Manchester United appeared firmly in control for 20 minutes, but substitutions helped Chelsea get back into the game.
Sir Alex Ferguson recalled Wayne Rooney, using him behind Javier Hernandez, with Shinji Kagawa left and Nani right. Jonny Evans also returned.
Rafael Benitez surprisingly named Ramires and Frank Lampard in midfield, allowing him to play three attackers,...
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Chelsea played negatively, and afforded City too many goalscoring opportunities.
Roberto Mancini surprisingly played Yaya Toure behind Sergio Aguero, a combination he’s rarely used this season. Jack Rodwell started alongside Javi Garcia, while Vincent Kompany wasn’t fit, so Kolo Toure started at the back.
Rafael Benitez used Demba Ba instead of Fernando Torres. John Terry was...
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Rafael Benitez started his Chelsea reign with a goalless draw against the champions.
Benitez kept Roberto Di Matteo’s front six intact, although played Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz together at centre-back, a combination his predecessor never selected.
Roberto Mancini played four at the back, and continued with Edin Dzeko upfront, rather than Carlos Tevez – maybe...
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Tottenham had a strong spell either side of half-time, but Chelsea were the better side.
Andre Villas-Boas was unable to select either Moussa Dembele or Gareth Bale, so used Clint Dempsey on the left and Tom Huddlestone came into the centre of midfield. Brad Friedel started, with Hugo Lloris on the bench.
Roberto Di Matteo left...
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Spain didn’t win World Cup 2010 through pure tiki-taka. They won because they mixed tiki-taka with different options that brought more directness and urgency to their play.
When they went with pure tiki-taka, they stumbled. The defeat to Switzerland in their opening game of the World Cup was a huge shock, but while the Swiss...
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