We Ain't Got No History - Manchester United vs Chelsea: Matchday 35Champions of Europe!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52884/21_SBN_002_We_Aint_Got_No_History_Favicon_32x32..png2013-05-06T21:04:07+01:00http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/rss/stream/40653772013-05-06T21:04:07+01:002013-05-06T21:04:07+01:00Ramires on the counter vs Man United
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Ramires is fundamentally a player who thrives on transitions. His tireless work rate off the ball, his ability to tackle and his explosive speed make him a real threat in counter attacks. This is not new to us. And it is of no particular surprise to find him in the thick of this vital game-winning goal against Manchester United which was built on a quick break from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea's</a> half.</p>
<p>But first, let's back up a bit.</p>
<p>Chelsea played this game with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard">Frank Lampard</a> and Ramires in the double pivot of the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. They took turns going forward from their deep position through out the game and it followed a pattern. When the team was attacking through possession play, Lampard was the one who joined the attack. Ramires went forward mainly on the counters. Here's a look at Oscar's chance from the first half.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587149/oscar_shot.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Oscar_shot_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587149/oscar_shot_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>After intercepting a pass from United, Oscar quickly moved down the right wing and Lampard would find the Brazilian with an uncomplicated pass. Ramires was almost level with Lampard when this attack began but, as you can see in frame 2, he ended up alongside <span>Demba Ba</span> in the box by the time Oscar took a smart shot at United goal.</p>
<p>[<b>Side note</b>: The difference between Ramires and Lampard is not simply that one joins the counter-attack and another doesn't. After all, Lampard has made a name for himself with his forward runs. But while you expect Lampard to make a late run and position himself near the edge of the box, somewhere near Mata and Howard Webb in the picture, Ramires offers himself as an option at the very tip of the attack.]</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587277/Moses_shot.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Moses_shot_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587277/Moses_shot_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>We see Ramires doing the same thing in another chance in the first half. This time, the Brazilian pounced on a slip from <span>Phil Jones</span>* to begin the counter attack. Again, when <span>Juan Mata</span> cut the ball back for <span>Victor Moses</span> to aim for the sky, Ramires had made it into the opposition's box.</p>
<p><i>* I want to laugh at this so bad but I can't. (Damn you, John! You ruined it for us!)</i></p>
<p>Consider that was my super long-winded intro and now let's talk about the build up to the goal, which began with a vital challenge from Ramires. A long ball from Johnny Evans sent the ball into Chelsea's half. After the two sides played a short game of hot potato with the ball, substitute Wayne Rooney was in possession 20 yards out from the Chelsea goal. This was when Ramires picked the England striker's pocket. Like this:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587341/1dw67.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="1dw67_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587341/1dw67_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Rooney believed he was fouled but clearly the striker tripped himself when tangling with Ramires's standing foot and the ball was pretty much in the Brazilian's possession. From here, Lampard would carry the ball forward while Ramires sprint past his midfield partner like a kid chasing an ice cream truck.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587453/Mata_passes.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Mata_passes_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587453/Mata_passes_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>When Mata received the ball from Lampard near the halfway line, the Spaniard quickly tried to release it to Fernando Torres, who had come on for Victor Moses (much to Tony Gale's delight) and played on the flank (much to Tony Gale's disappointment). Mata's pass was intercepted by Johnny Evans, which fits the overall pattern of the game: Chelsea's attack breaking down repeatedly in the final third.</p>
