David Luiz Shines as Chelsea Beat Manchester United at the Bridge, 2-1

This was the clash of titans as so many referred to it, yet nobody knew what to expect. On one hand, Manchester United haven't been playing well most of this season but have been winning consistently. On the other hand, Chelsea have shown both beautiful and lethargic football at times and have struggled for consistency since their first defeat of the season, away, to Manchester City. In the end, we got a balanced game with a few opportunities but played at a very nice pace. 

Chelsea fell to a Rooney goal in the first half but managed to equalize via a wonderful one-time volley from David Luiz, before taking the lead on a penalty kick expertly dispatched by Frank Lampard. David Luiz was, without a doubt, man of the match. He picked up from where he had left off against Fulham and once again showed he will be a fine player for Chelsea. Obviously, tonight he will be remembered for his cracking goal.

His technique on the volley was perfect, the way he leaned his body to rise on top of the ball sublime. The only other Chelsea player I have seen mastering this technique to perfection is Nicola Anelka, and I'm sure the Frenchman appreciated his central defender's effort on the equalizer. That finish was worthy of a world-class striker, but like someone said, "he's Brazilian after all!"

In addition to the volley, Luiz played well defensively. He marked Wayne Rooney well most of the game but did have a couple of unnecessary and overzealous challenges, which could have cost him a red card. That is something he will have to cut out of his game, but nothing to worry much about at this point as he is still adjusting to the premier league. Players like Michael Essien and Obi Mikel had similar foul issues when they first got into the league as well. 

Another player who stood out to me was Didier Drogba and the impact he had in about 20 minutes on the pitch. His introduction to the game changed the whole atmosphere. He instilled some fear into the United backline, got the crowd back into the game, held the line upfront nicely and even managed to create a chance or two for Torres. He was the most useful Chelsea player in the last five minutes of the game, holding the ball up top against sometimes two or three United players. He used his experience to the fullest and deserves a lot of credit as he took a lot of pressure away from his defenders and the rest of his team by demanding and successfully holding the ball in United's half. 

Based on the way they both played today, Drogba and Torres showed they can play together. Torres has realized he is no longer the sole attacking threat, and even when partnered with Anelka, exchanged positions numerous times. Torres played as lone striker most of the time but switched to right/left winger several times during the course of the game, appearing rather comfortable doing so. Once Drogba got on the pitch, that allowed Torres to push further up in a central role.

Drogba held the ball, used his body to go past defenders and once played an exquisite through-ball for Torres, sending him one-on-one against Van der Saar, only to be called offside. Expect to see more of this partnership going forward. Chelsea's victory today is too little too late to bring them back in the title race, but it is a major statement of intent, and they will fight to figure as high as possible in the top four.