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The EPL title: Now a Two Horse race?
Published by Ian John on February 1, 2010
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This past weekend may well be seen as the defining weekend of the season for the three teams at the top of the Premier League table. In the matches played over the weekend, we have understood a great deal more about the title credentials of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men faced a tough trip to Burnley against the backdrop of fresh allegations about the private life of club captain John Terry. The Clarets had beaten Manchester United at Turf Moor earlier in the season and despite the loss of manager Owen Coyle to Bolton, this looked a tough trip for Chelsea, especially with their skipper being front page news and striking pair Didier Drogba and Soloman Kalou still absent after their rigours in the African Cup of Nations.
Despite that Chelsea performed admirably to secure a fine 2-1 victory. John Terry popping up to plant a firm header past Brian Jensen to hand the Londoners a vital win ahead of the massive game at the weekend at the Emirates. In addition, Chelsea opened up a lead at the top of the table and with a game in hand (to be played Tuesday at Hull City) they remain firmly in the driving seat at the moment.
The game at the Emirates was billed as a true Clash of the Titans as two title contenders clashed and while two title contenders may have clashed at the start of the game, by the end of it, there was only one title contender left on the field.
Manchester United were superb from first whistle to last against a toothless Arsenal attack. The Red Devils were inspired by performances from Nani and Wayne Rooney who’s swift counter attacking, interpassing and running with the ball gave Arsenal defenders a nightmarish time throughout the ninety minutes. Nani’s mazy run and clever chip saw Almunia only able to palm the ball into his own net before a swift counter attack led by Rooney and Nani saw Nani slot in the England man to finish superbly past Almunia. 2-0 at the interval and to all intents and purposes, it looked like game over.
It was game over when Park added a third from another quick counter attack early in the second half and not even a late Vermaelen deflected shot could bring Arsenal any real hope of a miracle comeback. Manchester United are not Bolton and won’t capitulate on a two goal lead.
So by the end of ninety minutes, Manchester United had confirmed themselves as genuine title contenders and a real threat to Chelsea in the race for the title. The question marks were all regarding Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side. Once again comprehensively outclassed at home by one of the top two.
In his post match interview Wenger claimed that his team were “naive” and that they hadn’t performed well in any area of the field or in defence or attack. That is true, but there is also the glaringly obvious fact that Arsenal do not, at the moment, have a focal point in attack to put the finishing touches on their beautiful moves. Arshavin, for all his workrate, is not an out and out centre forward. He needs to work off somebody. Bendtner came on for the last 20 minutes but to little effect and with only hours of the transfer window left, Wenger must be hoping that he can bring in a striker to finish off his team.
Because without one, his team are a long, long way away from being a genuine title contender.
The EPL title is now a two horse race and once again, it is the two favourites who are running away with it.
Image Courtesy of ***Samal Marr*** On Flickr.com
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