<p>Mata, however, would get another shot when Ryan "We Don't Do That Here" Giggs mis-controlled the ball. With Jones filling in for the out of position Rafael* at right back and tracking Torres, Chelsea had an extra man in midfield: Ramires. Mata lobbed the ball over Giggs, just for fun and because he can, to the unmarked Ramires, and then dashed forward into the box from the left wing. Here was where the vital mistake occurred from United's perspective. There were three United players around Mata at this point but no one tracked his run when the ball left his feet. Jones had Torres to mind; Giggs shifted his attention rightly to Ramires. But neither Rooney nor Antonio Valencia bothered to followed the Chelsea number 10 into the box. <i>Gracias, amigos!</i> </p>
<p><i>* Smile!</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587549/five_vs_four.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Five_vs_four_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2587549/five_vs_four_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>And this is pretty self explanatory. Ramires dribbled toward the United back four, two of whom were occupied by Chelsea strikers. He then made a back-heel pass, because he's Brazilian and Brazilians do back-heel passes, to Oscar, who found Mata salivating and rubbing his little belly on the back post. (Click <a href="http://i.minus.com/izhhcdyDddmVf.gif">here</a> for the GIF of the goal.)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">* * *</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So on a day that Chelsea struggled to find the break through against a lackluster Manchester United, Ramires's physicality, speed and energy play a crucial role in setting up this counter-attacking goal.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/6/4305682/goal-analysis-juan-mata-ramires-man-unitedLamin Oo2013-05-05T20:44:59+01:002013-05-05T20:44:59+01:00Smile! Chelsea beat United at Old Trafford
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>We live in an amazing world, ladies and gentleman. Chelsea beat Manchester United at Old Trafford thanks to a late goal from <span>Juan Mata</span>. A <i>really </i>late goal. It was a must-win game as the Blues look to secure Champions League qualification. The points were claimed in dramatic fashion. And we live in a world in which the story of the match is a <i>smile</i>. Which is a little bit silly.</p>
<p>So let's talk about the match (don't worry, smile-gate will be discussed eventually). The first thing to note is that United have already wrapped up the Premier League, meaning that this match was utterly irrelevant as far as they're concerned. That means we probably don't get many bragging rights over the victory -- it's a bit like beating Usain Bolt in a race while he's taking a nap. Still, in the context of the disappointment that is this Premier League season, it was a vital win, and Chelsea don't really play for bragging rights anyway.</p>
<p>That Sir Alex Ferguson was indifferent to the outcome was obvious from his team selection. His central midfield trio featured <span>Phil Jones</span>, Anderson and <span>Tom Cleverley</span> and by the end of the match could reasonably described as having no central midfielders at all. <span>Michael Carrick</span> and David de Gea didn't play. <span>Patrice Evra</span> started*.</p>
<p><i>*Yeah, I know this happens in real games too. But it shouldn't.</i></p>
<p>Chelsea also had some key absentees. Neither John Obi Mikel nor <span>Eden Hazard</span> made the 18, with the latter ruled out with a tight calf as a precaution for Wednesday's match against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> and Mikel missing because Rafa Benitez has murdered him and has hidden the body in a skip somewhere. Hazard, of course, was the impetus behind the team's stirring comeback against United in the FA Cup, and it was not unreasonable to worry that without him, the Blues might lack a cutting edge.</p>
<p>Which is exactly what happened, although it's unclear whether or not Hazard would have made much of a difference. Because, like we've seen so often this year, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea's</a> problems were at centre forward. Make no mistake -- <span>Demba Ba</span> had a poor match. His runs were good enough, his hold up play was adequate, but his finishing was an utter mess.</p>
<p>Ba should have put us up 1-0 in the third minute. With United's defence half-asleep, Mata slung in a cross from the right and the striker nipped in between Johnny Evans and Nemanja Vidic to... miss. From close range. By quite a lot. A second Mata-inspired chance came and went shortly thereafter. Considering how important the match was, the misses were infuriating.</p>
<p>Oscar showed the Senegalese how things are done with a nice move that warranted a goal. Picking up possession in the United half, the 21-year-old scampered forward, forcing his way into the box and squeezing off a shot that Andres Lindegaard did very well to tip onto the post. Chelsea were well on top by this point, and it felt like a goal was imminent.</p>
