Finally… a title RACE…
“A Photo Finish???”
For the past few seasons, premier league fans would be forgiven for being frustrated at the predictability of their “best league” in the world.
How ironic is it? The best league in the world yet with such predictable results. All that has changed this season. The Barclays Premier League is finally living up to its tag as the most exciting and adrenaline rushing football competition in the world. Before the weekend, Inter Milan nearly ran away with the Seria A Championship, Real Madrid still looks on course to retain their trophy in La Liga.
From fighting for the trophy and the right to be named champions to the fight against relegation, the BPL is set to justify the ridiculous amount of money flowing in to them. One very important factor was the influx of ‘new’ (some quality some rubbish) managers coming in.
THE TOP
At the top of the league, it will be a three horse race for the title. With Arsenal looking shaky in recent games, the red devils have done well to cut off their lead and are hot on the gunner’s heels. Punters will be wise not to write off Chelsea as even with their problems off the pitch, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Although Liverpool are as good as gone from the traditional “Big Four”, they still can influence the title race with games to come against the Devils and the Gunners, holding the key to who lifts the trophy come May.
Grant is doing well since taking over the Special One at Stamford Bridge, Fergie and Arsene have both stated they will not write Chelsea off and with good reason; the Blues are still a solid team that can play efficient football to get them the points. With Arsenal’s problems in squad depth and the devils ability to ruin things for themselves, John Terry and Co might just sneak past them come May.
The fight for the fourth champions league place is also a three horse race between “Liverfool”, Everton and Aston Villa. The Toffees more than deserve this coveted spot with their fantastic performances throughout the season. It remains to be seen if they have the perseverance and determination to keep their driving seat. Since, Martin O’Neill took over the Villians, they have been transformed into a solid team capable of competing against the best as seen in the weekend’s draw with Arsenal where they really should have won.
THE MIDDLE
With the Carling Cup Champions Spurs having secured for themselves a UEFA cup spot, it is down to Blackburn and Manchester City to try and fight for an unlikely 5th position to secure a UEFA cup place. If that fails to happen they will at least have to ensure they are entrenched in their current positions to avoid being pulled into the relegation zone.
THE BOTTOM
The relegation battle is looking very interesting, even Carling Cup Champions Spurs are not spared with only 7 points separating them from the dreaded last 3 placings in the league. Derby and Fulham seems to be condemned to playing championship football next season while 8 teams fight to avoid that final third spot. Newcastle could well be that team if they still do not find their feet fast. Keegan has failed to live up to expectations and it is not surprising given that many experts believing he should not have been taken into consideration in the first place.
Birmingham might have found a gem in Alex McLeish. If they can stay up this season, they could be fighting for a European Place next.
From top to bottom, it is a tough battle throughout for honours and from humiliation. Let us not forget the UEFA Champions league still have four English clubs and the UEFA Cup 3. Now, can anyone still doubt the quality and entertainment of the BPL? Get Ready… this season promises to end off with a bang!
Bryan
Well-deserved honors! In a contrasting, bad news, Moyes has won manager of the month
That’s the 400 pound hooker that Christiano Ronaldo paid for to bonk. I think he is Bonkers!!! First Wayne Rooney with his ‘granny’ and now Ronaldo and this very fleshy girl. I mean, come on…£400 for this Brazilian chick? YUCKG!