More than 9000 fans saw the young Reds come from behind to secure a hard-fought point against a good Chelsea side. Although this will go down as two points dropped in the pursuit of the Under 21 Premier League title, United's youngsters showed impressive spirit in their second half fightback.
Although United started strongly, Chelsea took the lead through an excellent free kick from Palmer after McNair had fouled Quintero on the edge of the area and from there the visitors took control of the first half. They spurned frequent chances to add to their lead and, had they done so, the young Reds may well have found themselves with a huge mountain to climb.
Part of the problem concerned the number of players operating out of their familiar positions. Lacking a genuine striker Ashley Young, making his way back from injury, operated in the long forward role, while the makeshift central midfield of McNair and Love consisted of two players far more comfortable playing in defence.
However, the tide began to turn in the second half and, just after the hour mark, United's increasing pressure paid off. Varela, playing in an advanced role on the right, was getting forward with more purpose and it was his ball into the box that allowed James Weir to get a shot in on goal that took a deflection as it squirm just inside the far post.
From there, the Reds looked the more likely side to win the game but the second goal never came and United finding themselves still needing eight points from their remaining four game to make sure of the title. With a testing away game at Chelsea still to come, this draw leaves the two-way battle with Sunderland at the top of the league still too close to call.
No comments:
Post a Comment