<p>But inexplicably, they didn't press the attack. United were allowed to get back into the game, and it was the hosts who shaded the rest of the half. They never got particularly close to scoring, but the likes of <span>Antonio Valencia</span> and <span>Robin van Persie</span> were stretching the Blues defence and there were a few terrifying moments in front of <span>Petr Cech's</span> goal. Chelsea, meanwhile, were playing an odd game that involved Cesar Azpilcueta playing in some terrible crosses and Lindegaard catching them. It wasn't much fun.</p>
<p>It wouldn't be entirely accurate to say that we came out firing in the second half. Although United were pretty well beaten back, Chelsea's attack wasn't clicking and they repeatedly made errors on the final pass. Nobody was immune to it -- Mata, Oscar, Moses, Lampard, Ramires and Ba were all making mistakes -- and with the game still in doubt it was a rather irksome display.</p>
<p>Howard Webb wasn't doing us any favours. He'd already looked the other way in the first half as Evans manhandled Ba, but his non-call when Giggs yanked down <span>David Luiz</span> as the centre back looked to burst into the box was particularly egregious. Alexander Buttner elbowing Azpilicueta in the face was similarly ignored, and the string of minor injustices culminated in David Luiz blowing up at the referee over a wrongly-assigned throw-in*.</p>
<p><i>*It's worth noting that Webb was actually incompetent in Chelsea's favour as well -- he managed to ignore Ramires trying to kick Phil Jones in the head after being fouled, which would have been a straight red card and incredibly problematic.</i></p>
<p>Between that yellow card and the start of the half, both teams had made tactical changes. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a> donned his mask and replaced Moses (although Chelsea stayed in a 4-2-3-1, with Torres on the left), while Ferguson opted to make his fetish for football-without-midfielders a reality by hauling off Tom Cleverley and Anderson for Buttner and <span>Wayne Rooney</span>.</p>
<p>Rooney's introduction would make the difference. His first touch saw him give away possession in his own half, his second wasted a promising United attack. He wasn't tracking back. And eventually, his failure to hold onto the ball led to the game's only goal. Ramires stole the ball off him 30 yards from Cech's goal and burst forward, eventually getting to the edge of the United box and backheeling for Oscar.</p>
<p>With Mata unmarked on the left, the pass was obvious, and Mata was duly found. Unlike most of the other times Chelsea had the ball in good positions, the Special Juan didn't feel the need to complicate things with a clever pass or a trick. He shot, and the ball deflected off Jones, met Lindegaard's fingers, the inside of the post, and finally the back of the net. 87 minutes had elapsed. I screamed a bit. Some people -- possibly including the official stats-keepers -- are calling it a Jones own goal. To them I say do one.</p>
<p>And now we get to the smile incident.</p>
<p>Let's not beat about the bush: Smiles kill. As we all know, the English Civil War was brought about because Charles I smiled too much at the Pope, and after that Oliver Cromwell tried to ban Christmas. Therefore, I think it's pretty clear that smiles are evil, and we should shun any person who indulges them. Or something.</p>
<p>David Luiz is not an easy man to play against. He's far more rough and tumble than he looks; if I had to go up against him and his flailing arms I'd leave the pitch fairly well bruised. And he's also pretty calculating -- he likes to draw players into fouls. He'd already annoyed van Persie to the point that the former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> man shoved a hand in his face, and immediately after the goal Rafael was his target.</p>
<p>Some elbowing/shouldering/general tussling later, David Luiz had possession by the corner flag and Rafael had had enough, giving his compatriot a rather nasty kick in the Achilles right in front of lineswoman Sian Massey. David Luiz went to ground holding his ankle*, and about seven seconds later decided he was perfectly alright and got back up. Webb dismissed Rafael for the kick, and United were down to ten.</p>
<p><i>*Experiment: If you think his reaction was unreasonable, find someone, preferably male and athletic, to kick you quite hard in the achilles tendon. Record your reaction.<br></i></p>
<p>Which would be all well and good if not for the fact that David Luiz had smiled before he got up. To some, he was gloating over Rafael's red card, which is a nonsense because Webb didn't produce one until well after the defender was ambulatory. To others, he was betraying the fact that he was faking being hurt -- I would suggest that those who ascribe to that particular school of thought a) try the experiment above and b) consider that giving away the fact that one is cheating <i>while still playing football</i> would be a totally insane thing to do. <span>Sergio Busquets</span> gave a sly peep. David Luiz grinned like a loon.</p>
