Didier Drogba and Robin Van Persie each scored as Manchester United struck late to draw 1-1 at home to Chelsea on Sunday. The draw leaves Chelsea top of the table on 23 points and United in eighth on 13, three points out of the top four. Let's take a look at five things we learned from this match...
1. United have had their Juventus moment
Before the trip to the Midlands last week, Louis Van Gaal spoke of United needing to have their "Juventus moment". He was speaking of Bayern Munich's 4-1 victory over Juventus in his spell as Bayern manager, and how it was the catalyst for them to kick on and win the Bundesliga. The late equalizer here certainly seemed to be United's "Juventus Moment". The Van Persie goal came 3:32 into the four minutes of stoppage time, and the reaction from the Old Trafford faithful, the players and then Van Persie himself showed just how important this point is to them. Should they be able to go to Eastlands next week and replicate this performance, this will be remembered as the moment LVG's reign truly took off.
2. Chelsea are going to win the title
Jose Mourinho's side are no longer the little horse who needs milk; no, they are now a team who can have legitimate hopes of winning every trophy they compete for this season. Given the recent midweek performances from other English clubs, they certainly look the only one who can win the Champions League. Although they have now blown late leads at both United and Manchester City, they will take confidence from the knowledge that they've accrued points in their two most difficult away fixtures of the season. It will take something crazy for Chelsea to not win the title this season.
3. Reports of Robin Van Persie's decline are premature
Yes, he has not replicated the form of his first season at United, but Robin Van Persie was terrific all throughout this one. He was a constant threat to the Chelsea backline, and was rightly rewarded for his efforts with the late equalizer. The Dutchman led the line wonderfully, interchanged well with Mata, Januzaj and Di Maria and put in his best performance of the season. There is certainly a place for him in this team.
4. Didier Drogba has something to offer as well
While undoubtedly not the player he was five or six years ago, Drogba is still a player capable of performing on the biggest stages. Mourinho has used him almost exclusively late in games to help Chelsea see them off, but tonight he showed he can still lead the line. He provided strength, leadership and took his chance very well. While no longer capable of leading the line week in and week out, there is a reason why Drogba is in this team and we saw it today.
5. James Wilson is going to be something
The young Englishman made headlines at the end of last year with his brace against Hull City, and looked very impressive in his second league performance of the season. As Adnan Januzaj broke through last season, the message from U-21 manager Warren Joyce was to wait and see the next one. Wilson was the one bright spot in the League Cup loss to MK Dons, and his movement, touch and passing were on full display tonight. He wasn't on the ball consistently in his 20 minutes on the pitch, but his movement in particular continued to trouble Chelsea's defense. He had one header come down onto the roof of the net after finding space between John Terry and Gary Cahill that just illustrated the intelligence this young footballer is already showing. He is going to be quite some player.