PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United keep the momentum going with victory over Chelsea
Monday, September 19, 2011
Manchester United maintained their 100% start to the season with a 3-1 success over Chelsea at Old Trafford, with all the host’s goals arriving in the first half. Manchester United made it five wins out of five and Wayne Rooney continued his record of scoring in all the Reds league games so far against a hard working Chelsea outfit.
This victory also gave United a record of 18 consecutive home wins and they were set on their way in the eighth minute when Chris Smalling headed home Ashley Young’s cross from what seemed an offside position.
Chelsea looked dangerous leading up to the break but then conceded twice in the final eight minutes of the half.
Nani with an instant touch and turn hit a superb effort for number two and on the stroke of half-time Rooney was left with the simplest of chances for his ninth Premier League goal.
Fernando Torres with only his second goal for the Blues since his £50m transfer gave the visitor’s hope with a neat finish but it was the hosts who should have increased their lead when awarded a penalty, only for Rooney to put the spot kick wide.
United are now two points clear of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League.
Referee: Phil Dowd
Venue: Old Trafford
Attendance: 75,455
Man Utd scorers: Smalling 8, Nani 37, Rooney 45 Chelsea scorers: Torres 46
ASKS: Surely the title, even at this early stage, is destined for Manchester United if they can dispose of contenders like Chelsea so easily?
Yellow cards: Terry (CHE), Ramires (CHE), Cole (CHE), Valencia (MANU), Fletcher, (MANU)