<p>But the fact that United fans are screaming bloody murder about it is kind of fun. Schadenfreude is life's truest pleasure, after all.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/5/4302772/chelsea-vs-manchester-united-final-score-match-reportGraham MacAree2013-05-05T17:59:57+01:002013-05-05T17:59:57+01:00Manchester United 0, Chelsea 1: Reaction, ratings
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>An amazing result that leaves Chelsea in fantastic shape in the battle for third and fourth.</p> <p>Phew, what a result, what a result! <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> now three points clear of Spurs in fifth and one point clear of <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> in fourth, who also have played one extra match already. This is a fantastic position for Chelsea and fantastic may be understating things.</p>
<p>A few random thoughts, as I'm still trying to process the last 10 minutes:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Demba Ba</span> could've scored twice in the first six minutes. Oscar then hit the post and <span>Victor Moses</span> skied a clear shot from the top of the box. Chelsea could've been up three in the first 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Mata pulling strings early; Oscar running & working hard. The latter clearly got very tired and drifted out of the match in the second half.</li>
<li>Demba Ba was providing a good target for goal kicks and was fine in a holdup role.</li>
<li>Mellow pace for the most of the first half. United playing without too much pace or verve. Chelsea settling in to match it after a bright start.</li>
<li>United's plan: low crosses into box, Cech's & the defense's kryptonite. But <span>Petr Cech</span> dealt with all of them quite well; <span>David Luiz</span> & Ivanovic showed once again that they are this season's best center back pairing.</li>
<li>First 25 min of the second half more of the same. Neither team really threatened, but then United started ratcheting up the pressure as you knew they would. Chelsea coped well.</li>
<li>We narrowly avoided the end of the world when Juan Mata almost scored a header.</li>
<li>You know if anybody on United acts like David Luiz did on that Rafael tackle / kick / red card, we all collectively lose our shit. But hey, tribalism is cool, right? </li>
<li>Howard Webb final count: 14 fouls vs. 9 fouls, 2 yellow vs. 1 yellow, 1 red vs 0 reds. But Manchester bias, right? Never any calls for Chelsea? All I see is your standard refereeing performance, at times perhaps influenced by the crowd, which is the exact definition of home field advantage. Most importantly, he did NOT call Ramires for a foul when he tackled Rooney. Yes, it was a clean tackle (unless you're Ray Wilkins), but if there was "BIAS," that was an easy call as Rooney sold it well. He also controlled the situation when everybody got a bit five-second-angry.</li>
</ul>
<p><i><b> THERE'S ONLY JUAN MATA! </b></i></p>
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<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VWndoEOKxiThIvPZw3kIfhf-8Li130wYMR-PmvoC11U/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/5/4302292/manchester-united-vs-chelsea-final-score-0-1-initial-reactionDavid Pasztor2013-05-05T16:51:44+01:002013-05-05T16:51:44+01:00Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Second Half Thread
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>We're gonna bounce in a minute.</p> <p>COME ON YOU BLUES!</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/5/4301858/manchester-united-vs-chelsea-second-half-threadDavid Pasztor2013-05-05T15:19:05+01:002013-05-05T15:19:05+01:00Man United vs. Chelsea: Lineups & Game Thread
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>It's not a must win; it's not a can't lose ... but ...</p> <blockquote>
<p>"I promised Arsène Wenger after our game last week that he need not worry, I would pick a team to win."</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><i>-<span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/may/04/alex-ferguson-jose-mourinho-chelsea">The Guardian</a></i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>---</p>
<p><i><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> starting lineup (4-3-3):</b></i><br><span>Anders Lindegaard</span> | <span>Patrice Evra</span>, Nemanja Vidic, <span>Jonny Evans</span>, Rafael | <span>Tom Cleverley</span>, Anderson, <span>Phil Jones</span> | <span>Ryan Giggs</span>, <span>Robin van Persie</span>, <span>Antonio Valencia</span></p>
<p><i>Substitutes from:</i> David De Gea, <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>, Alexander Buttner, <span>Paul Scholes</span>, <span>Shinji Kagawa</span>, <span>Javier Hernandez</span>, <span>Wayne Rooney</span></p>
