Chelsea Take Advantage Of Manchester United Defeat at Everton
Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime left the door open to title rivals Chelsea and the Londoners took full advantage by winning at Wolverhampton Wanderers. It gives Chelsea a four point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been quick to blame tiredness after the midweek game in Milan but it is worth noting that Chelsea were also beaten by Everton a couple of weeks ago. With a near full squad to choose from, David Moyes is finally able to get the results that he hoped for when the season began.
The truth is that the elite clubs have been able to handle the twin demands of Europe and the Premiership up to now, but a levelling of standards in the division has changed matters. United had to go into the match without their first choice centre-backs, plus Ryan Giggs is absent too; add in a quiet day for Wayne Rooney and Everton were well able to take advantage.
A Europa League Place On The Cards For Everton
Everton’s form is so good that they are closing fast on the quartet of clubs disputing fourth place. Unfortunately, they are too far back to grab a Champions League berth but a return to the Europa League is a distinct possibility.
The Toffees are still in this season’s competition with every chance to progress to the last 16. This week they travel to Lisbon to defend their 2-1 lead over Sporting (click here to bet on this match) and this result will be a major bost for that encounter.
Chelsea produced the sort of performance that champions have to pull out in their match with Wolves. The Blues were by no means at their best at Molineux but Didier Drogba offered a lesson in clinical finishing.
Wolves had chances in the game but the Ivorian scored twice and Petr Cech held firm in the Chelsea goal. Wolves put Chelsea under pressure but scoring goals has been their problem since August. At this point of the season getting three points is what matters and without Frank Lampard, Carlo Ancelotti will still have been well satisfied.
Games Come Thick And Fast At The Top
Manchester United fans can take consolation that Chelsea still have to visit Old Trafford. Chelsea also have their own Champions League visit to Milan this week when they travel to take on Internationale. Their good fortune is that next weekend they have a home game, although Manchester City should be stiff opposition.
United will be hoping to get their title chase back on track on Tuesday night against West Ham United. Zola’s men have vastly improved of late but will be no match for Ferguson’s men at Old Trafford. Expect a backlash in response to Saturday’s dismal result.
Man United V West Ham United: Man United to win and over 2.5 goals scored at 2.70
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