Crisis – What Crisis?

Sir Alex Ferguson was so overcome by the warmth of Jose Mourinho’s congratulations that in the post-match interview he inadvertently slipped into a bit of colourful touchline talk, prompting Geoff Shreeves to take his life into his hands by reminding the Manchester United boss that it was a ‘family show’. If he was expecting an apology, he was wasting his time. Alex hasn’t exactly acquired much of a reputation for saying he’s sorry and in any case he was clearly not in the mood to allow anyone, or anything, to dampen his enthusiasm over a famous victory – not to mention an opportunity to prove all the doubters wrong.

Significantly, the club that put paid last season to the Gunners’ hopes of a 50 match unbeaten run, shattered Chelsea’s dreams of beating Arsenal’s record and in the process provided Ferguson with the perfect way of celebrating 19 years in charge at Old Trafford.

While praising his whole team, the United boss must have taken particular pleasure in the performance of a midfield unit which on the face of it seemed to be no match for the champions. As it turned out, Scholes showed great vision and passing ability, Ronaldo was always dangerous, Smith worked tirelessly and Fletcher scored the winner in the 31st minute with a header that looped over a despairing John Terry.

Above all, it was the combination of spirit and restraint throughout the team which impressed – particularly in such a fiercely competitive atmosphere. United remained solid and composed at the back, even when Chelsea pressed for an equalizer late in the game, and up front Rooney gave a display which reinforced the maturity that he has brought to his game and confirmed that he is acquiring a new level of self-discipline which has enhanced his contribution rather than diminishing it, as many had predicted. It is perhaps too early to suggest that Wayne has cast off his ‘wild child’ image for good, but no-one should underestimate his achievement in a contest in which referee Graham Poll fussily awarded a procession of free kicks and distributed so many yellow cards it seemed he was anxious for at least one side to have a complete set.

Perhaps only Van Nistelrooy, captain for the day, disappointed. His lack of explosive pace proved costly and when he was presented with a chance from close in early in the second half – the kind he normally revels in – he ballooned the ball high over the bar when he could have made the game relatively safe.

The inevitable Chelsea attacks which followed made life uncomfortable for United late in the game - principally because, in the absence of a Roy Keane to help them keep the ball and control the pace of the game, they were exposed to unnecessary pressure. That they survived is a tribute to the spirit and determination of a largely inexperienced team – and possibly an indication that Keane’s words of criticism proved constructive in the end.