Chris Smalling has scored his first ever goal in the English Premier League, and Chelsea are going to have to alter their gameplan early. Manchester United are ahead 1-0, thanks to a headed goal by the central defender, currently playing as a right back in the absence of Rafael da Silva.
Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Live, 2011 Premier League: Chris Smalling Goal Has United Up Early
The goal was created on a set piece, which was well earned by Ashley Young. United are unsurprisingly very left-leaning, attacking Jose Bosingwa with Young and Patrice Evra. After Young drew a foul from Bosingwa, he delivered in a fantastic in-swinging cross to the far post, which Smalling was able to get into and head into the back of the net.
Upon viewing the replay, it’s fairly obvious that Smalling was offside on the free kick and that the goal should not have counting. Still, he hit a good header and Chelsea’s marking was poor. Even if the goal should not have counted, Andre Villas-Boas can’t be happy with his team.
Head on over to Manchester United blog The Busby Babe and Chelsea FC blog We Ain’t Got No History for more on the two teams and this match. We’ll have coverage of the game and every other match in the Premiership this week in our English Premier League Week 5 StoryStream. For more on the entire world of football, bookmark SB Nation Soccer.
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