That was a fine result, yesterday. The kind of result that the team needed after an uninspiring run of one nil results in the league. I must admit on seeing the team sheet, I was rather nervous and perplexed. How would a midfield that included the aging legs of Ryan Giggs, JS Park and Darren Fletcher do against the likes of Deco, Ballack and Lampard? Why were the likes of Carrick and Scholes and Anderson on the bench? As it unfolded, Fergie's gamble more than paid off. Giggs was deployed more centrally and had a blinder. We dominated from the start and had most of the ball in the first half. But in the second half, they really didn't show up and it was a rather one sided affair. I would go as far as to say it was one of the easier outings we've had this season.
Boss said later that he had conveyed his decision to play Giggs and Fletcher against Chelsea two weeks in advance. He also acknowledged it was a tactic that could have failed. But it worked beautifully. Giggs is one of those players who don't cease to amaze you even after being around for good part of two decades. The way he uses the ball in possession and the way he tracks back to win the ball when not in possession is a pleasure to watch. He can still his marker for dead with a dribble and pick a pass that no one else can see. Park was tireless as always and did a great hassling job. Rooney's worked hard as ever ,though he was lucky to have escaped a card after mouthing off at the ref early in the game.
Vidic and Evans had a tremendous game. Rio is the best central defender in the world and to not miss him against the likes of Drogba and Anelka is no mean feat. I've always liked Evans - he has a great head on his shoulders and the makings of a great player. But I'm amazed at how well Vidic has stepped into the role of a leader at the back. It's very important to have a vocal leader in the back four and Vidic does a brilliant job at that apart from being such a hard defender himself. Praises are often showered on more of the gifted bunch up front but don't take anything away from the back four. Evra's return really showed what we've missed down the left and Gary Neville is almost back to his best shape. I just hope our season kicks into gear now. As Rafa continues to make a full ass of himself, things will only get worse for him should we go top in the next two weeks or so. Then will be the best time to get some daylight between us and the remaining two.
