A moment’s let off could mean death in this game that’s been intense from opening whistle to halftime whistle between Chelsea at Manchester United.
Many came into this thinking Chelsea would gobble up the struggling Manchester United defense.
But without both Diego Costa or Falcao available in this match, the attacking midfields for both sides have had plenty of work to do and it’s been a very even - if not cagey - affair.
Both goalkeepers have been up to the task as well, with both David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois making crucial saves. There’s been plenty of tension as well, with three yellow cards given out in the first 45 minutes and plenty of words exchanged.
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In Falcao’s absence, Angel Di Maria has been Manchester United’s best and brightest player, completing a pair of crosses into the box and completing 9/11 passes.
4 - Angel Di Maria has assisted a goal in four of his last five Premier League games for Manchester United. Instrumental.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 26, 2014
Juan Mata has also done quite well, completing 18/20 passes including 8/8 in the attacking third.
For Chelsea, the story has been the same. Without the Premier League’s leading scorer Costa, Didier Drogba has been the focal point of their attack. Eden Hazard looks quality yet again, completing a whopping 5/7 take-ons and impressing with some stunning dribbles.
The visitors had a decent penalty shout when Marcos Rojo ripped Branislav Ivanovic to the ground in the box on a corner, but referee Phil Dowd waved it off.
It certainly looks like one slight lapse in concentration or one moment of brilliance could be enough to win this game, and there’s plenty more in store for us at Manchester United.