Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United: Red Devils Regain Fighting Spirit in Comeback

It is a classic United scenario, where after a poor start to the match and deep into the second half, the Red Devils find themselves behind and their title challenge at stake. Ferguson, red as his team's jersey glares at his players, the dissatisfaction clear on his face. The crowd groan, with every wasted chance, every blunder in the Red Devil's game evoking cries of frustration. Yet, the team don't give up. In fact, it is as if all these factors spur on United to not give up, and to keep on trying. Ferguson checks his watch, makes a couple substitutions, all while his team continues to push forward, attacking the opponents. With grit determination, United's drive somehow, in someway, produces a stunning comeback and their match, their season, their title challenge is saved. This was exactly what happened yesterday at Stamford Bridge. 

Not always the most entertaining of fixtures in the Premier League season, Chelsea vs United often fails to live up to the hype of a clash of the titans, no hold's barred match. The rivalry usually fizzles, be it at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge, into a dull, boring, tactical battle with both teams playing it safe, thus producing a 0-0 or 1-0 result. The first half of the game lived up to previous encounters between the two sides and a fairly ordinary first 45 minutes ensued. United looked the most likely to create chances with Rooney and Welbeck forming a strong partnership upfront, and the Red Devils had two early penalty shouts turned down by Howard Webb. But it was the home side that would have the advantage at half-time, with a Daniel Sturridge run resulting in a freak goal for the Blues after it came off Jonny Evans' leg.

Refreshed, the Blues capitalized on their one goal advantage after the break, with Fernando Torres, who is quite possibly the most depressed footballer on the planet at the moment, sending in an absolutely majestic cross for his Spanish compatriot, Mata to volley in spectacular fashion past De Gea.

It was a superb goal and United's defense shook with confusion as Chelsea attacked. Five minutes later, another one went in, with Mata's swerving ball meeting the head of David Luiz who made it 3-0. United fans groaned, another humiliating result seemed inevitable.

Ferguson soon replaced Ashley Young, straight back from injury and looking so, with Hernandez with the pacy Welbeck moved out wide. The troops rallied and alas, the comeback had begun.

Soon, Evra, on the back of recent controversy with Suarez, was fouled in the Chelsea box by Sturridge, giving Howard Webb no choice but to award the penalty. Rooney stepped up confidently and slammed the ball into the top corner. 3-1, two more to go.

Scholes was soon brought in and United's midfield regained control over a tiring Chelsea squad with the veterans passing sending Essien & co. in circles. Ferguson's gamble on his ginger ninja looked to continue to pay off with Scholes creating a marvelous piece of play that saw Rooney slam the ball against Peter Cech. The Blues dropped deeper and, dazzled and confused, looked unable to deal with United.

Their shakiness was exemplified when, they soon gave away another penalty, Ivanovic just catching the leg of Welbeck. Rooney stepped up, sent Cech the wrong way and knocked in United's second goal.

It was now that everything began to work perfectly for United. Spearheaded by an extremely confident and persevering Rooney, their attack launched an on-slaught on Cech's goal. Welbeck, Hernandez continued to use their pace as they pressured the Chelsea goal. United's midfield, lacking a critical play maker over the last few months, was fuelled by Giggs and Scholes, whom together continued to dominate play and fuel United's high octane attack.

There was no surprise when the goal finally, finally came though. It was almost as if Chelsea's defence too was resigned to the fact that it was going to happen, as they looked absolutely jaded. After some great combination play by United's endeavoring attack, Giggs crossed in for Hernandez who headed the ball into the back of the Chelsea net. 3-3, the comeback was complete.

But there was more to come from the Blues, with the home side pressuring the United goal right at the death. But up stepped De Gea, who being the subject of much criticism over the past couple months, once again showed United fans why he is worth 18 million with an absolutely fantastic save from Mata's free kick.

Although the match will still count as two points dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the title race, it was United's relentless stunning fightback that will now give them the psychological edge. It had been a turbulent couple of months at Old Trafford with a mounting injury list, but now United can lift their heads up high and say that they still are the same resilient comeback kings. About time too, as next week a derby match against Liverpool beckons.

-Christopher Tan

Revision #3 by Christopher Tan