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From the Desk

We rate the players in the clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

By Abhishek Mehrotra

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 6

The Czech may longer be a colossus in goal, but was quite authoritative today, gathering cleanly on most ocassions and making decent saves from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney efforts.

John Terry - 8

Terry's first goal against United proved to be decisive. His work at the back did look ragged at times, but that is just a minor quibble in the context of the result.

Ricardo Carvalho - 5

Looked far from his best. Was given the run around by Rooney and even Carrick on a few ocassions.

Ashley Cole - 5

Incisive going forward, unsure at the back. Cole was part of a jittery Chelsea defence that took the field today.

Branislav Ivanovic - 6

His crossing was good, unusually so for a right back who does not get as forward as others in the league. Made some good blocks  as well.

Michael Essien - 6

Not the power packed performance we have come to expect from the Ghanian. He did have his fair share of hard tackles and rambunctious runs into the United half.

Michael Ballack - 6.5

Looked very good in the first half both while providing service to the front men and while rising to meet the ball in the box.

Frank Lampard - 7

His freekick led to the goal that Chelsea had been craving for three-quarters of the match. Lamps was not at his best either but did end up playing a key role in the match.

Deco (off 63') - 6

The playmaker had a few good moments in the first half, but his inability to find that killer through ball led to Ancelotti replacing him with Joe Cole.

Nicolas Anelka (off 90') - 7.5

Had a very good match - causing the recent defensive pairing of Brown and Evans a fair few problems. Did good work defensively too, tracking back when the likes of Rooney or Giggs threatened.

Didier Drogba (off 83')

Substitues

Joe Cole -5

Not a great day out for the midfielder.

Salomon Kalou - n.a

Alex -n.a

 

Manchester United

Edwin Van Der Sar - 6.5

Had a good game overall, showing why he is United's number one.

Jonathan Evans - 6

Held up well against the strength of Drogba, but his role in the Chelsea goal will certainly come under scrutiny.

Wes Brown - 6

Stood up to the wiles of Anelka, but again, he too will be held culpable for the Chelsea goal.

Patrice Evra - 5

Blew hot and cold throughout the match, with a few blinding runs and some mediocre passes.

John O'Shea - Was largely anonymous through the game.

Antonio Valencia - 6

Linked up well with Rooney on a few ocassions. Has still not replicated his breathtaking performances with Wigan that caught Alex Ferguson's eye.

Michael Carrick - 6.5

Combined well with Fletcher to come out just ahead in the midfield battle. Tried too many ambitious shots from far out when a pass to the forward men would have been better.

Anderson (off 85') - 6

Full of vim and vigour in the first half but is still to convince many that he has what it takes to stay at United.

Darren Fletcher - 7

Had a good game, considering that he was up against Essien.

Ryan Giggs (off 85') - 6

The veteran was dangerous as always with one audacious attempt to chip Cech standing out. Was not on the same wavelength with Rooney today though, and that hurt United.

Wayne Rooney - 7.5

Gave it his all and still fell short. Had umpteen attempts at goal but just could not find a way past Cech on the night. Will be gutted.

Substitues

Gabriel Obertan - 5

Could not do what Macheda did against Aston Villa last season. Unfortunately that's the standard most United fans will judge him against.

Michael Owen - 5

He couldn't repeat his heroics (against Manchester City) either. You simply can't come on in the last five minutes of the match every time and be expected to conjure up something.