Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Ten-Man Chelsea held out for a 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Saturday to seal second place in the English Premier League and a guaranteed slot in next season’s Champions League.
Chelsea were cruising after Danish winger Jesper Gronkjaer scored in the 19th minute and ’keeper Carlo Cudicini brilliantly saved a penalty from United’s Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy just before halftime.
But a 73rd-minute red card for Chelsea’s German defender Robert Huth was followed four minutes later by a goalkeeping howler by Cudicini which handed van Nistelrooy an easy equaliser.
United poured forward but Chelsea hung on for a draw which ensured they finish second behind champions Arsenal. Chelsea have 76 points to United’s 72 with one match left to play. United and the fourth-placed club will go into the Champions League qualifiers. Arsenal, on 84 points and bidding to finish the season unbeaten, are away to Fulham on Sunday.
