Chelsea Vs Manchester United (2007)

All season this match was billed as a title decider, all season this match had so much significance in the title race. What a pity that the match billing did not come to fruition. Both teams, clearly with an eye on the FA cup final in two weeks, fielded second string sides. Sir Alex, ever the PR genius, fielded a weaker team to "respect the relegation battle" with West Ham in four days. I am sure there must be some truth in that, but how much truth? Thats for another discussion.

Both teams started with nine full internationals. Chelsea had the likes of Makelele, Terry, Cudicini, Essien and Kalou starting. Joe Cole made an appearance after the break, replacing the temperamental John Obi Mikel who nearly took Chris Eagle's leg off just below the knee. Taking a look at the reserve team of Chelsea and comparing it with that of United showed why there are more United supporters than there are chelsea supporters. Human beings are somewhat romanticists to some extent. People just love the notion of giving youngsters a chance, watching them bloom and develop into world beaters. This game rekindled thoughts of watching a young United team tear apart the team from Galatasaray in 1992 during the then European Cup.

Manchester United fielded a team with no less than seven home grown youngsters, with more than half of them not even 21. Although the final scoreline read a drab and dull 0-0, the game was of the highest quality. Watching Chris Eagles and Kieran Lee combining on the right for United, brought back memories of watching a young Gary Neville and David Beckham working on the wing together enroute to the 3-0 demolition of Galatasaray. How apt that Eagles is touted as the new Beckham and Lee is touted as the future replacement for Neville. Even Dong, playing alone upfront against Terry and Essien, showed signs of his quality with deft touches and reasonable hold up play. Up against two world class players, it is a testiment enough that he could hold his own against them, let alone giving them a run for their money.

At the final whistle, Chelsea just shaded it in terms of attacking prowess. United's youth, and inexperience, tired with fifteen minutes remaining on the clock. At the end of the day, this game became nothing more than a curtain raiser for the FA Cup final. Lets hope that the final would live up to its billing and give us an apt finale to what has been an excellent season of English football.