<p><i><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> starting lineup (4-2-3-1):</b></i><br><span>Petr Cech</span> | <span>Ashley Cole</span>, <span>David Luiz</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110687/branislav-ivanovic">Branislav Ivanovic</a>, <span>Cesar Azpilicueta</span> | <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard">Frank Lampard</a>, Ramires | Oscar, <span>Juan Mata</span>, <span>Victor Moses</span> | <span>Demba Ba</span></p>
<p><i>Substitutes from: </i> <span>Ross Turnbull</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110645/paulo-ferreira">Paulo Ferreira</a>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110210/john-terry">John Terry</a>, Nathan Ake, <span>Yossi Benayoun</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a></p>
<p>---</p>
<p><span>Eden Hazard</span>, MIA. Noooooooooooo... Did look like he picked up a slight knock vs. FC Basel. If true, saving him for Spurs is the right move.</p>
<p>But it's a good thing Interim named all these defenders to the bench. Genius! If Chelsea need goals, they have the dynamic duo of Torres & Hobo to bring on. What could possibly go wrong?</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/5/4301824/manchester-united-vs-chelsea-lineups-game-threadDavid Pasztor2013-05-05T09:34:13+01:002013-05-05T09:34:13+01:00A view from the enemy - Part II: More MUFC fans!
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Ahead of today's game at Old Trafford, I spoke to my good friends Alex and Gerry about all things Chelsea. </p> <p><b>How does it feel to be Champions?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: A fantastic feeling, a just reward for the players especially the ones who've won it for the first time, more so for Van Persie who has been absolutely superb for the majority of the season. Although there wasn't much of a fight from Chelsea or City there were still some absolutely spectacular performances e.g. City away.<br><b>Gerry</b>: It feels great to be Champions. It's even better when you remember that it's just building on our lead over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>.</p>
<p><b>How would you feel if Benitez took over from <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span>?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: It would never happen. If it did quite simply the fans would jeer him just as much if not a lot worse than Chelsea fans do already! There would be major uproar.<br><b>Gerry</b>: I would be very annoyed. He seems to care more about his CV than the clubs he manages, that's certainly the case right now.</p>
<p><b>What do you make of Chelsea fans treatment of Benitez?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: Undeserved on his own behalf. However, I can totally understand their frustrations at the sacking and treatment over Robbie Di Matteo. However, they should get behind the team and urge them on and to get through this tough campaign and build for next season.<br><b>Gerry</b>: Chelsea fans were always going to be harsh on Rafa considering his past comments about Chelsea, on top of that he replaced fan favourite Di Matteo, recipe for disaster.</p>
<p><b>Do you feel sorry for Torres or do you enjoy watching him suffer in a Chelsea shirt?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: Obviously as a United fan I found it quite amusing to watch Torres' performances. However, I have to admit it is such a shame not only for himself & Chelsea fans but also the Premier League itself, that we're no longer treated to wonderful performances and goals from a man who was once dubbed one of the best strikers in the world.<br><b>Gerry</b>: At first I found it quite funny but now I'm not fussed about Torres, he's a terrible player and Chelsea should ditch him as soon as possible.</p>
<p><b>If you could have one or two players from Chelsea, who would you take?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: At the start of the season I would have said Cech, but De Gea seems to have matured a lot this season and his performances have come and on leaps and bounds. I would have to say Mata and Lampard, yes Lampard! Firstly, Mata for obvious reasons, he his technically brilliant and is always a threat going forward and United lack that sort of player at the moment. Secondly, Lampard, yes I know many of you will raise eyebrows at this selection but the fact of the matter is, United have lacked a goal scoring central midfielder for years now and Lampard is exactly that. He will always get you a goal and even at the age of 34 he is still such a clever and influential player on the field and if I were Fergie I'd definitely be giving his agent a few phone calls.<br><b>Gerry</b>: Mata because he's the best attacking midfielder in the Premiership and Ramires as i think he would form a good partnership with Carrick, their two contrasting styles would compliment each other.</p>
