The 5 greatest Chelsea vs Manchester United clashes in recent times

Chelsea vs Manchester United, EPL, 5th February 2012

Javier Hernandez's header which made things 3-3 at the Bridge: EPL 2011-12

This was another classic from the 2011-12 season. Chelsea was trying to stay in contention for a Champions League spot while Manchester was trying to topple their rivals from the other end of the city at the top.

Manchester had two quick penalty shouts denied, first an unconvincing one from Ashley Young but the second a far more reasoned one from Danny Welbeck. United came forward to more dangerous attacks, Rooney’s low cross to Welbeck just put off by Ivanovic.

Chelsea hit the front after a great build up attack which culminated in Sturridge’s inside pass that hit the back of the net, off Jonny Evans. Manchester attempted a comeback from Ashley Young’s shot but it was saved by Cech. Around the 40 minute mark, Manchester threatened again with a great passing between Welbeck and Rooney. Welbeck’s shot was saved by Cech.

The second half got off to the horrendous start for United. Torres set the ball rolling and in 25 seconds, with an 11-pass move, Torres crossed the ball into Juan Mata who blasted a volley past De Gea, with the 12th touch of the ball. Things hit rock bottom for United when David Luiz headed the ball unmarked, past De Gea, off Juan Mata’s delivery in the 50th minute. It seemed all but over for the Red Devils at the Bridge.

53 minutes down, Rooney to Giggs and Giggs found a through ball to Patrice Evra on the far side of the box. Sturridge brought Evra down in the box and Howard Webb pointed straight to spot. Rooney stepped up and fired in from 12 yards out right into the top corner. 15 minutes later, Rooney found Hernandez who was running into the box. Hernandez came under pressure from Ivanovic and passed away to Welbeck.

Ivanovic went straight to Welbeck and clipped his trailing leg. Howard Webb pointed to the spot yet again to frustrate the Stamford Bridge. Rooney smashed in, the bottom corner in the opposite direction this time. Manchester crawled their way back to 2-3 with around 20 minutes still to play.

Chelsea managed to fire a shot at goal but it was dealt with easily by De Gea. Antonio Valencia went on a rampant run through the right flank in around the 82nd minute. Valencia crossed to Rooney. Rooney’s spectacular shot was saved by Cech and the rebound fell to Ryan Giggs. Giggs crossed back in to find the head of Javier Hernandez.

The masters of late goals left it late yet again but they came back from 3-0 down in the 50th minute to equalise at 3-3 in the 84th minute. Mata tried to get the lead back off a spectacular free-kick but De Gea managed to save it and tip it to the bar.