Chelsea lose the plot and their composure as foolish bookings mount up

Long before Chelsea made the mistakes that allowed Manchester United to claim a crucial three points at Old Trafford yesterday, they lost their cool and their discipline, writes Simon Johnson.

After starting with some signs of flowing football, Chelsea's frustration at being unable to create chances set in remarkably quickly and it went on to undermine their entire display.

How else could you explain Jose Bosingwa's foolish lunge at Wayne Rooney in the 27th minute which was rightly met with another yellow card?

Chelsea's players should have learnt that referee Howard Webb was in no mood to be lenient following Frank Lampard's fourth-minute booking for a clumsy challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Bosingwa and others did not show the intelligence and self-control under pressure to take note. Ricardo Carvalho followed him into the noteboook a minute later and, while there were always going to be some strong tackles in a match between two fierce rivals, the visitors went too far.

Chelsea's reign at the summit of English football in 2005 and 2006 was built upon an ability to keep their composure as well as playing quality football.