It was a typical cup tie as each half belonged to a team and predictably the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate resulting in a replay at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United had a brilliant first half and were cruising through to the semis, but a woeful second half and total lack lustre passing let them down. Goals from Hazard and Ramires cancelled out Hernandez and Rooney’s first half goals.
For once United were definitely lucky to escape with a draw thanks to some spectacular saves from De Gea and last night was easily the best Chelsea had played this year. The spirit showed by the Blues in the second half earned them a deserving replay at home.
Take a look at the player ratings here:
David De Gea: Though he let in two goals, De Gea had a brilliant night and if not for his last minute save off Juan Mata’s shot United could have bowed of the FA Cup in front of their home fans. A solid performance from the ever improving Spaniard 7.5/10
Rafael: The Brazilian was silent throughout the game, probably tired after his midweek shackles with Cristiano Ronaldo. His failure to stop Hazard resulted in Chelsea’s first goal and his usual forward runs were also missing 6/10
Johnny Evans: Had a difficult night having been asked to mark the muscular Demba Ba, but the center back rose to the occasion and did not allow Ba to out muscle him. Won almost every header under pressure as well 7/10.
Rio Ferdinand: Was composed as always and put in some strong tackles to stop the Blues. overall a good performance from Rio 7/10.
Patrice Evra: A decent first half both in attacking and defending was followed by a horrible second half performance from the French International. Found it difficult to stop the likes of Mata and Moses and spent most of second half inside his half 6/10.
Luis Nani: It looks like the Portuguese is still important to United than some of the f ans thought he was. After he left the field due to an injury, United’s attack from the wings were totally clueless. Won the free kick which led to the second United goal 7/10.
Tom Cleverley: The midfielder, surprisingly had an off day. Lost possession way too much and failed to link-up with the attackers 5.5/10.
Michael Carrick: Assisted for United’s first goal with a delightful cross, but failed to get a grip on the game and gradually lost the midfield duels 6.5/10.
Shinji Kagawa: The Hazard vs Kagawa comparisons would have taken a new dimension after last night’s performance from the Japanese International. A hat-trick against Norwich followed by a woeful display at home is never a good sign off a quality player.
Wayne Rooney: Back in the starting line-up and back on the score sheet. The England International gave a perfect reply to all the media attention he has been getting after being benched against Real Madrid in the mid-week. Was influential in almost all of United’s attack in the first half and should have driven in a few more shots on target than he actually did. A solid performance overall 7.5/10
Javier Hernandez: Another decent from performance from the Mexican. Scored United’s first goal and looked threatening whenever he had the ball 7/10.
Subs: Valencia came in the second half and had a shocker off a night. Lost the ball way to easily and even failed to beat Mikel for pace.
Petr Cech: Could have done better in the first half as he disappointingly let in two goals very early on and Henandez’s first goal was totally his fault. However, had a much better second half with some good saves 6/10.
Ashley Cole: Was strong in his defensive duties but failed to support his attackers 6.5/10.
Cesar Azpilicueta: Stuck to his defensive duties well but much like his full back partner offered nothing in the final third other than a few mazy runs forward 6.5/10.
David Luiz: Drived in a long range effort on goal which tested De Gea and had a good performance in the back as well 7/10.
Gary Cahill: Was totally clueless when United scored their first goal and had a pretty poor match overall. Failed to put a block on either of United’s forwards 6/10.
Frank Lampard: Surprisingly an off day for Super Frank as he looked tired for most part of the game. The midfielder was a liability and should have been rested. Benitez’s tactics of playing him in a pivotal role is really questionable 5.5/10.
Oscar: Showed glimpses of potential as good as Kaka during his AC Milan days. But overall never really had an impact over the game 6.5/10.
Ramires: Scored the all important equaliser which earned the Blues a replay after starting slowly. Won the midfield duels with Cleverley and Carrick with ease especially in the second half 7/10.
Victor Moses: Went past Evra with ease but never looked like a threat in the final third and also missed a sitter 6.5/10.
Demba Ba: Failed with his wavered shooting and was frustrated too easily 6/10.
Subs: Hazard came in and took the game to United. Scored the first goal and was influential throughout the time he was on the pitch.
Watch the highlights here:
[youtube width=”500″ height=”300″]EVVq4o1gZoQ[/youtube]
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