Mad dogs and Englishmen [Premier League wrap]

 

Roar Rookie

By Robert Murray, 20 Nov 2006 Robert Murray is a Roar Rookie

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Whisper it softly, but we finally look to have a title race in the English Premiership again.

After the processions by Chelsea in the past two years were preceded by Arsenal’s “Untouchables”, Manchester United sit atop the table with a third of the season played. Led by Sir Alex Ferguson in his 21st year as the team’s manager and similarly evergreen midfielders Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, the Red Devils have lost just one match. Even more impressive has been their chrysalis transformation from ABU (Anyone But United — a hitherto common response to what team a person supported) to a widely held desire that they vanquish the rouble-powered Chelsea empire.

The statistics would seem to support that wish. Having lost just once to win their first title in 50 years in 2004/05 by 12 points, Chelsea lost two games last season to successfully defend their title by a very comfortable 8 points. But the Blues have already lost twice in just 13 rounds this term to be three points behind United. Andrei Shevchenko and Michael Ballack have failed to properly settle, while the loss of goalkeeper Petr Cech for the rest of the season and an inability to find a right back worthy of owner Roman Abramovich’s fiscal power has hurt Chelsea. But that has been offset by the outstanding form of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, and a home record under manager Jose Mourinho that continues to astound. The Blues have won 42 and drawn nine of the 51 games played at Stamford Bridge in the last three seasons under the self-anointed Special One.

Ferguson has Man United purring despite his seemingly inexplicable decision to offload Ruud van Nistlerooy in the off-season and place more pressure on Wayne Rooney. But with the midfield rejuvenated by Giggs and Scholes enjoying an Indian summer to their careers, a 10-game goal-scoring drought by Rooney recently ended with the Red Devils’ plight unaffected by their only loss this season to Arsenal. Of course, no one is bringing out the bunting and adorning the trophy with red ribbons just yet. For the Christmas period will test the players’ on-field stamina just as much as it will test mine at the buffet with teams playing three games every eight or so days. Drop too many points under driving rain and howling Arctic winds on mud-sodden pitches and they’ll be hard to recover once the schedule and weather lets up.
by Rooney recently ended with the Red Devils’ plight unaffected by their only loss this season to Arsenal.

Of course, no one is bringing out the bunting and adorning the trophy with red ribbons just yet. For the Christmas period will test the players’ on-field stamina just as much as it will test mine at the buffet with teams playing three games every eight or so days. Drop too many points under driving rain and howling Arctic winds on mud-sodden pitches and they’ll be hard to recover once the schedule and weather lets up.

Only Arsenal can upset this duopoly, but the Gunners, who still play the best football, are having trouble consistently winning at their new Emirates stadium and this may be a season too soon for the precocious talents that make up Arsene Wenger’s team. Of the others, Liverpool haven’t scored an away goal from open play in more than six months and will battle to finish in the top four. Tottenham, last season’s most improved team, haven’t recovered from their horrific start and are also having trouble finding the net on the road. Portsmouth are unfeasibly high in third place but, like a tightrope walker, one suspects their lofty position will be challenged if they ever look down. While Bolton’ ability to bludgeon teams and results alike has waned of late.

The fate of the title may come down to the Champions League. As shown by Arsenal’s path to last season’s final coming at the expense of their position in the league, a relatively early exit in Europe may help to crown the kings of England.

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