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February 5, 2012 11:00 AM EST
Stamford Bridge — London
Referee: H. Webb
Attendance: 41668
Player Ratings: Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson's team come from three goals behind to cap a stunning comeback at Stamford Bridge and keep the pressure on Manchester City
By Wayne Veysey at Stamford Bridge
Made fine reflex saves in tfrom Young and Welbeck, and commanded his area throughout. The only blip was some poor kicking - and a failure to go the right way at penalties.
Made a brilliant last-ditch interception to stop Welbeck putting Uited 1-0 up after half-an-hour and was slightly unfortunate that his off-balance challenge on the United No19 resulted in the visitors' second spot-kick.
Looked like he was auditioning for a role in a pantomime with his natty blue tights, but his performance was no joke. Looked as authoritative as he ever has for Chelsea at the back until Hernandez lost him for the equaliser. Played a crucial role in his team's goal.
Filled in capably for the suspended Ashley Cole at left-back, and did as well as could have been expected.
A debut to forget. Struggled to deal with Welbeck's pace in the frist half and looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights as United's comeback kicked into gear.
In his first start since last May, he proudced a dynamic display in the midfield heartlands. Protected the defence adeptly and had still the energy to occasionally surge forward. in support of the attack.
Anonymous display on the left flank. It was no coincidence that all three of Chelsea's goals emanated from the opposite side to where the Frenchman was stationed.
Heavily involved early on and saw lots of the ball but his distribution was often mediocre, and his set-piece deliveries were disappointing. Missed a great headed chance with four minutes left.
Worked his socks off and set up Mata's stupendous goal with an excellent cross from the right. But his hesitancy when Chelsea were on the counter-attack proved costly at times.
His stupendous volleyed goal was both beautiful and violent, perhaps the sweetest champagne moment at the Bridge this season. The Spaniard, revelling in a free role, also teed up Chelsea's third with his free-kick from the right.
Has a habit of making things happen and broke the deadlock with the fine run and cross-come-shot that was deflected off Evans and into the net. Terrorised Evra down the left flank and was extremely unfortunate that his soft challenge on Evra resulted in United's first penalty. Did not acknowledge his manager when he was subbed with 20 minutes left.
Brought on to help Chelsea protect their lead but struggled to stem the waves of red attacks.
Made a nervy start with a weak back-hand punch, which set the tone for an anxious display, particularly when dealing with crosses. The Spaniard made a few athletic saves, particularly in added time, but he looks an accident waiting to happen.
Loose display from the United skipper. Looked vulnerable to Sturridge's directness and it was no coincidence that Chelsea's three goals all came down the left flank. Won United's first penalty.
A miserable afternoon for the United veteran. Pathetically booed and baited throughout by Chelsea fans and his own goal after failing to properly mark Luiz at a free-kick ended United's hopes..
Commanding in the air and adept on the deck, he looked the most composed of United's defenders and did more than anyone else to hold the back five together.
Feisty in defence and always a willing accomplice to the United attacks. Blameless in terms of the goals but he was sacrificed for the last half-hour as the visitors went all-out attack.
Provided eye-of-the-needle distribution from central midfield, and then from the left flank for the last half-hour. His class remains undimmed.
Looked overwhelme at times but kept his head above water to ensure United dominated second-half possession.
Began brightly in his comeback match but quickly faded and was sacrificed when United went 3-0 down.
Delivered a stream of potent crosses from the right flank and it was to his credit that he remained one of United's most potent attackers even when he filled in at right-back for the last half-hour.
Emphatically banged in United's first penalty to give his team a lifeline and then smartly sidefooted the second spot-kick. In open play he was less pinpoint but he was heavily involved in United's comeback and was back to his best in the last 20 minutes.
His pace and movement caused Cahill problems, but he did not get the rub of the green. Moved out to the left flank after United went 3-0 down and won the second penalty somewhat fortuitously.
His crisp passing was crucial to United's comeback, although there was the rare sight of him giving the ball away once in a dangerous area.
His brilliant movement lost Luiz for the equaliser, which he finished with a typically emphatic header.
| Tournament | |
| Position | |
| Ranking |
| Rank/Player | Position | Team | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lucas | Midfielder | Liverpool | 7.09 |
| 2. Robin van Persie | Striker | Arsenal | 7.08 |
| 3. Juan Mata | Striker | Chelsea | 7.02 |
| 4. Nemanja Vidic | Defender | Manchester United | 7.00 |
| 5. Kun Agüero | Striker | Manchester City | 7.00 |
| 6. David Stockdale | Goalkeeper | Fulham | 7.00 |
| 7. Wayne Rooney | Striker | Manchester United | 7.00 |
| 8. Gareth Bale | Midfielder | Tottenham | 6.97 |
| 9. David Silva | Striker | Manchester City | 6.96 |
| 10. Shaun Maloney | Striker | Wigan Athletic | 6.94 |
| 11. Victor Moses | Midfielder | Wigan Athletic | 6.92 |
| 12. Luis Suárez | Striker | Liverpool | 6.91 |
| 13. Scott Parker | Midfielder | Tottenham | 6.89 |
| 14. David Pizarro | Midfielder | Manchester City | 6.88 |
| 15. Paul Scholes | Midfielder | Manchester United | 6.83 |
| 16. Antonio Valencia | Midfielder | Manchester United | 6.81 |
| 17. Emmanuel Adebayor | Striker | Tottenham | 6.81 |
| 18. Steve Sidwell | Midfielder | Fulham | 6.80 |
| 19. Vincent Kompany | Defender | Manchester City | 6.80 |
| 20. Luka Modric | Midfielder | Tottenham | 6.78 |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Robin van Persie
Striker Arsenal |
30 | 2 |
|
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Wayne Rooney
Striker Man United |
27 | 6 |
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Kun Agüero
Striker Man City |
23 | 3 |
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Aiyegbeni Yakubu
Striker Blackburn Rovers |
17 | 4 |
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Emmanuel Adebayor
Striker Tottenham |
17 | 3 |

