Yes, that's how the title race in the Premier League is faring this season, right down to the wire. At this point, its clear that its a two-horse race between Manchester United (Man Utd) and Chelsea, with the remaining 18 teams just filling up the slots. Chelsea certainly hold the advantage with their 1 point lead over Man Utd, so in my opinion it's their title to lose. Though honestly, I think they'll go all the way and win their remaining one game to seal the deal, hindering Man Utd from clinching their fourth straight Premier League title on the trot.
Oh, did I forget to mention that I'm a die hard Man Utd fan? I've been one for 11 years, and the love I have for the club has never dwindled throughout that period of time. In fact, with each passing year, my passion and love for the club grows stronger and stronger. As die hard a fan as I am though, I'm still a realist at heart. And my inner realist tells me that the title is Chelsea's this season, they have the upper hand, and as much as I hate to say it, they are the worthier winners, but only just.
But who's to blame for Man Utd not winning the title this season? Is is the coach? Is it the players? Is it the outside factors such as their ownership problem and skyrocketing debts?
To me, I guess the only factor that influenced the outcome of this season was a little something called Lady Luck. The turning point of the season, where Man Utd clashed with Chelsea, was won by an offside Didier Drogba goal. Miles offside, for that matter. On any other given day, the linesman would have flagged, his goal would have been disallowed, and Man Utd would still have held their two point lead over Roman Abramovich's Chelsea juggernaut. But then again, who says life is fair?
Of course, Lady Luck wasn't the only decisive factor in the outcome of the league this season. Any team losing two star players, in this case Carlos Tevez and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, would have had their work cut out for them. It didn't help that the only players they brought in were either injury prone, unproven or too raw. Micheal Owen played a part in the most exciting football match this season, scoring a last second winner against crosstown rivals Manchester City. Besides that, he has been spending more time on the surgeon's bed compared to on the pitch. Antonio Valencia, though yet unproven at the time of purchase, is seen by most as the success of the season. His telepathic understanding with Wayne Rooney was key in maintaining the pressure up top. Even so, he is no replacement for a player like Cristiano Ronaldo. Gabriel Obertan was the only other signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, and he featured in only 3 or 4 matches throughout the whole season, not really a promising sign of things to come from him.
For me though, it has been a season we can be proud of, for we have done better than most thought we would have. Losing two star players was only the beginning, we also went through an injury-ravaged winter period with only ONE recognised defender, Patrice Evra. The only reason we were even in the running for the title was thanks to the rebirth of Wayne Rooney. Often in the shadow of Ronaldo, Rooney has stepped up this season and taken over the mantle as the most influential figure in the team, scoring the most goals he has ever scored throughout his career in a single season. Finally, he's been showing the kind of goal scoring instincts and form that people worldwide have been expecting him to, for a person as gifted as he is.
It may still be early to tell, but all that remains now is one match, which would decide whether the league title stays in Manchester or whether Stamford Bridge gets to keep it for the next year. Whatever the outcome is, it's been a great season of football, as always. Now, here's to hoping that miracles do happen, and Man Utd clinch the title on the last day of the season. Glory glory Man Utd!
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