English Champions, Manchester United may have finally put paid to their lofty aspirations of defending their Premier League title when they lost 3-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge Stadium in West London on Sunday evening.
Cameroonian striker, Samuel Eto’o was the hero as he bagged a hat trick in a thrilling game, becoming the first player Chelsea player in 60 years to score a hat trick against Manchester United. Eto’o, a summer acquisition from Russian side, Anzhi opened the scoring in the 17th minute when his curled shot deflected off Michael Carrick and looped over David de Gea in goal for the Red Devils. Chelsea doubled their lead in the 44th minute when the irrepressible Eto’o struck from the 6 yard box off a Gary Cahill pass. He completed his hat trick 3 minutes into the second half when he tapped in a rebound after De Gea had parried a Gary Cahill header into his path.
Mexican striker, Chicharito grabbed a consolation for Manchester United as he converted Phil Jones’ cross in the 78th minute but there was to be no comeback heroics reminiscent of the Ferguson era though there was time for more drama as Nemanja Vidic was sent off for dangerous tackle on Eden Hazard while team mate, Rafael was lucky to be left on the pitch as he earned a yellow card for a crude challenge on Gary Cahill.
