Chelsea-Manchester United: Michael Ballack and Co. "Steal" All Three Points

In a pulsating, and unfortunately, controversial match at Stamford Bridge yesterday, Chelsea snatched all three points as they ran out 2-1 winners.  The Blues took the lead at the end of the first half courtesy of a Michael Ballack header.  But a costly back pass by Ricardo Carvalho allowed Wayne Rooney to draw United level.  Despite both teams having chances to grab the vital winning goal, it appeared like the match was destined for a draw. 

But that’s when it happened.  That’s when a linesman possibly changed the destiny of the Premier League crown.  That’s when the referee decided to give Chelsea a penalty for a supposed hand ball by Michael Carrick.  And that’s when Michael Ballack converted the spot kick and blew the title race wide open. 

Despite creating very little in the first half, Manchester United can count themselves very unlucky for not being able to come away from Stamford Bridge with at least a point.  There’s no denying United will have felt robbed.  The title is still in their destiny, but Sir Alex’s troops will have to win both of their remaining games to ensure they finish the season as champions. 

Immediately following the final whistle, Owen Hargreaves threw the ball against the turf right in front of the linesman who awarded Chelsea the penalty.  Anyone associated with United probably shared his frustration.

Manchester United may still be in control of the title race, but the race to the finish will be nowhere near as comfortable as they had hoped.  It’s time for the reigning champions to show not only why they are champions in the first place, but that they deserve to be champions once again. 

 It’s also time to ask the question, did United really deserve to lose?  Or was Chelsea worthy of their victory? 

Keep in mind that even Sir Alex disagreed with the penalty decision which gave Chelsea the win.

 
“It’s a major decision that’s cost us the game,” Sir Alex lamented.  “To give a penalty for that in a game of such importance, on the linesman’s say-so, is absolutely diabolical.” 

I had predicted a 1-1 draw, and in my opinion, that’s what the score should’ve been at the final whistle.