Destiny awaits Chelsea and Manchester United next week at Old Trafford as Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Tottenham coupled with Man U’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal has closed the gap to three points. In essence, it is a redo for Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea for their loss in the Champions League, as they also need a win next weekend. The bottom of the table also featured some key results which set up an exciting finish to the season.
Chelsea’s win was battered by controversy, the first goal clearly not crossing the line. The second goal was very close, and it is difficult to tell whether Kalou was in an offside position. Regardless, it is a win for Chelsea and one that they desperately needed. It was an entertaining game, well-played by both sides, but the highlight was Sandro’s half-volley from over thirty yards out. If you have not seen it, watch it here. What a goal.
Manchester United’s performance against Arsenal showed why they are not further ahead in this race: they lack consistent attacking creativity. I believed Arsenal would win this game not only for my Blues, but because of Man U’s woeful road record, and also Arsenal’s need to prove themselves. It is of little consequence for the Gunners, as they would need a miraculous set of results to win the title, but at the very least, a victory over their rivals instills confidence for next year’s play. What happened for the Red Devils? Perhaps the trip to Germany in mid-week took its toll, because they were slow and rarely threatened the goal.
Next week’s game brings the opportunity all Chelsea fans were praying for. It will be interesting to see how Sir Alex picks his side, as Man U really only need a draw. With their final two fixtures at strugglers Blackburn and home to Blackpool, a draw against Chelsea would make the title almost a given. For Chelsea, Ancelotti has to start Drogba up top with either Anelka or Kalou, and bring Torres off the bench. Torres has improved in recent weeks, but he must trust Drogba up top, as he gives Vidic and Ferdinand fits in the heart of the defense. Torres’ start in the Champions League did not help Chelsea’s cause, and Ancelotti would be wise to stick to his proven formula. I cannot wait, it should be a great match. Nothing like El Fiasco at least. The game is May 8, at 11 AM on FSN.
At the bottom of the table, the most important result came in Blackburn’s 1-0 win over Bolton. The relegation battle is now the bottom four fighting for 17th place, as it is hard to imagine the others being dragged back into it. Which of the four (Blackpool, Wigan, Wolves, West Ham) comes out is firmly in question. Blackpool are in the poorest form and have the toughest fixtures, but none of the other sides have shown any sort of conviction in releasing themselves from the scrap. While this Premier League season will be remembered for its lack of dominance at the top and its overall balance, these four squads have been pathetic enough that they all deserve to be relegated. I hope that either Wigan or Blackpool will stay, and if I had to bet on one, I would say Wigan. Wolves have the easiest fixtures but are in no sort of form without Kevin Doyle, and Wigan are playing better than the others (yikes). That will come down to the end as well, making all the races of the Premier League exciting to the finish.
Check in Wednesday for a recap of the Champions League second-legs between Manchester United-Schalke and Barcelona-Real Madrid.
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