<p><b>What do you think of Chelsea in general as a club?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: As a club, historically they haven't got a huge trophy cabinet but I suppose in this day and age although they have spent an absolute fortune on not only players but managers too you cannot question their credentials and honours they have won in the past few years. However, even as a United fan it is utterly infuriating to watch their treatment of managers it is honestly like a soap opera from time to time. Too many knee jerk decisions don't help, managers need time and stability to put their stamp on things in and around a club. Chelsea and especially Roman Abramovich don't give that and this is why for example this season things haven't gone right for them.<br><b>Gerry</b>: They've been a successful club in recent years and are slowly becoming a big club but who wouldn't with Romans millions?</p>
<p><b>Who should be to blame for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea's</a> poor season?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: The players in my eyes. Yes Rafa has had some pretty shocking results at Chelsea since he's been there e.g. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> game at home when they were 2 up and threw it away but he's also had some good ones, coming from 2 down away at United to go on and reach the semi's of the fa cup. However, on the field you have to look at the players in my eyes, <span>Demba Ba</span> hasn't put in the sort of performances he showed at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> in my eyes and also Hazard. Many will raise eyebrows at this but he went missing for half the season after a brilliant start and drifted in and out matches. Too many lack lusture performances and sloppy defending has cost them.<br><b>Gerry</b>: Whoever made the decision to loan out Lukaku and sell Sturridge whilst the club persisted with hopeless Torres up top.</p>
<p><b>Can we expect to see a full strength United XI on the weekend even though the league has already been won?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: I think so yes. Fergie will want a win and bragging rights over his old foe Benitez! I fully expect RVP to be there up top but I think we could see Hernandez and Cleverley drafted in to the starting 11 to freshen a few things up and because of Hernandez's spectacular goal scoring record against Chelsea and Cleverley's energy and work rate in the middle of the park.<br><b>Gerry</b>: I think so. Man Utd versus Chelsea is always a big game and a game we always want to win. It wouldn't surprise me if there were a few youngsters on the bench though.</p>
<p><b>Can you see Chelsea challenging for the title next season?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: It totally depends on the manager in my opinion. They need to secure champions league football for next season first which is an absolute must and then act quickly, whilst making the right decision on their next manager. Which, unfortunately I feel will be Mourinho! Then, if they do this I feel they can get on with the rebuilding and strengthening of the squad. Which is in desperate need of a striker in my opinion, which could and probably will be Falcao who would be an absolute outrageous signing and someone who could really lift spirits and the confidence around the club again and bring back the goals up top they have been missing.<br><b>Gerry</b>: Yes. Roman will spend big of course and if they get Jose back then he's good enough to get Chelsea competitive in all competitions again. <br><br><b>And finally, how do you see the game going and what will the score be?</b></p>
<p><b>Alex</b>: I feel it will be an entertaining game with lots of goals. Both teams will quite simply go for it, as United are at home and will just go for it as they've nothing left to play for and Chelsea because quite simply they need to win as they chase a Champions League spot. I'm going for a high scoring game but United to just edge it 3-2!<br><b>Gerry</b>: It will be an open game and I can see it finishing 2-2.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/5/4301400/a-view-from-the-enemy-part-ii-we-talk-to-more-manchester-united-fansAidan Sweeney2013-05-05T02:38:43+01:002013-05-05T02:38:43+01:00Manchester United vs Chelsea: Matchday 35 Preview
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<figcaption>Scott Heavey</figcaption>
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<p>This one means far more for the Blues than it does for the champs, especially after both Tottenham and Arsenal earned 1-0 victories on Saturday</p> <p>Chelsea will head to Manchester for the 5th and final meeting of the season on Sunday between the Blues and the newly-crowned Premier League champions. The game will have significantly more meaning for Chelsea than any of the previous 4, while meaning significantly less for United than any of the previous meetings.</p>
