Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believed his side did not have the edge against Chelsea, while criticizing David Luiz for inciting the red card on Rafael in their English Premier League game Sunday.
A late strike from Juan Mata, which went in thanks to a deflection from Phil Jones, made the difference as Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners over the Premier League champions at Old Trafford, in a game which will not stay in the minds of too many people for too long.
An understrength United side failed to show up at Old Trafford, and while Chelsea were not great either, they did just enough to take all three points.
"There was no edge to our game but I think Chelsea were the better team," Ferguson told the club's official website. "Training was fine this week and there was a nice edge to it, but today (Sunday) it was missing.
"(Being champions) has a lot to do with it. It's been a long season for the players and their final really big effort was last week against Arsenal.
"Chelsea's goal was a bit lucky as it deflected off Phil Jones, but it was so late in the game that there was not a lot we could do about it."
United also had Rafael sent off right at the end - the champions' first ever sending off of the season -- with referee Howard Webb brandishing a straight red for a kick out on Chelsea defender Luiz, who seemed to make a meal of the challenge.
"The referee was bought by the fact Luiz rolled about," Ferguson added. "He actually elbowed Rafael twice but you know what happens when a player retaliates: he's always punished more.
"Luiz made it look worse. I don't think the referee saw it, actually, and he was convinced by Luiz's reaction."
United now have two games remaining and Ferguson is determined to see his side end the season on a high, after a rather forgettable performance against Chelsea.
"We don't approach games in an easy way as there is an expectation all the time here," he added. Maybe this will waken the players up."
