The game with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge last November was Rafa Benítez’s first game at Chelsea’s helm after replacing Roberto Di Matteo, and it ended up with a 0-0 draw. Last weekend the Blues visited Etihad stadium for the season’s away fixture, and their mediocre performance revealed one fact: the team hasn’t improve under Benítez. Those who respected the Spaniard for his football intelligence and commitment are now having their doubts.
Yaya Touré scored the first goal in the crucial game against Chelsea
After missing some golden chances due to the wastefulness of the City strikers as well as Petr Čech’s brilliant saves, the dominating home team finally broke the deadlock through Yaya Touré’s goal in the second half, before Carlos Tévez added another to kill the game. The rumors about Chilean Manuel Pellegrini taking over from Mancini are flying, however, the Blue Moon fans were at their best when singing the Italian’s name during the game to show their support.
Ryan Giggs’ second goal this season put the game to bed
From Manchester United’s perspective, the Premier League title is for them to lose. As long as they keep winning games effectively like they did at Queens Park Rangers, no one will match them when May comes. Brazilian defender Rafael’s superb strike stunned the stadium, and Ryan Giggs’ scored his second league goal this season to put the game to bed. The Red Devils are now 12 points clear, almost out of reach. Only a significant form drop can hurt them now. Roberto Mancini is the lone dissenting voice, saying City’s title hopes are still alive after the victory against Chelsea.
There are clearly two groups at the top of the table at the moment. Although 12 points behind, given their overall performances, the Blue Moons can still just claim to be title contenders; while Chelsea, and Arsenal, who beat Aston Villa last weekend, as well as Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand, are in a three way tussle for the third and fourth spots.
The relegation battle between Newcastle United and Southampton was entertaining to say the least. The Magpies beat the visitors 4-2, earning a hard-fought win in the crucial game. United Striker Papiss Cisse’s powerful volley from 30 yards could compete with the Red Devil’s Rafael’s wonder strike for the title of goal of the round. Newcastle United is now six points clear of the relegation zone, proving the success of their winter purchases.
The League Cup final was staged at Wembley stadium last weekend. Swansea lifted the cup after thrashing the League Two club Bradford 5-0, winning their first major cup in the 101-year history of the club. Hats off to the Michael Laudrup and his players!
