Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4 aet

two matches at Stamford bridge in 4 days which yielded 14 goals, although last night encounter will not have the same controversy as the match on Sunday afternoon.

The game saw a virtual full strength Chelsea against a much changed United with plenty of youth in the side and on the bench.

Game got off to a slow start with Dean Sturridge missing chances, but a Cech short pass to a defender which was pounced on by Anderson who set Giggs up for the opening goal. Buttner gave away a foul which saw David Luiz equalise. Anderson was having his best game in a United shirt for a long time set Hernandez up who smartly finished at Cech near post. A 2-1 half time lead for United was a surprise considering the teams but one united deserved.

Chelsea like Sunday started the second half well and got a equaliser through Gary Cahill but minutes later United were back in front when a one-two between Nani and Anderson saw the former chip over Cech to restore the lead. The game then saw numerous chances with Hernandez and Sturridge missing great chances. As the game entered injury time and past the allotted time,Scott Wootton bundled into Ramires and a penalty given. It was a penalty and to be honest they could have had an earlier penalty after Michael Keane handled in the box. The penalty was scored on the last kick off the game and extra time was now required.

With Anderson off the central midfield looked a little inexperienced and Chelsea began to show there authority. A bad 10 minutes for Scott Wootton saw his headed back pass woefully short of Lindegaard and Sturridge eventually scored despite his previous misses celebrated like he won the lottery.

Micheal Keane was lucky to stay on after clipping Sturridge through on goal but the referee Lee Mason exercised some leniency and booked him. United pushed on and were caught on the break where Ramires scored the 5th. United did not give up and Hernandez was bundled over and Giggs scored his second and Uniteds fourth for a consolation.

Considering Uniteds line up this was an encouraging display. The united centre halfs Wootton and Keane played manfully against a barrage of attacks. Considering there age they coped admirably and only towards the end they looked ragged. They will however get the benefit of that experience and they can hold there heads up high. Anderson and Giggs played well and three assists for Anderson was something like he was performing when he dominated games against the likes of Fabregas and Gerrard. The puzzling factor was Nani. Scored a fantastic goal but looked subdued in his celebrations. He ended up in square ups to various Chelsea players and looked a man who thought he shouldn't be playing in this game. Unlike Anderson who saw this as an opportunity, Nani was hit and miss and drew sharp criticism from Sir Alex for his ball retention or lack off it.

In summary a positive performance which saw Nick Powell make a telling contribution and the late arrival of Ryan Tunnicliffe ensures that United have the young talent to rely on. Roll on Saturday and the visit of Arsenal.