The Red Devils have been by far the most successful clubside in England since clubs in the old First Division resigned to form what we now know as the Premiership in 1992. For a club that had not tasted league success in 25 years of asking, 1993 saw many of the clubs younger fans witness their heroes lifting a league trophy for the first time. As unbelievable as that experience probably was then what was even more amazing has been the swash buckling manner the club has brushed aside rivals since then. With 10 wins out of 16 to date, United definitely have been the undisputed kings of the Premiership. While Arsenal provided some competition in the 90s, Keane,Cantona, Beckham, Scholes, Giggs et al ensured it was not nearly enough as United still took 5 out of 7 titles during the period . And a Champions League trophy to boot to end the old millennium!
The New Millenium
United continued the seeming vice-like grip it had on the trophy winning 2 straight (2000 and 01) in the new millennium. Many feared that United were about to continue from where they stopped in the previous century. Arsenal’s win in 2002 was a welcome relief (to neutrals) and many hoped that it would signal the end of that era. Arsenal had over the years under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger gradually emerged as truly credible contenders to United. With players like Thierry Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Campbell, Parlour, Overmars, and co the Gunners were not in short supply of talent or experience in every square inch of grass.
Lapses of concentration, fatigue, (whatever the pundits feel comfortable with) saw the Gunners squander a comfortable lead in March (a la Newcastle) and surrendered the title to a resurgent United. Harry Kewell and Leeds probably hit the final nail on a campaign that faltered at the very end. United, always waiting in the wings waved thank you sir and simply cruised by.
It was back to business for United but not for long. After that painful lesson the Gunners were not to lose a league game for another 15 months. That was how vicious their response was! United surely were no longer undisputed lords of the manor.
But even more was to come. And still in London. Where Chelsea was undergoing a revolution of sorts. Roman Abramovich, the young Russian billionaire had injected so much money into Chelsea that by 2005 the club was able to win its first title for 50 years in style. Chelsea retained the trophy the following year and Jose Mourinho was fast becoming a legend not just at the Bridge but arguably also in the Premiership.
Chelsea not United had suddenly become the force in English football and during Mourinho’s time they remained unbeaten (in the League) at home. Chelsea also had a better head to head against the big 3(during the period) especially Arsenal who never won a match against Chelsea during Mourinho’s time.
But you cannot put a good side down, not for too long at least and United came back with a vengeance beating the new kids on the block (Chelsea) in a tightly contested race for the Premier League in 2007 and repeating the feat in style the next year in one of the most exciting finishes to a Premier league season. With the Champions League crown won also in sensational style, United were back! 2 Premier league titles in 2 seasons!
Question is will it be 3 straight this term ? Are United going back to the days of dominance of the domestic league. Can we? Or will any of the other big 4 members have a say. Or maybe a dark horse.
The Contenders:
Liverpool:
Based on their form during the first half of the season you have to say Liverpool are strong contenders. They are the current league leaders and have had their brightest start to a season in a long while. They have conquered their big 4 fear (not lost in 3 encounters) and together with Arsenal have the best head to head to date. So what is the problem?
1. Kid gloves. They have not been ruthless. Not the way Chelsea was in 2005, United in 2007 or indeed Arsenal in 2003/04. For a side that has not won the League in almost 2 decades there is no ruthless streak in their performances to whet the appetite. Despite being on top, supporters of Liverpool and many watchers of football are still not very confident of their position. The jury will be out on this and opinions will be divided. Truth be told those currently behind Liverpool in the standings feel a lot more confident of catching up than if a United or Chelsea were ahead. Even Arsenal’s run last season was more solid and clinical than the current league leaders.
While they may have lost just once all season, it is their inability to kill off certain games that have called to question their championship credentials. Selection blunders and injury to arguably their best player Torrez have made Liverpool look a lot less convincing than they were in the first third of the season. His quick return may spark a strong challenge but they may already have been out of it.
Chelsea:
Currently second. Have since been demystified since the departure of the Special One. Indeed that United won the first of 2 league titles whilst the Special One was still very much around is instructive. The proud home record (very awesome indeed) has finally gone and clubs feel they can come to the Bridge and go for maximum points. Injuries to key players, Drogba, Essien, Ballack Carvalho, have dealt a blow to the team.
While they may not have been convincing early on at home (and really they haven’t) their away form has been awesome. Losing only 2 points from a possible 27!
So what is the problem? 1. The manager? Many feel he simply does not make the right calls before or during games. If dressing room rumblings are true that may pose even bigger problems. In front Scolari is torn between gratitude to Anelka who has so far delivered albeit unconvincingly, or gambling on a dreaded Drogba who sends chills down opponents but can be such a baby. He’ll give you your goal this game but could miss the next 3. At times his body language suggests that he’d rather be elsewhere.
2. Home form has been worrisome. Against the big 4 they have lost to Liverpool, Arsenal and barely managed a draw against United. Apart from draws against Spurs, West Ham and Newcastle. The proud home record which was an unnecessary burden has gone but has not been replaced with a new burning fire. Your home form should be solid because you cannot always guarantee results away from home. Neither can you really at home but shouldn’t it be easier to get points at home? Will they stop dropping valuable home points? They no doubt have their work cut out but still seem the best equipped to halt a United treble.
Arsenal:
Never write off the Gunners. That’s what an Arsenal friend of mine always says. But it’s safe to say they have but an outside chance. So what’s the problem?
1. The endless rebuilding.
Even die-hard Arsenal fans now know that they are in a perpetual rebuilding whose time frame is known only to their manager. While there is talent in the squad, it is the strength in depth that has been missing since their
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