Chelsea’s winning run gets halted; United win three on trot

Chelsea’s winning run came to a sudden stop at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland as they failed to score for the first time in this season. Sunderland held the league leaders to a 0-0 draw in their home ground much to surprise of the visitors. Chelsea had the upperhand throughout the 90 minutes but somehow they failed to score. However this draw does not bring any change at the top of the table as they lead the second placed Southampton by 7 points who play their next game against Manchester City tonight.

Manchester United seem to have found a way out of trouble after a disastrous start to season as their 3-0 victory over listless Hull City turned out to be their third win on the trot- for the first time since last December. Chris Smalling opened the scoring at Old Trafford as the goal technology came into play in the 16th minute of the match. Rooney then took advantage of a defensive lapse in the 42nd minute to put United ahead by 2 goals before the first half. It was a world class finish as he deceived the Hull goalkeeper with his movement and then put it in the near post.

The second half saw a professional performance from the 20-time champions as Hull City failed to penetrate in the United defense. The third goal came from a thunderous strike from Robin Van Persie mid way through the second half much to the relief of the home crowd. It was vintage Van Persie as his left footed shot went past the keeper like a rocket giving him absolutely no chance. This win enabled United to consolidate their position in the 4th spot of the table. Amidst all this, Angel Di Maria’s hamstring injury, that forced him to leave the field towards the first half, is bound to give Van Gaal sleepless nights. Also the scene of Rooney limping off the field at the end of 90 minutes is also a matter of concern for Manchester United.

[Source: Getty Images]

Liverpool, on the other hand, finally managed to eke out a victory against Stoke City, thanks to Glen Johnson’s 84th minute strike. It was Liverpool’s first victory in as many as seven matches in which they have either lost or drawn. In an early kick-off, arsenal edged past West Bromwich Albion by 1-0, Danny Welbeck being the scorer of the lone goal.

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About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.