The FA Cup quarter-finals between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Brigde might have come and gone but there are some features which might have raised some eyebrows and keen interest in the modern game as regards to the outcome of the encounter.
The Blues won 1-0 but that is not all that catches the eye as statistics and previews have proven so even on an analytical instance. The win saw Chelsea drawn with fellow London side Tottenham Hotspur who are having a great season (time) under Argentine want away manger Mauricio Pochettino.
The tie takes place at Wembley later next month as Jose Mourinho’s guards were beaten with a lot of talking points left to spare in the game.
On this note we take a look at the talking points from Chelsea vs. Manchester United match at Stamford Brigde.
A NEW TASTE OF RIVALRY
The Blues came into the game following a level of animosity between Chelsea player and former Manger Jose Mourinho after the dressing room relationship were broken which led to the exit of the now United manager (Jose) at Stamford Bridge.
On kick-off there were exchange of pleasantries between both mangers (Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho) coupled with a cordial relationship that exist between John Terry and Mourinho as both experienced personnel greeted each other before the start of the game.
All this good mood were ruptured as Conte and the visiting Manager Mourinho had a row of words in the technical areas as both managers fumed at each other on the touch line following Conte’s taunt and clamour on the foul and the physicality exhibited by United in the game.
This did not serve the two mangers right as a kind of rivalry have been generated among the duo following 1-0 loss at the Brigde.
THE FRENCH COMPARISON
The match between Chelsea and United saw the comparison between two of the most talk about French player (midfielders) following their transfer fee and performance on the field of play.
The comparison was not helped as United playmaker Paul Pogba faltered at some points in the current campaign which affected United’s result in the course of the season where as N’golo Kante, the Leicester City hero is enjoying a fine time with Chelsea at Stamford Brigde.
In midfield Kante partnered Nemanja Matic while Paul Pogba was made to feature alongside Ander Herrera who lasted but for 35th minutes of the game.
This made the French playmaker Pogba to wonder in Chelsea’s midfield as N’golo Kante gained ascendance over his compatriot alongside Nemanja Matic to outwit him in the game. It was Kante’s night as Pogba looked feeble to compete enough against Chelsea’s robust midfield in line with the entrance of Fabregas to the game.
TOO MUCH TACKLES ON HAZARD
The Belgian star was duly harassed physically by the United side as player like Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo had their target on the Chelsea key man. Eden Hazard as usual is known for his flair and body movement drawing opposing defenders and setting up play for his teammate, but this time United players were increasingly physical on him.
This got his manager Conte fuming as it prompted a lash of word with Jose Mourinho in the dugout. Marcos Rojo was spotted as he stamped (Eden) Hazard on the chest while (Ander Herrera) was made to pay for a second clumsy challenge on the Belgian star as he was shown a red card in the game.
It is left to be seen if Rojo will face some disciplinary measure from the English FA despite escaping any booking from the match official.
KANTE LOVES MANCHESTER UNITED
The Chelsea new signing N’golo Kante had had a decent season in all ramification as he had been key to what Chelsea have built have been built all over the season. The Frenchman have given Chelsea midfield the/an identity they needed in the middle and there is no going back now from the Frenchman who seems to have an affinity with the United goal.
The Chelsea energetic star had scored 2 goals all season and it is no coincidence that those goals had come against Manchester United. Kante put up a great midfield shift earlier in the season to grab his first goal on Chelsea’s colours as the Blues won 4-0 on that occasion.
Now in the FA Cup the Chelsea signing have shown that he loves playing against United as he threatened the United goal a couple of times before unleashing a screamer behind the safe hands of David De Gea who could do nothing to make a save after pulling off a special save to deny Philippe Coutinho in goal as his major high point of the season.
With this strong showing against the Red Devils the Blues can confidently bank on (N’golo) Kante whenever a United game comes around as the Frenchman seems to have a knack for finding the back of the net against the Red Devils.
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