Was Wes Brown fouled by Drogba?

Manchester United should feel hard done by. A fine display and they are right to feel aggravated. Jonny Evans and Wes Brown were terrific while Darren Fletcher was United’s best player, but it wasn’t to be their day, as John Terry’s header deep in the second half was enough to send Chelsea five points clear.

The makeshift defence rarely had to do too much, but the expected threat from Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka was not apparent at the Bridge. It is too early still to say that Chelsea have won the title, and as long as its the time of year leaves fall out of the trees the title has not been decided yet.

But, it only makes the task of the Red Devils harder and losing three games from their first twelve is a bit of a concern. The decision to play Rooney up front did not do too badly, as Chelsea’s diamond found it difficult to operate. And it Man Utd who had the better chances as Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick twice threatened to open the scoring.

The movement of Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra was particularly impressive and though not too many clear-cut chances were created it was Man United who the better team in the first half and for the most of the second. These big games are always going to be hard, and considering the fact that last year’s champions haven’t played all that well this season, this was something to be a bit more pleased of. No, I’m not saying this United’s best performance this year (Spurs or Wigan I think was) but it was much more encouraging.

The second half started more of the same, but it all got heated soon and yellow cards came thick and fast from Martin Atkinson’s pocket. And after Terry had headed in Lampard’s free kick, the visitors had been claiming for a foul on Brown. Replay suggested that Drogba did foul the centre half, and whether you think it was a foul or not the referee had a bad day. Before that, Rooney had hit a shot not too far wide before he had tested Petr Cech with a curling effort.

Sir Alex brought on Obertan and Owen but that was far too late as there was only five minutes left. At the end of the day, its the result that’s important. And, though maybe not deserved, Chelsea extended the gap to five points.