Despite giving Jose Mourinho a first-half lesson in football, which should have resulted in at least two goals, I was, of course, happy to grab a point in the dying seconds.
Chelsea were superb, knocking the ball about with flair, Manchester United players were flat-footed as the intricate movement left them visibly demoralised in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
It was Sarri-ball in its purest form - neat triangles, players drawing defenders, great movement, accurate and sustained possession (around 70 percent).
But the Blues left the door open by only hitting the net once.
Jose’s deployment of Ashley Young to sit on Eden Hazard’s firm buttocks worked well, subduing the Belgian, who was unable to create the kind of game-changing magic we’ve been treated to this season.
Then came the second half and the reaction to whatever Mourinho blasted at his lacklustre players in the changing room.
We’ve seen it a few times, most recently the 3-2 comeback win at Old Trafford against Newcastle. They opened the game up and added pace to their forward movement which created goal-scoring opportunities.
The question is, again, why don’t they play like that every week? Why does Mourinho insist on sitting deep especially against the “bigger” sides?
He has the talent, he has the tactical know-how. While the Blues bossed the first half, United certainly won the second and at times, looked like a side playing with the famous Red Devils crest imprinted on their hearts.
EVEN CONTEST: Eden Hazard hounded by Ashley Young. Photo: STEVEN PASTON/EMPICS SPORT
At the end of the day, I’d say it was a fair result, given the opportunities are taken and missed and the balance over the two halves.
But what’s with all the crying about six minutes additional time? That’s rich coming from the team that benefited from unaccounted Fergie time.
Were you muppets not watching the game?
There were six substitutions.
That accounts for three minutes, then apart from other bits and pieces, Anthony Martial was lying on the pitch with a medic for three or four.
Shut the fudge up and take it on the chin.
And as for the frenzy regarding Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni running past the United dugout aiming his celebration at the coach so f***ing what?
I’d say Mourinho’s response was actually a problem (if any).
He jumped up like a psychopath on tik and tried to attack him.
Is that correct behaviour?
Either way, it just reminded me of the place marketers and PC touting liberals have put our game in. What’s wrong with a bit of aggression, passion and piss-taking?
Anthony Martial. Photo: ADAM DAVY/EMPICS SPORT
After all, aren’t those fundamental traits of the game we all grew to love?
Why is it that Sarri apologised on behalf of Chelsea Football Club and Mourinho accepted graciously? Yet the media and ponce-squad peanut gallery are creating a tsunami out of it?
I’ve become a lover of rugby one of the greatest things about such a physical contact sport is that players smash the s*** out of each other the whole game and when the final whistle blows, they hug and grab a drink together.
It’s about respecting and understanding that sport creates high emotion when it’s done, it’s done.
The draw was definitely a better result for Chelsea, it leaves the Blues just two off the top, while United sit ninth, struggling to play catch-up.
I’ll always respect Mourinho for what he did at Stamford Bridge as a coach.
But I also love the way he’s seemingly unable to replicate any real success at Old Trafford and is going through hard times.
It’s a bit of a love-love relationship even though he’s suffering.
Anyway, a great game of football!
Back to a fairly mundane set of fixtures this weekend coming - United host Everton in the biggest mid-table affair, but much to look forward to on Monday night as Manchester City travel to Spurs!