Chelsea FC Vs. Manchester United, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Physical Game Sees Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba Take Early Licks

It’s been a physical encounter so far at Stamford Bridge, with both sets of central defenders trying to impose their will on the game. Both Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney have taken nasty spills early, but they’re both back on their feet and playing just fine. Obviously, they’re both great athletes and it would take something very nasty in the early going to keep them down, but there’s no denying that John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Nemanja Vidic are tough customers who are not afraid to throw an elbow.

While the defenders are playing mind games, it’s possible that the two star strikers are playing mind games of their own by milking their discomfort and making it look like they were fouled hard. Both strikers are probably trying to set up their opposing central defenders for bookings. While it’s a little bit unsporting, it certainly isn’t dumb. Defenders are regularly shown cards for what the referee believes to be repeated offenses.