United were held to a stalemate in David Moyes's home Premier League debut against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. The focal point of the starting eleven was Wayne Rooney who featured in the starting line up for the first time against his would be employers. The Reds will be disappointed not to have come away with three points as referee Martin Atkinson failed to award United a penalty following a contentious handball by Frank Lampard in the box.
The match started off with a couple of half chances for either side but neither team was able to capitulate, focusing more on not conceding than pressing men forward. United enjoyed a large spell of possession through out the half creating many opportunities but were unable to penetrate and lacked delivery in the final third. An unusual Chelsea team featuring no clear center forward were on the back foot for the majority of the half attacking only in swift counters that ultimately ended in shots straight to the hands of United keeper David De Gea.
The second half continued with the same starting eleven but was played at a much more lively tempo. The champions continued to create chances and Danny Welbeck twice had the chance to put United ahead in the spell of two minutes but only managed to drag his shot high and wide after he was fed in. The central talking point of the match will be on a questionable call in the 62nd minute as Tom Cleverley's half volley was diverted by the flailing arm of Frank Lampard but referee Martin Atkinson failed to award a penalty. United introduced Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs late into the game and came closest to claiming the win through various chances but ultimately the match ended in a nil-nil draw.
United's number 10 was a livewire throughout the match and seemed immune to talk of his unsettled state at the club. Rooney put in a shift befit of a midfielder pacing back and forth with the enthusiasm of a rejuvenated player. Could have scored with a couple of shots from distance. His run back to trace Ramires in the 75th minute summarized his performance.
No comments:
Post a Comment