The answer to this Premiership post is NO. After 95 minutes of play on the pitch, it was quite clearly a stalemate for both teams, until the 85th minute when Michael Ballack scored the penalty to seal the victory for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Once again, the record at the home ground remains unbroken.
Manchester United shows intend to preserve his strength for his up-coming Champion League match with Barcelona on Tuesday by leaving Cristiano Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez on the bench. Fielding a 4-3-3 formation, the back four is supported by the familiar faces of Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown and Silvestre, who replaced Evra. The midfield forms the trio – Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher. Giggs and Nani started up front with Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea has a greater intention to secure victory by fielding its strongest side, including Drogba, Kalou and Joe Cole up front. Frank Lampard is left out of the squad as his mother has just passed away. Hence, Michael Ballack and co. is left to mastermind the midfield.
Both Chelsea’s goals were scored by Michael Ballack; one from a header in the first half and the second is a penalty kick. Manchester United’s goal comes from Wayne Rooney, courtesy of a mistake by the Chelsea defender, who back passed the ball directly to the goal scorer.
Eventually, this is how it ended. Both teams are currently level on 81 points, but Manchester United still remains on top due to goal difference. Hence the verdict is, if either team has to win the title this season, they have to win their remaining two games. Here is the breakdown:
Analysis
The fate of Manchester United lies on their on hand. If the win the next two matches, they win the Premiership title. Chelsea may ultimately win all the remaining game, but in order to win the title, they either have to overtake an almost impossible task on goal difference or rely on Manchester United to lose ground.
Remaining Matches
| Manchester United | Chelsea |
| West Ham (home) | Newcastle (away) |
| Wigan (away) | Bolton (home) |
There might be a possibility of wrapping up the title next week, judging from the table. Chelsea face Newcastle away. Provided if Newcastle with their improving standards after the last couple of weeks can push Chelsea towards the limit, and that Manchester United wins at home to West Ham (which can proves to be really tricky); then the title can be decided by next week.
Manchester United fans may not be happy for their teams to have lost to Chelsea; but for the rest of the English Football fans around the world, this gives them extra entertainment and excitement to look out for during the weekend.
Right now, I’m going to head off for a pint.