Blues shade thrilling goal-fest

Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4 (AET)

Following 72 hours dominated by statements, FA enquiries, letters from lawyers and involvement from political pressure groups it was something of a relief to witness a Fourth Round thriller in which Chelsea came from behind to win 5-4 against Manchester United; gaining some revenge for Sunday’s 3-2 defeat in the Premier League.

That was the game that ended, of course, with Chelsea accusing referee Mark Clattenburg of using ‘inappropriate language’ against two of their players; setting off a concatenation of events and controversies that have dominated the news agenda ever since.

This time, thankfully, most of the action was on the field as United — who scored through Ryan Giggs (2), Javier Hernandez and Nani — went ahead three times in the tie; only to be pegged back on every occasion by David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and finally Daniel Sturridge and Ramires in extra-time to complete a memorable and satisfying victory.

For Chelsea the game meant handing an opportunity to young attacking midfielder Lucas Piazon — although he had barely touched the ball by the time he was substituted in the 55th minute with four goals already in the net.

For United, Alexander Buttner, Scott Wootton (who was to endure a terrible night) and Michael Keane featured in a side captained by Giggs.

A huge away following from United gave the match a fervent atmosphere; and only one cheeky banner reading ‘Clattenburg: referee, leader, legend’ (an ironic reference to the JT: captain, leader, legend banner at the opposite end) gave any hint of the controversy of a few days earlier — and stewards were swift to remove it.

Giggs, who celebrates his 39th birthday this month, scored the opener after 22 minutes when Petr Cech’s hasty goalkick put Romeu in trouble — and Anderson picked his pocket to set up his captain for a swift and unerring finish.

The goal means Giggs has now scored in 18 consecutive seasons for Manchester United; a fact that may well encourage him to look beyond this campaign to one more year before retirement.

Chelsea replied through a David Luiz penalty after Buttner brought down Victor Moses in the 31st minute; but United, prompted by an excellent performance from Anderson in the middle of the park, never really looked like being out of contention.

They went ahead again after 43 minutes when Anderson’s wonderful through-ball was collected superbly by Hernandez — this time, unlike Sunday, definitely onside — and the Mexican finished as only he can; ruthlessly and effortlessly.

Chelsea manager Di Matteo had surprised everyone by including John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata, the two players who claimed they were racially abused by referee Clattenburg, in his team; and although Mata was outstanding, Mikel was substituted at half-time.

Even so, Chelsea equalised after the break with a powerful header from Cahill that clearly crossed the line before Rafael attempted to clear it.

But there was no denying United as they raced down the other end and scored thanks to another Anderson pass and a wonderful Nani finish.

“Time to blame the referee..,” was the chorus sung by United fans — and Chelsea did exactly that when Lee Mason inexplicably refused to give a penalty when Keane clearly handled a Mata cross after 72 minutes.

If there’s one thing you can say about Chelsea, however, it is that they never give up — just ask Barcelona. So when they earned a penalty in the 94th minute, for Wootton’s clear foul on Ramires, it was no surprise to see Hazard convert it for 3-3.

In extra-time, with United tiring, Wootton was again the villain as he headed an aimless long punt from Chelsea straight into the path of Sturridge, who despite having endured a miserable night, found the capacity to round Lindegaard and win the match.

Then Ramires scored a fifth following a breakaway move instigated by Hazard, setting of scenes of unbridled celebrations around the ground — at least until Azpilicueta gave away a penalty that Giggs put away with ease.

It was heady, dramatic stuff and — even with nine bookings and a mini brawl — largely free from controversy.

Now that’s what football is meant to be about.

CHELSEA: Cech 6, Azpilicueta 6, Cahill 7, Luiz 5, Bertrand 6, Romeu 5 (Oscar 72; 6), Mikel 6 (Ramires 46; 6), Moses 7, Mata 8, Piazon 5 (Hazard 55; 6), Sturridge 6.

MAN UTD: Lindegaard 6, Da Silva 7, Wootton 5, Keane 6, Buttner 4 (Powell 46; 7), Anderson 9 (Tunnicliffe 81), Giggs 7, Fletcher 5, Nani 6, Hernandez 7, Welbeck 6 (Macheda 99).

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)