Classic: Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1

Manchester United lost out on a golden opportunity to extend their lead to six points in the Premiership over Chelsea. The 1-1 draw played out the way many critics felt it would but the scintillating game featured breathtaking play and momentum swings especially during the second half.
Wayne Rooney proved to be the architect on the United goal which came at the 29 minute mark of the first half. A beautifully weighted pass to Louis Saha put him in a position to use Chelsea defender Louis Carvalho as a screen and Saha placed a beautiful ball around the defender for a classic goal from 18 yards out for his ninth goal of the year. The goal was particularly sweet for Saha who missed a penalty kick against Celtic in the Champions League during the week.
United controlled the first half but Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho made an attacking switch bringing on Arjen Robben which influenced the second half and opened up the midfield leading to a more wide open attacking game.
United missed opportunities early in the second half which could have sealed Chelsea’s fate.
Chelsea then came to life with more inspired play by Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack who were non factors in the first half as Rooney was forced to defend more in the second half.
Chelsea pressure paid off when Carvalho rose above Argentine Gabriel Heinze to head home after a corner kick in the 70th minute.
In classic heavyweight style both teams went for the win until United subs of Darren Fletcher and Nick O’Shea in the 86th minute seemed to symbolize that the day would ultimately end in a draw.
Andri Shevchenko was a non-factor for Chelsea who remain three points behind United.