwin's free-kick bobbled home after hitting the
underside of the floodlights. The referee claimed the final touch. It was no more than United deserved.
Super-marvel-wonder-Reds' kept the pressure on until the bitter end. In the ninety-eighth minute Albert Ferrer conceded a free kick just outside his own area for blatantly glancing at the referee. Ryan Giggs stepped up and proceeded to curl the ball just wide of the post. Goal no. 5 and no more than United deserved.
United slotted goal number 6 from the penalty spot after Mario Stanic went down with a broken leg. Fortunately Ruud Van Nistelroy was nearby when it happened and he was able to bring the incident to the referee's attention. Unfazed by Stanic's cynical tactics, protruding bone and spraying blood, the referee sent him off for diving and awarded Fabien Bartez the penalty. Bartez smacked the ball over the crossbar but the referee decided that it should count because, based on past records, United rarely missed.
When the final whistle went, Chelsea traipsed off with their heads low, having been taught a lesson in the finer arts of football by what is by far the greatest team the world has ever seen. As the losers hit the showers, a superb flowing movement by United culminated with a fine diving header by Ruud Van Nistelrooy and it was 7-1. However the referee decided it was such a good goal, it should count double. 8-1 then - and no more than United
deserved.