Hello guys, look, I’m not going to harp on about winning the FA Cup. I am, however, needing to get some stuff off my chest regarding the game itself.
It feels as if I’m living on a different planet. Nearly everything I read and hear contradicts my analysis of the game.
Let’s start with Jose Mourinho himself. The losing Manchester United coach complained about Chelsea deploying a “low block” (the technical description for “parking the bus”).
The game was wide open for large parts, before Blues boss Antonio Conte increasingly compacted the midfield and sat deeper.
Is that not a tactic Jose himself perfected at Chelsea? Was this not just a case of being undone by your own method?
With the bounty of attacking players including the starting trio of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sanchez, why wasn’t it possible to break through?
Or seeing where the game was going, would Juan Mata not have been a smart option to unlock the door?
The stubborn old fart also complained of the physicality deployed by Chelsea, but more fouls were committed by United.
He said: “Chelsea didn’t deserve to win” but equally, I’d say, neither did United.
They were blunt up front, creating little despite all the possession.
Meanwhile, chatting to fans, I was again mystified by the anger being dished out at Paul Pogba?
Yes, he should have equalised with a simple header from six yards, but that happens. For me he was United’s best performer, but unfortunately, just lacking the players around him to make it all work.
He was playing far too deep, but every time he got the ball he was ticking over the passes, trying to get his side moving.
The truth is, Ngolo Kante single-handedly bossed the midfield, leaving the famed Ander Herrera looking like a schoolboy in comparison.
Nemanja Matic was forced to run and pass sideways, allowing the slow and inexperienced Tiemoue Bakayoko to have a decent game, which was a worry ahead of kickoff.
Barring a couple of longer-range shots, I didn’t feel that Chelsea were ever really under sustained pressure, it all felt quite comfortable for the 2017 losers.
So yeah, on balance, a close game, a few debatable decisions, including a definite handball in the box by Ashley Young that wasn’t given but did Chelsea deserve it?
Yeah, I think so, just about.
It was a better all-round team performance that largely nullified United.
Perhaps my judgement comes from an historical perspective, where you’d expect United to be MUCH better than they were on Saturday.
It was a mid-level final with a 7 out of 10 Chelsea performance and 5 out of 10 for United.
So, where does that leave the respective managers?
Mourinho will, of course, remedy another average season by spending a fortune. However, it feels like another campaign without a trophy, playing anything but the “Busby Way” will see the back of him.
Conte, well, I don’t listen to all the bollox the press is spewing out.
“He won the league last year and the FA Cup this year, how can Chelsea sack him”.
I don’t think that’s the point.
The issue is that the changing room/club is full of negativity regarding certain players and his public statements regarding transfers.
Here’s an example: when was the last time you heard of David Luiz?
He’s an outcast and his treatment has affected the squad, hence the downgrade in Chelsea performances generally.
As much as I’ll always be thankful for the success he’s brought, I won’t be shedding a tear when/if he leaves.
As is the Chelsea way, and it’s paid dividends, he’ll probably make way for another high-profile coach, money will be spent and it’ll be game on again!
My views on the modern game that dictate this kind of scenario aren’t a secret. It stinks, I hate it, but I love my club so I can’t turn my back on it.
To those Chelsea fans who were all over social media saying “not excited” or “not going to the FA Cup”, why don’t you all * !ss off to Arsenal Fan TV.
Whatever goes on behind the scenes at the club, there’s no excuse for not supporting your side.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have a small chance of picking up a trophy on Saturday.
If not, all you loud mouths (Spurs, Liverpool, United) who have been taking the piss will be without silver AGAIN this season.
Yeah yeah yeah, I know Chelsea are playing Thursday night football, yep Thursday night football with another cup in the bank.
The transfer window is officially open, I’ll be keeping a close eye on developments, see you next Tuesday (oh, and wela kapela United fans!).