Because talking about Controversy is too mainstream…

Taronish Elavia

31st October 2012 | 4:40 PM

Two things which first come to our mind after this clash – For the Red devils it was a victory at Stamford Bridge after a decade while for the Blues – their unbeaten run this season comes to an end. Is there any specific reason for it? Any guesses? It’s on everyone’s lips – poor and controversial official decisions.

Mark Clattenburg has surely been the most talked person this week in English Football (and criticized too) for his officiating, while Chelsea have lodged an official complaint against him for using ‘inappropriate’ language against two of their players. But this is all part of the game, and if you think about it closely you won’t even remember this after a few months. Manchester United had the same feeling in Chelsea’s title winning season in 2010-11 in a 2-1 loss to the Blues at Old Trafford, when Didier Drogba was allowed the second goal after being a yard offside. But no one really cares about it now; a better option is to see what we can learn from this high profile encounter.

Juan Mata – it’s a shame to see such a classy and talented attacker still not being able to cement his place in the La Roja team. Since his big money move from Valencia in 2011, he has been one of the main sources of creativity in the Chelsea midfield. Where once there was a time Chelsea were criticized for their 30+ age players and lack of pace, Juan Mata has brought a different dimension to their offense. Chelsea are now known to keep good possession and control the ball well in the opponent’s half in comparison to the team that depended on Didier Drogba for goals till his departure to China. On Sunday afternoon as well, the number 10 single-handedly inspired a comeback from 2-0 down until some unfortunate decisions. His curled free kick executed perfectly was one of the best set pieces we have seen this season, and we shall see more.

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