Lessons can be learnt to turn United blue
Five days before Halloween 2008 and it wasn't so much a scare as a downright shock that flowed through football as Chelsea's incredible and unparalleled record of 86 home games unbeaten was left in tatters by Xabi Alonso's deflected strike, which gave Liverpool three points and left Stamford Bridge more resembling of a Wendy House than a fortress.
The last time Chelsea's home defences had been breached was on October 23rd 2004 and few were expecting the record to crumble four years and three days later when Rafael Benitez's 'cautious' Liverpool side visited the Bridge to record a historic victory. However, what Liverpool achieved that day goes way beyond the three league points that they took back to Merseyside with them. For four long years, it had become almost legislative that Chelsea do not lose at Stamford Bridge and when the Reds ended this run, some may have excused the Blues hierarchy had they picked up their telephones and dialled 999 to report a crime.
Less than five months later, Senor Benitez was at it once again, this time in more emphatic circumstances. Unlike at Stamford Bridge where the Spaniard engineered a subtle piece of pick-pocketing, on this occasion Old Trafford witnessed what can only be described as a complete ransacking, where the visitors not only walked away with all three points, but also stuffed their pockets full with the dignity and pride of their hosts. Unlike Chelsea, United were not on a four year unbeaten home record, however in recent weeks the media would have led you to believe that Ferguson's men were untouchable, invincible and merrily strolling their way to an unprecedented quintuple. Because it's just that easy.
What Rafael Benitez and his brilliantly organised side highlighted at Old Trafford was more than just their own ability to put high quality opponents to the sword, when they click into gear. Just as they had at Stamford Bridge on October 26th 2008, Liverpool have now opened the eyes of the rest of the footballing world and exposed the myth that was beginning to evolve around Manchester United, courtesy of the highly sensationalistic and 'fairytale seeking' media. Contrary to many exaggerated views, United are not invincible. Their defence was not the design model on which Fort Knox was based. Their midfield is not impossible to overpower. Wayne Rooney is not the new Pele and Ronaldo is not the latest incarnation of Superman.
When Liverpool shattered Chelsea's incredible record, it proved not to be an isolated case. Just 35 days later, Arsenal went to Stamford Bridge and repeated the trick. West Ham went to Stamford Bridge and had the temerity to take the lead. The Hammers couldn't hold on and ended up claiming a solitary point, but were it not for Carlton Cole's lack of a decisive finish in the latter minutes, the East Londoners would have joined the Anfield and Emirates bandwagon. It wasn't to be just a trio however. Hull City took an impressive point from 'fortress' Stamford Bridge as recently as February. Stoke led away at Chelsea until two minutes from time when they were unluckily dealt a quick fire double to taste defeat. Heck, even lowly Southend ventured into trendy West London for an FA Cup tie and took a highly impressive draw back to Essex with them. Wigan Athletic found themselves level going into stoppage time before a very late home winner shattered their day.
It's amazing what can happen when others show you the way. Liverpool showed everyone the way when they visited Stamford Bridge early this season and what followed was a remarkable home run which saw Chelsea drop a total of nine league points at a crumbling Bridge which looked badly in need of re-enforcement.
Rafa Benitez will be hoping their demolition of Manchester United on Saturday will pave the way for others, as the Merseysiders seek to end their barren spell without the league title, which is now dangerously close to reaching the two-decade mark. In more danger for England's most decorated club, is their record of eighteen league titles, which will be equalled if Manchester United retain the crown this season. However, after seeing what followed Liverpool's win at Chelsea, the Reds will be hoping a similar bout of uncertainty clouds Old Trafford.
Hear something often enough and it becomes easy to believe it but for those who dismissed a different tune, the message is now loud and clear. Messers Benitez, Torres and Gerrard are beating the drum. It is now up to others to hear it, starting with Fulham on Saturday. Over to you, Mr Hodgson.
Five days before Halloween 2008 and it wasn't so much a scare as a downright shock that flowed through football as Chelsea's incredible and unparalleled record of 86 home games unbeaten was left in tatters by Xabi Alonso's deflected strike, which gave Liverpool three points and left Stamford Bridge more resembling of a Wendy House than a fortress.
The last time Chelsea's home defences had been breached was on October 23rd 2004 and few were expecting the record to crumble four years and three days later when Rafael Benitez's 'cautious' Liverpool side visited the Bridge to record a historic victory. However, what Liverpool achieved that day goes way beyond the three league points that they took back to Merseyside with them. For four long years, it had become almost legislative that Chelsea do not lose at Stamford Bridge and when the Reds ended this run, some may have excused the Blues hierarchy had they picked up their telephones and dialled 999 to report a crime.
Less than five months later, Senor Benitez was at it once again, this time in more emphatic circumstances. Unlike at Stamford Bridge where the Spaniard engineered a subtle piece of pick-pocketing, on this occasion Old Trafford witnessed what can only be described as a complete ransacking, where the visitors not only walked away with all three points, but also stuffed their pockets full with the dignity and pride of their hosts. Unlike Chelsea, United were not on a four year unbeaten home record, however in recent weeks the media would have led you to believe that Ferguson's men were untouchable, invincible and merrily strolling their way to an unprecedented quintuple. Because it's just that easy.
What Rafael Benitez and his brilliantly organised side highlighted at Old Trafford was more than just their own ability to put high quality opponents to the sword, when they click into gear. Just as they had at Stamford Bridge on October 26th 2008, Liverpool have now opened the eyes of the rest of the footballing world and exposed the myth that was beginning to evolve around Manchester United, courtesy of the highly sensationalistic and 'fairytale seeking' media. Contrary to many exaggerated views, United are not invincible. Their defence was not the design model on which Fort Knox was based. Their midfield is not impossible to overpower. Wayne Rooney is not the new Pele and Ronaldo is not the latest incarnation of Superman.
When Liverpool shattered Chelsea's incredible record, it proved not to be an isolated case. Just 35 days later, Arsenal went to Stamford Bridge and repeated the trick. West Ham went to Stamford Bridge and had the temerity to take the lead. The Hammers couldn't hold on and ended up claiming a solitary point, but were it not for Carlton Cole's lack of a decisive finish in the latter minutes, the East Londoners would have joined the Anfield and Emirates bandwagon. It wasn't to be just a trio however. Hull City took an impressive point from 'fortress' Stamford Bridge as recently as February. Stoke led away at Chelsea until two minutes from time when they were unluckily dealt a quick fire double to taste defeat. Heck, even lowly Southend ventured into trendy West London for an FA Cup tie and took a highly impressive draw back to Essex with them. Wigan Athletic found themselves level going into stoppage time before a very late home winner shattered their day.
It's amazing what can happen when others show you the way. Liverpool showed everyone the way when they visited Stamford Bridge early this season and what followed was a remarkable home run which saw Chelsea drop a total of nine league points at a crumbling Bridge which looked badly in need of re-enforcement.
Rafa Benitez will be hoping their demolition of Manchester United on Saturday will pave the way for others, as the Merseysiders seek to end their barren spell without the league title, which is now dangerously close to reaching the two-decade mark. In more danger for England's most decorated club, is their record of eighteen league titles, which will be equalled if Manchester United retain the crown this season. However, after seeing what followed Liverpool's win at Chelsea, the Reds will be hoping a similar bout of uncertainty clouds Old Trafford.
Hear something often enough and it becomes easy to believe it but for those who dismissed a different tune, the message is now loud and clear. Messers Benitez, Torres and Gerrard are beating the drum. It is now up to others to hear it, starting with Fulham on Saturday. Over to you, Mr Hodgson.
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