The FA Cup 5th round tie between Chelsea and Manchester United took place at the Stamford Bridge home ground of Chelsea. Before kick-off I was asked by a friend; Dipo you have to lose one of your next two games which was this tie against Chelsea or the league match against Liverpool. I did not even mince words. I said I would rather United lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup tie even though it gave the Red Devils an opportunity to win a trophy this season, than lose to Liverpool and give them a chance to win the title. Its rivalry and bad belle is surely allowed. We MOVE!!!
My beloved United Team had been beaten by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League last week Tuesday and they needed a pick me up against Chelsea. Chelsea were however able to bounce back from a 6 nil mauling at the hands of United’s noisy neighbors Man City when they pipped FC Malmo of Sweden 2:1 in a Europa League tie on Thursday night.
United lost Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard in the game against PSG, no thanks to injury so I believed the Chelsea task was going to be a difficult one .
The Red Devils took charge of the game from the blast of the referee’s whistle, bossing the ball about and getting a sniff at goal. Nemanja Matic deserved the yellow card that was issued to him in the 15th minute because Chelsea were about to catch United out with a counter attacking move. I had no issues but what was Ashley Young thinking, getting booked deep in the Chelsea half 6 minutes later? That was unacceptable and brought about some sort of pressure for United.
The Red Devils however didn’t let the early bookings faze them as they took the lead in the 31st minute. Paul Pogba floated a cross into the Chelsea box which was connected to by an on rushing Ander Herrera. Ander ran into the box waving at Pogba to cross to him and that was exactly what the lanky Frenchman did. The Spanish lad’s header gave United a 1 nil lead.
In 33 minutes both sides had 5 shots on goal each with United hitting 4 on target compared to Chelsea’s 2. The half wore on and Chelsea threatened but they were just mere threats. Marcus Rashford bombed down the right side of the field after receiving a pass from Pogba and guess who connected with Rashford’s delivery? Pogba himself. He headed home United’s second.
Half time scores, Chelsea nil United 2. Paul Pogba was leading the line to be named man of the match at this point. I mean he had already weighed in with a an assist and a goal.
The second half was not as interesting as the first from a United point of view, but they held on to the two goal lead defending well and breaking loose at any chance they got.
Chelsea piled the pressure on the Red Devils but there was nothing to show for it.
Game over, United win 2:0 and progress to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. It was a good way to bounce back from the loss to PSG in the Champions League. The victory also puts United on track for a trophy this season.
The Red Devils have taken the scalps of all the big London sides since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer became Interim Manager, beating Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
Manchester United will travel to the Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the quarterfinals. Swansea City will host Manchester City, Watford will welcome Crystal Palace to Vicarage Road while Millwall will entertain Brighton Hove and Albion.
Thanks for your time guys. BLESS
Retelling sports with a goal in mind!!
Great piece lad!
Thanks a lot for reading. BLESS!!!