‘Ifreke Inyang: 5 things we learnt from Chelsea vs Manchester United

Jose can put the champagne on ice

Well, I have been saying this since the weekend when Chelsea won the Capital One Cup – Jose Mourinho’s men have won the double. I have read a lot of articles, replete with permutations and predictions on how Arsenal or Manchester United can topple the leaders. Today, the Blues emphatically rubbished those theories and now sit 10 points clear.

Anyone seen Fellaini?

As soon as the team sheets filtered through, Mourinho’s major tactic was immediately obvious. Kurt Zouma was drafted in, to nullify Marouane Fellaini’s threat. What a masterstroke that proved to be. The big Belgian, who has rediscovered some of his best form under Louis van Gaal, has no impact whatsoever on the match.

Rooney still influential

Even as the Red Devils huffed and puffed – although they utterly dominated possession against Chelsea – Rooney’s class shone through and through. The England skipper was very unlucky not to put his side ahead, but even in a midfield role, Rooney proved what a big player he is. United’s winning run ends

Before their trip to the capital, United were on a fine winning run. Last week, they downed rivals Manchester City in emphatic style and before them, they beat Liverpool at Anfield. It was not to continue, after Hazard sprinted clear and tucked the ball under David De Gea. Mike Dean not conned

There was late, late drama at Stamford Bridge. A long, hopeful ball dropped in Chelsea’s box and Ander Herrera tried to latch on to it. He collided with Gary Cahill inside the box and fell over. The crowd inside the stadium held their breath, to see if all of the Blues’ hardwork will be undone in the last minute. Dean didn’t have any of it. He produced a yellow for diving.

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‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke