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The Premier League title race was blown wide open by Chelsea who mustered a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester United. The latter’s surge towards their second consecutive title (10th in 16 seasons) has faded in recent weeks after draws against Middlesbrough and Blackburn. All is not lost yet with the latest defeat but there is already a palpable shift in power.

Nobody expected an easy match considering Chelsea’s undefeated stature at Stamford Bridge stretching over 80 matches in four years. Nevertheless, Alex Ferguson chose to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves. The impending Champions League 2nd leg encounter against Barcelona must have played on his mind but when you underestimate your opponent, you lose more than three points. Momentum is hard to pick up when it is derailed as seen in the meltdown of Arsenal’s challenge.

Chelsea started the match on a high tempo and were clearly the better side with their possession and menacing attacks. The Red Devils continued their midweek catenaccio approach but they didn’t quite pull it off at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, they survived the onslaught through a combination of luck and harried defending.

The loss of Vidic who was stretchered off after catching Drogba’s knee in his face may have disrupted a stable United backline. United reshuffled their defense, which saw Owen Hargreaves coming on at right-back and Wes Brown moved to centre-back. Yes, you saw correctly, Brown in the heart of defense! This is a tactical error which has reared its ugly head in the past but Alex Ferguson chose to tempt fate by casting Brown in that role again.

Resting Ronaldo and Tevez wasn’t so bad as United can still play for a draw and be in the driver’s seat. Being deprived of the duo’s creativity and penetration can be compensated with a sturdy defense. When you place a barely competent defender in front of the keeper, there is no recourse. Alex Ferguson said it earlier: “There is no other club for Wes Brown.” I am sure he meant it literally.

The awaited disaster didn’t take long to materialize. In the 21st minute, Joe Cole saw his volley bounce back off the bar. Then, in the first half’s stoppage time, Ballack broke the stalemate when he was allowed to slip in unmarked at the far post to head Didier Drogba’s cross into the net. A world-class finish which left a fully stretched van der Sar punching air.

After the goal, Terry brought out a jersey that read “Pat Lampard R.I.P.” and other players proceeded to hold it up in the memory of the death of Frank Lampard’s mother. This interlude was special, not only for Chelsea but I guess for opposing fans around the world too.

During the break, I am sure Ferguson delivered one of his harshest lectures and his charges came out revitalized. They began to push in earnest and within 12 minutes of the second half, United were level, courtesy of a horrendous error by Ricardo Carvalho. His misjudged pass presented Rooney with a clear run on goal.

The striker cut across John Terry before beating Petr Cech from the edge of the area with a low drive that went in off the post. It proved to be Rooney’s last contribution as he went off injured with a hip problem to be replaced by Ronaldo. Regardless, United were now firmly in control.

Instead of closing ranks, Chelsea came apart at the seams. This was highlighted by a petty argument between Ballack and Drogba over who should take a free kick towards the end of the match. The Ivorian eventually took it and forced a good save from van der Sar, though he continued the row with Ballack and even had words with assistant coach Steve Clarke. Ballack showed great self-restraint to proceed with his drink at the sideline rather than to engage in a public show of disunity.

A draw seemed the most likely result but in the 87th minute, Michael Essien’s cross from the right struck Michael Carrick on the arm, prompting the referee to point to the spot. A hand-ball decision was made but it is contentious as the ball hit Carrick’s hand rather than the other way round. Anyway, Ballack stepped up coolly and converted the penalty.

It was the first penalty United had conceded in the league all season but it was certainly decisive. United did not give up and charged forward with abandonment. Their efforts, coming from Cristiano Ronaldo and then Darren Fletcher, were denied by goal-line clearances from Ashley Cole and Andriy Shevchenko.

In this match, I am impressed with Michael Essien’s deep running and his distribution was excellent. He was a constant thorn for United’s rearguard with his passes and hard tackling in midfield. United had no answer in the first half to Drogba’s strength, Essien’s work rate and Cole’s trickery.

Though United revived in the second half and right winger Nani was full of energy, he failed to make any impact as Chelsea snuffed out supplies to Rooney handily. Being marshaled superbly, a listless Rooney was isolated up front for long periods and it was obvious that he missed his partners Ronaldo and Tevez to divert some attention away from Chelsea’s defenders.

When Ronaldo did enter the fray, it was a bit too late and he did not take the match by the scruff of its neck. No magic was conjured this time and in view of his missed penalty against Barcelona, questions were naturally raised on whether Ronaldo can perform in big matches.

However, United cannot blame the Portuguese for a lack of killer instinct as they already owe him a huge debt of gratitude for scoring an incredible 28 league goals this season. If United end up empty-handed, this will be a personal setback for Ronaldo, given the exacting standards he set for himself and his ultimate wish to be FIFA Player of the Year will also vanish in thin air.

United and Chelsea are now level on points but the title remains Manchester United’s to lose as they have a superior goal difference which can only be overcome if Chelsea go goal-crazy. The Red Devils can no longer afford to slip up in their remaining two matches at home to West Ham and away at Wigan. On the other hand, Chelsea face off with a revitalized Newcastle United and relegation-threatened Bolton Wanderers.

The bizarre situation is that Arsenal can still pip them to the Premier League title. Hoping for both teams to crack under the enormous pressure in their remaining matches is a long shot but I do not want to discount such a possibility as allocation of resources for the Champions League can be tricky. Both teams could meet again next month in the Champions League finals after eliminating their respective opponents.

Before the showdown, Jose Mourinho expressed his confidence in Manchester United to retain their title. He will be disappointed to see his successor, Avram Grant, trumping the Red Devils and staying on course for the Premier League and Champions League crowns. Mourinho’s achievements will be eclipsed by a man who has never graced the big stage of football - that of course makes the Special One less special than we thought.

To close this article, I want to credit Avram Grant, as of late, he has fielded a Chelsea team imbued with such character and confidence even Jose Mourinho will be proud of. If Chelsea continue in this sterling form, I certainly owe Grant an apology but the job is far from done yet.

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