<p>After drawing with <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> last weekend, United now have no chance of breaking <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> single season points record during the 2012/13 campaign. While Alex Ferguson has assured his buddy Arsene that he'll be playing to win against Chelsea, there are certainly questions about just how motivated his players will be while simply playing out the last 3 meaningless fixtures of a long season.</p>
<p>Chelsea, on the other hand, have everything still to play for. While this game is not a "must win" due to the fact that Chelsea have 3 points to play with, taking the maximum points on Sunday will mean Tottenham and Arsenal still need Chelsea to drop points to 1 of <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Aston Villa</a> or <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a> in order for both to qualify for the Champions League. Any dropped points on Sunday would mean Chelsea (likely) need to win all of their last 3 fixtures in order to return to the Champions League next season.</p>
<p><b>Chelsea team news and predicted lineup</b></p>
<p>Health-wise, Chelsea are actually in very good shape. <span>Oriol Romeu</span> remains out for the season, and <span>John Obi Mikel</span> has been dealing with a minor hip injury. It sounds as if Mikel will likely be available for selection, meaning that Rafa Benitez will be able to select a full strength lineup.</p>
<p>With that in mind, here's the 4-2-3-1 lineup that I'd expect to see Rafa Benitez name on Sunday:</p>
<p><span>Petr Cech</span>, <span>Cesar Azpilicueta</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110687/branislav-ivanovic" class="sbn-auto-link">Branislav Ivanovic</a>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, <span>Ashley Cole</span>, <span>David Luiz</span>, Ramires, <span>Eden Hazard</span>, <span>Juan Mata</span>, Oscar, <span>Demba Ba</span></p>
<p><b><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> team news and predicted lineup</b></p>
<p><span>Darren Fletcher</span> is out for the remainder of the season, and definitely won't be involved. <span>Paul Scholes</span>, <span>Ashley Young</span>, <span>Danny Welbeck</span>, and Nemanja Vidic are all nursing more minor injuries, but in a meaningless contest, I'd be surprised to see any off them put at risk.</p>
<p>Alex Ferguson's lineups are far more difficult to predict than interim's, but here's my best guess:</p>
<p>David de Gea, Rafael, <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>, <span>Jonny Evans</span>, <span>Patrice Evra</span>, <span>Phil Jones</span>, <span>Michael Carrick</span>, <span>Antonio Valencia</span>, <span>Shinji Kagawa</span>, Nani, <span>Javier Hernandez</span></p>
<p><b>Date/time</b></p>
<p>Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 16:00 BST</p>
<p><b>Venue</b></p>
<p>Old Trafford, Manchester, England</p>
<p><b>Referee</b></p>
<p>Howard Webb</p>
<p><b>Weather</b></p>
<p>The Sunday forecast for Manchester can be found <a target="_blank" href="http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Old+Trafford+(Manchester)+UKOL0028:1:UK">here</a></p>
<p><b>Previous meetings this season</b></p>
<p>Chelsea 1 - Manchester United 0 (April 1, 2013)</p>
<p>Manchester United 2 - Chelsea 2 (March 10, 2013)</p>
<p>Chelsea 5 - Manchester United 4 (October 31, 2012)</p>
<p>Chelsea 2 - Manchester United 3 (October 28, 2012)</p>
<p><b>Television coverage</b></p>
<p>Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Soccer Deportes (USA)</p>
<p>Sky Go, Sky Sports 3D, Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)</p>
<p>ESPN HD India, Star Sports India (India)</p>
<p>Sporting 2 (Belgium)</p>
<p>Other locations can be found <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/465359/manchester-united-vs-chelsea/">here</a></p>
<p><b>Streamed live on Fox Soccer 2 Go?</b></p>
<p>No. Why would Fox feel that Americans paying for their service might possibly want the ability to see this game live? After all, the customer is always wrong.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/5/4301228/chelsea-manchester-united-premier-league-preview-television-streaming-lineups-weather-refereeStephen Schmidt2013-05-04T10:29:25+01:002013-05-04T10:29:25+01:00Opposition Scouting Report: Manchester United
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt</figcaption>
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<p>A look ahead to what Chelsea can expect from Manchester United</p> <p><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> wrapped up the Premier League title with five games to spare, which seemed like good news for <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> and Chelsea, their next two opponents. It's difficult to ignore the fact that the champions have nothing to play for in this fixture - and after last week's draw, they can't even aim for the record points tally set by <span>Jose Mourinho's</span> Chelsea. Therefore, the home side's motivation is the first key consideration for this clash, which in turn will impact upon Sir Alex Ferguson's starting team. Predicting United's starting eleven is always difficult but even more so in these circumstances.</p>
