It was honours even at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea hit back to earn a draw. The Blues' run of more than four-and-a-half years without a home loss was in danger after Ji-Sung Park`s opener, but Salomon Kalou hit back to earn a point and preserved Chelsea's 85-game unbeaten home record at the end of a breathless 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
For long periods, Chelsea appeared to be on course for a first Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge since February 2004 until Kalou popped up 10 minutes from time.
A lively opening spell from United saw the reigning champions take the lead on 18 minutes when Petr Cech spilled Dimitar Berbatov's shot and Park Ji-sung slotted home the rebound to put the visitors in front during an impressive spell for United before half-time. But Chelsea, whom dominated after the interval and after Nicolas Anelka had wasted a glorious chance, and after Wayne Rooney had conceded a needless free-kick, John Obi Mikel picked out the unmarked Kalou to head beyond substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari praised the spirit of his side after they came back against Manchester United. Scolari also felt Chelsea missed the promptings of Deco in the 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United. Deco was pencilled in to start at Stamford Bridge, but picked up an injury in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Michael Ballack.
Scolari admits the late change in personnel allowed United to control the opening stages, but he was happy with his team's response.
"They (United) controlled more of the game. Deco is the man that comes to the other line to receive the ball and to work the ball. They controlled the game for five, 10, 15 minutes and they played better than us and made a goal. After that, we improved some things, but we lost chances in front of goal and this is our mistake."
Scolari added: "I think it was the right result. After the game, if we see the first half and the second half, there were chances for us and for Manchester. It's a normal result. We have more chances, but we miss some chances. The game is the best game we have played because we have many problems, and I think for Manchester it's the same."
Didier Drogba was introduced at half-time and Scolari believes the striker was a key factor in Chelsea's improvement after the break. He continued: "We changed only one position in midfield for Ballack or Lampard to be further up front and nearer the striker. I put in Drogba because Didier is now, for 45 minutes, okay. He stops the ball and helps players arriving more in front."
1 comments:
we're juz unlucky not to win this match. so many mess up happened b4 kick off and during the game itself. whew!! eventhought man utd quite rude. hei mau main kasar ke ha!? apapun, good job guys!
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