Drogba Denies United the Double (AET Chelsea 1 - Manchester United 0

This was a disappointing game to watch and the result was hard to swallow. Didn't help that LY graciously supplied us with a pre-game buffet at Cow's house, which God, Kentona, Cow and myself gouged ourselves silly. Just wish the small gathering would have had a better ending instead of Kentona and myself shaking our heads in the disbelief of our inept ability to break down a resolute Chelsea team.

Perhaps the writings had been on the wall the moment the teamsheets were announced. We had named a negative 4-5-1, intent on playing a defensive lineup packing the midfield. Chelsea, by default, named a very defensive team as well. It was apparent at the start of the game, both sides were not playing to win.....but playing not to lose. This was against our culture and style, and karma has a strange way of biting us back in the butt.

I felt by not going for the jugular right from kickoff killed our chances. It allowed Chelsea to grow in confidence as the game wore on.

The first half was a bore and neither side did much in terms of entertainment value. Both lineups had cancelled themselves and space in midfield was at a premium.

The second half was a slightly better affair. We possibly played marginally better, but the Chelsea defence was incredibly disciplined. Essien, in particular, was really really outstanding, barring that one incident when Rooney got the better of him.

The game ended nil all at full time and extra time was required to settle the draw. We threw on Smith and Ole, but it was perhaps too little too late as Drogba scored a beautifully crafted goal in the dying minutes of the game.

It was probably deserved, since Chelsea played better at their style than we had ours. What was more startling to me is that we simply didn't have a target man upfront.

Against a competent defensive side like Chelsea, we struggled to break them down. Saha would have been an ideal partner upfront for Rooney, but as we already know, he's nothing more than a tease and cannot be relied on for the full season. To be honest, I love Smith but he's just doesn't have the quality to lead the attack against accomplished players. And Ole, as much as I love him to death, is...well....old. As much as I hate to admit it, we need reinforcements upfront next season, and we desperately need it. If not, we're going to struggle against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool when the campaign resumes in August.

As for the performances of our players, Scholes was truely outstanding. He was the only calming influence in the game, but facing Mikel, Makelele and Lampard along throughout the game eventually wore him down. Everyone else possibly played below their usual standards, with the exception of Carrick, which doesn't say much for him.

Ronaldo and Giggs had quiet games. While the defensive 4 played their hearts out, they did allow Chelsea to tear them apart for the winning goal.

Well, the season did end on a relatively sour note, but let's not forget we also achieved alot this season. We won the Premiership with a squad many (including myself) thought was impossible. And that in itself was a huge huge achievement.

If we can bring in the right pieces, the future does look bright.