Chelsea vs. Manchester United: What We Learned About the Title Race
After a surprisingly entertaining encounter culminated in Frank Lampard’s winner from the spot, thoughts immediately turned to the effect the Chelsea victory has on the title race.
United started brilliantly and looked to have the league all but wrapped up at half time, but a rejuvenated Chelsea came out stronger in the second half and strengthened their grip on Champions League football.
The result was no doubt greeted with fervent joy by an Arsenal support who had endured a trying week, while United fans don’t seem to be panicking as of yet.
But what did this game tell us about the title race?
1. 45 Minutes Is a Long Time in a Title Race
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We think of leagues as being decided over the course of a season. Nine months, four seasons, 38 games.
Yet it’s the fact that a single 45 minutes of football possesses the ability to change the destination of a title that keeps us enthralled.
At half time, United were one up and appeared to be cruising. The lead was on the cusp of extending to seven points, and with the injuries Arsenal have endured that would surely have been a bridge too far.
Yet, in the space of 45 minutes, the league was blown wide open.
2. The Title Is Now in Arsenal’s Hands.
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Four points behind, a game in hand and United still to travel to the Emirates, Arsenal’s destiny is now in their own hands.
Given they haven’t won a trophy since 2005, it will be interesting to see how they react. The squad isn’t excatly heaving with proven winners and Sunday’s calamitous surrender of the Carling Cup hinted at a lack of mental fortitude.
Sunderland at home isn’t the worst game in which to resume a title challenge, but it will be very interesting to see how they cope with the pressure.
3. Manchester United Are Still in Pole Position.
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In spite of Arsenal’s new found position of authority, Manchester United are still the bookies favourites for the title.
It’s not hard to see why. A squad full of proven champions, three goal scoring strikers and a normally watertight defence.
However, a glance at the fixture list indicates a marginally tougher schedule for the Red Devils which adds a degree of intrigue to the bookmakers pricing.
4. Arsenal’s Injury Crisis May Yet Be a Blessing in Disguise.
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A full strength Arsenal travelling to the Nou Camp next week would have stood a decent chance of progressing to the last eight of the Champions League, adding at least two more games to an already congested schedule. As things stand, its hard to see them prevailing in Spain.
As far as their league ambitions go, this could prove a blessing as they will be able to devote full attention to the probable FA Cup clash at Old Trafford and the subsequent league fixtures.
While Manchester United are travelling around Europe, Arsenal could be taking a well deserved break which could prove a vital advantage in their respective league engagements.
Which leads us too….
5. We Have a Potential Title Decider on Our Hands…
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May 1st.
Pencil it into your diary.
Arsenal and Manchester United will lock horns in what could be a title deciding fixture.
United have held the upper hand in recent seasons, but form will go out the window for such a cataclysmic clash.
Intriguingly, its scheduled to intersect the Champions League semi finals.
6. The Title Race May Not Even Be the Most Exciting Facet of the Run In.
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While the title still appears to be a closely fought two horse race, its in danger of being usurped by other challenges in terms of excitement.
The Champions League positions look to be a three way battle between Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham, as many as six more clubs could be battling for one Europa League spot.
Perhaps most remarkable of all, the congested nature of the table means that just six points separate the entire bottom half of the table.
We’re in for a hell of a run in
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