The attention big clubs give to the Football League Cup tends to be marginal. Coaches offer fringe players the chance to perform as the priority is set on excelling in the FA Cup, the English Premier League or Europe. However, Wednesday’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester United will surely not lack passion.
In fact, last Sunday’s controversies at Stamford Bridge have reignited the fire of hate between the Blues and the Red Devils. The visitors went 2-0 up thanks to a David Luiz own goal and a Robin van Persie strike inside the first 15 minutes. Juan Mata initiated a comeback from his side with a free-kick on the stroke of half-time before an equalizer from Ramires in the 53rd minute got the home crowd back to life.
However, Chelsea got two players sent off, namely Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres. The numerical disadvantage killed the Blues’ hopes of triumphing as Manchester United reclaimed full control of the game. Javier Hernandez sealed his side’s victory 15 minutes from time with a goal that looked offside.
This result consequently ended Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the English Premier League. Roberto Di Matteo’s men still lead the table but only by a point instead of seven as they had hoped before Sunday’s encounter. Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson’s retort to Chelsea’s cry for justice will definitely not calm down the issue.
“It's always hard to come here [at the Bridge] and it's hard to get decisions here. Over the last few years, there have been some shocking decisions against us and I think everyone knows that.
“But, if we did get a little break, I think we deserved it,” the old Scot concluded.
In terms of the performance on display last Sunday, the Red Devils were arguably the better side with 51 per cent of ball possession and 86 per cent of pass accuracy compared to the Blues’ 81. However, the hosts made more shots on goal than their rivals. They had eight on target while Manchester United had the same number of shots off target.
In the end, Chelsea lost the battle but there is a bitter taste in their mouth due to all the controversy. Adding to that is the fact that they have been dominated by the Red Devils as recent records confirm. The Blues have won none of their last six matches against Man United in all competitions and conceded 14 goals in the process. So on Wednesday, expect Chelsea to try and teach Manchester United a lesson.
All eyes will be on match officials to commit the least amount of questionable decisions. As Fergie told Sky Sports with a smile:
“Good luck to the referee!”
