Manchester United’s game with Chelsea on Sunday which ended in dramatic circumstances after Robin Van Persie scored an injury time equalizer cancelling out Drogba’s opener, gave certain insights on Louis Van Gaal’s project and here are five (5) things I learnt after the match from a united perspective;
Fellaini proving his doubters and critics wrong
What a week it has been for Marouane Fellaini. The much maligned Belgian, which seem to have reached its nadir when the west Bromwich Albion official Twitter handle poked fun at him before he came in as a sub in that game, was arguably United’s best player in this game. He virtually had Cesc Fabregas in his pocket during the entire game as he restricted Fabregas and Spain international did not have the influence that he would have wished for. This was especially evident in the first half with the Spaniard completing just one pass into Man United‘s final third in the first half and having completed only 67% of the passes he attempted. It was his aerial threat that led to the equalizer as his header was pushed out by Courtois for Van Persie to rifle home. For a player who symbolized everything disastrous about Moyes’s disastrous reign, it is refreshing for united fans to see that he is actually coming good or has the potential to stake a claim to this team.
United’s Set piece Vulnerability
Man United’s inability to effectively deal with or defend set pieces came back to haunt them. For starters it was mystifying that Raphael, one of the shortest men on the field was the one assigned to mark Drogba .This was a no contest and the Ivorian proved it by getting his head to the corner kick at the near post which in any case should have being kept out by Van Persie, whose attempted clearance was poor to say the least (even though he did redeem himself later) This is not the first time United has conceded from poorly defending a set piece. The defence needs to do a better job in that department as it has cost United some vital points in the past, against Sunderland earlier in the season being a prime example. This is an area that the defensive coach at united needs to sort out to prevent us conceding needless goals.
United of old is back (Louis time)
The fighting spirit, grit determination and never say die attitude which led to numerous comebacks under Fergie’s reign but which seemed to have withered away under Moyes is gradually returning. Recent performances where we fought to the death contrasts sharply with those under Moyes where the team went out with a wimp when faced with defeat. It goes to show the belief and confidence Van Gaal has instilled in the team. It must be noted that this was the first time united had scored a goal in stoppage time since Van Persie’s goal against Manchester City in the 3-2 derby win of December 2012.
Best team performance so far
Even though there are united clearly has to improve its play, yesterdays performance was our best team performance. Although united’s chief “galactico”, Di Maria did not have a particular good day the team as a whole played well. United’s defence which is a work in progress did better than in previous matches even though Rojo is still yet to convince that he is a proper centre back and Smalling , unlike Jones seem to panic anytime he is put under pressure. Fellaini as earlier stated is starting to show his Everton form. De Gea once again made some outstanding saves especially the one he made when faced one on one with Hazard. This team performance was a marked improvement on previous performances bar the pre season performances and as an optimistic fan, surely the only way the club can move is on the up.
United Can Still Compete with EPL’s Best
The match was billed as a litmus test for Van Gaal’s men went a long way to prove that Man United can still compete with England’s best and qualify for champion’s league next year. Although Chelsea controlled the game for large periods especially after netting the opener, the fact that they were not able to kill the game off by grabbing a second goal, proved that United are not a million miles away from the top two and with a stable defence can match Chelsea and Man City for boot for boot. I daresay that had Rooney being eligible to play and Falcao also fit to play, United might have won the match.
There are clearly good signs for Van Gaal and his men to improve upon and this weekend’s derby against old foes, Manchester City could not have come at a much better time.
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Source: DSG
