Three Horse English Premier League Race
By Aaron Jude Weinman
The race for the Barclays English Premier League has gathered momentum as the final hurdle approaches. Current titleholders Manchester United lead the way, just a single point ahead of London rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal. With fourth placed, Tottenham Hotspur a distant 14 points off the leader’s, these final eight weeks will see the title fight go right down to the wire.
Going into this season, many were quick to write off Manchester United’s chances after losing mercurial midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo and tenacious forward, Carlos Tevez. Sir Alex, forever faithful in his squad placed more responsibility on marksman Wayne Rooney, and the England striker has delivered this season, rarely missing out in front of goal. With the likes of Rooney up front, he is well supported with an experienced midfield containing Paul Scholes and Park of Korea. Add to this the exciting young talent of Nani and Antonio Valencia, United have a well-grounded midfield capable of wielding the results of the last decade.
Similar to United, North London club Arsenal have benefitted from continuity at the top, as Arsene Wenger has instilled a youthful squad, oozing talent and mastering an attractive passing game, that Wenger is renowned for. Despite this, Arsenal’s silverware cabinet has done nothing but collect dust over the last five years. Unlike their two rivals, Arsenal rarely makes monumental signings, as finances are a regular issue since moving from Highbury to the Emirates stadium. The Gunners biggest asset is Wenger, adopting a youth policy, the Frenchman has unearthed and developed a talented crop led by Cesc Fabregas, marshalling his team consisting of young stars the likes of Walcott, Clichy and Abou Diaby all of whom are products of Wenger’s style.
Chelsea currently sit two points behind United, but crucially, with a game in hand, making their trip to Old Trafford in three weeks time, the most important clash for all three clubs. In addition, difficult fixtures against Aston Villa, Tottenham and Liverpool, make the run home anything but couture. Lining up the three squads, you would be hard-pressed to think Chelsea’s is not the strongest. The league’s top scorer in Drogba, backed up by Nicolas Anelka, Lampard and Salomon Kalou, making goals a mere formality.
If you were to fault Chelsea at present, it definitely lies in their defence, leaking goals on a weekly basis, the London club leave a lot for Captain John Terry who may be left to clean up yet, another mess come season’s end. But based on where we sit now, Chelsea is in the box seat, and dare I say it, the title is still theirs to lose.
