Recap of the Weekend

Last weekend's play featured Manchester United's virtual clinching of the Premier League title as well as Milan and Barcelona winning their respective leagues. United's win over Chelsea means they must only take one point in their final two games against teams battling relegation. In a weaker Serie A, Milan proved to be the strongest as they drew 0-0 in Rome to clinch the title. Barcelona's title came as no surprise, as the Catalans are clearly the best team in Europe.
I thought United's 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday was an encapsulation of both teams' respective seasons. United's attack featured Javier Hernandez, who was their surprise of the season, and Vidic, who was their best player from beginning to end. Both goals were started by Ryan Giggs, who helped them significantly in midfield to reach the title. However, they were far from dominant and did just enough to win, with Hernandez wasting numerous opportunities. He's young, and he had a great debut season, but he really could have easily had a hat-trick in the game, and in seasons where the challengers are stronger, those efforts would not have been enough. For Chelsea, it was a similar lack of creativity and inability to provide the final ball. They came out too slowly, and by the time they put themselves in the game, it was too late. This team can and will reload next season, but who goes and who stays remains to be seen.
Milan's title was rather ordinary, as Serie A was not too strong this year. The most interesting piece is that this title is Zlatan Ibrahimovic's eighth straight. His agent says he is a "winner", and what else does his record say? Eight straight titles with the likes of Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, and now Milan is a unique feat, and one that is unlikely to be replicated. Talk of him moving to City is bad news for other Premier League challengers, and a move to England would greatly shift the power towards whoever were to obtain him. If Milan do keep him, they could be competitive in Europe next year.
Barcelona's latest triumph came as a formality, as their dominant season stands alone in Spain. With all the controversy surrounding the squad, all they do is get results, and with La Liga wrapped up, they can focus squarely on the Champions League final against Manchester United. With Barcelona, you can't really think of a player they could add to the squad; that is how complete and superior their players are as a unit. Perhaps a better outside left back? The team has a scary amount of talent, and anything other than a double for the Catalans would be surprising.
The last note I'd like to touch on this week is City's clinching of a spot in the Champions League. City is the new Chelsea, with huge spending and a quick leash for success, and now they have reached the point they would like to be at. Mancini has said they will spend more, and if they do so, they will surely challenge for the title next season. For Tottenham, it is a complete turnaround, as now their hopes of playing in Europe at all are in doubt. If this team is to remain in the top half, they must keep Modric and Bale, which will be very tough to do with the offers and money that will be thrown their way. If they do, an improved Liverpool and a domestically focused Tottenham will add to City, United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the chase for the title next year.