<p>Still, it seems likely that Robin Van Persie will partner <span>Wayne Rooney</span> up front. The latter plays a deeper role and links the midfield to the attack with long-range passes, particularly looking to switch the ball to the right flank. He has a good understanding with <span>Antonio Valencia</span> but the Ecuadorian, along with Nani and <span>Ashley Young</span>, have struggled for form this season - and although Nani started last Sunday, he was largely anonymous.</p>
<p>Therefore, Ferguson might be tempted to start <span>Danny Welbeck</span> on that flank. The young striker has struggled for goals this season but his manager has acknowledged that might be in part linked to his constant positional switches. "Maybe he doesn't appreciate us moving him around in various positions and we've maybe overused that because he is young," <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/may/02/danny-welbeck-manchester-united-goals">Ferguson said yesterday</a>.</p>
<p>A key feature of Chelsea v Manchester United clashes in recent years has been Ferguson's particular focus on pinning back the forward runs of <span>Ashley Cole</span>, and with Welbeck proving useful in an advanced man-marking role against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso" class="sbn-auto-link">Xabi Alonso</a> earlier this season, the Scotsman might be tempted to select Welbeck on the right.</p>
<p>That would free up the aforementioned combination of Van Persie and Rooney to play through the middle, although <span>Javier Hernandez</span> has caused problems in the past with his pace in behind, and has six goals in his past eight appearances against Chelsea.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, in the centre of midfield, Player of the Year nominee <span>Michael Carrick</span> is a sure starter. The Englishman is an interesting player, primarily because the public opinion on him is largely split between lavish praise and damning criticism. The truth is probably somewhere in between. He's a solid, dependable midfielder whose intelligent distribution helps set the tempo of United's passing game, but his limitations - in a defensive sense, he lacks physicality - are probably too great for a club of United's ambition.</p>
<p>It is unclear who will partner him. If the previous fixture between these two sides, the FA Cup quarter-final replay, is any indication, <span>Phil Jones</span> will play a defensive midfield role, restricting the space in between the lines for <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> creative trio. Using that game again as a yardstick, that would mean <span>Tom Cleverley</span> would feature on the left in a narrow wide midfield role, helping to congest the centre of the park, where <span>Juan Mata</span> likes to operate.</p>
<p><span>Shinji Kagawa</span> is also an option in that wide left position - he likes to come inside quickly into central playmaking positions, trying to slide through balls in behind the defence for Van Persie to chase. <span>Ryan Giggs</span> could also start, either on the left or in a central position, and is a more creative, technical option for Ferguson to consider.</p>
<p>In defence, Ferguson can choose a pairing from any of <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>, Nemanja Vidic, <span>Chris Smalling</span>, <span>Jonny Evans</span> or even Phil Jones - all would be comfortable competing with <span>Demba Ba</span> in a physical battle. With Chelsea's defensive shape tending to concede time on the ball to the opposition central defenders, Ferguson might opt for Ferdinand: the Englishman has had a good season and is the most comfortable technically of United's defenders, able to bring the ball forward and play accurate passes towards the attackers, as he has done so on numerous occasions for Van Persie, whose movement off the shoulder is highly intelligent.</p>
<p><span>Patrice Evra</span> and Rafael will play left and right back respectively, and one will be responsible for tracking the movement of <span>Eden Hazard</span>, depending on which flank the Belgian starts on. The tendency is for Benitez to field Oscar on the right, but the Chelsea manager might be encouraged by the poor display from Evra in last week's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, where <span>Theo Walcott</span> simply blazed past the Frenchman to score the opening goal.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/5/4/4299414/opposition-scouting-report-manchester-unitedTim Palmer