v Man Utd - Postives all around defeat

Almost a month into the 2011/12 season, Chelsea first big test came in the form of defending Champion Man Utd. Chelsea sitting 3rd before kick off visited the undefeated Man Utd who is firing on all cylinders and scoring for fun. A test for young AVB.

The first half started on a frantic pace, it has been expected with Hernandez, Young, Nani all in the starting eleven for United. Its end to end stuff with both team having a fair chance of scoring. Unfortunately for Chelsea, United have the better luck in front of goal and went into half time leading 3-0. It was a flattering scoreline with Chelsea controlling much of the first half, having the better stats of shots on goal and corners. Add to that, the first two of United goals are wrongly awarded due to offside. Harsh scoreline... Unlucky.. Damage limitation for the second half?

A surprise and bold change by the manager for the second half. A correct move i would say, Frank Lampard was nonexistence and clearly struggle with the pace of the game. On came Nic Anelka, pays off immediately. One minute into the second half, a neat ball from Anelka in behind the defenders finished it off neatly by Fernando Torres. The finish of the old FT. Game on! Torres back to his best? We pushed harder after the goal and like the first half, continue controlling the game with few chances should have been put away. In the attempt to get back in the game, we leave ourself expose at the back with United having their fair chance in front of goal and luckily they were much wasteful as we are. Rooney missed a penalty, Torres miss an open goal. The game finished 3-1. Could have been 8-8.

The first lost of the season. Need to bounce back quickly. Not much negativity in the defeat (to most of Chelsea fans). Clearly the result doesn't reflect the game itself. We had most of the possession as well as the corners and shots count. Man United deserved their win for taking their chances. For the second game in a row, Fernando Torres show he's almost there, back at his best. Scoring a good goal with a great finished but shamed all the goods he has done in the game was overshadowed by his miss.