English Premier League - Run-In
With 2 games left, goal difference alone separates United & Chelsea.
After Saturday's late goal from Michael Ballack gave Chelsea a crucial 2-1 win over Champions Manchester United, both sides have 81 points going into the last two games.
Vital Victory
With five minutes to go at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United were well in control of the 2007/2008 Premier League title. With the scores level at 1-1, United would have preserved their three-point lead and were heading into the final fortnight of the season confident of the single win required to notch up their tenth Premier League Trophy. But Chelsea were awarded a controversial penalty for handball against Michael Carrick, and Michael Ballack stepped up to drill home a late winner.
Chelsea had drawn first blood just before the break with Ballack's opener. After dominating a tense first half, Chelsea's midfield bruiser got clear of Darren Fletcher at the far post and thumped a header into the far corner to give The Blues a priceless half-time lead. United were down, but not out. Following an interval hair-dryer from Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils came out fighting in the second half, dominating proceedings. Their attacking endeavour and possession earned them a bizarre equaliser, when Ricardo Carvalho lazily passed towards his own goal without noticing Wayne Rooney. The England striker didn't pass up on the opportunity, slamming in off the post to notch a priceless leveller with his first goal against the West London side in 16 games. However much it may have deserved to, United's overall play in the second half garnered no reward, as referee Alan Wiley deemed Carrick's handball deliberate, and awarded a late reprieve for Chelsea, which Ballack was only too happy to accept.
Late-Season Form
Having been in flying form since the turn of the year, are the first cracks beginning to show in United's multi-talented squad? The last three matches prior to Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge were draws, as United were held at Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Barcelona. Having demonstrated a stunning level of flowing football, Rooney's goal from Ricardo Carvalho's error is the only goal from open play in 270 minutes of football - surely a worry for Sir Alex Ferguson.
In Contrast, Avram Grant's Chelsea have crept up on United and Arsenal since the turn of the year, largely winning unnoticed. At times criticised for their football, which has paled compared to the expansive passing games of their competitors, Chelsea have ground out results and clambered, if without grace then certainly with gusto, into a late surge. Having not lost a league game since the turn of the year, they are showing excellent form, and finally scoring well in games.
The Title Chase
With just two league games remaining, the race for the title will now certainly go down to the last day of the season, on May 11th (Sunday). Following United's next game, at Old Trafford where they host mid-table West Ham, Chelsea travel to a buoyant Newcastle on Monday May 5th. United can put the pressure on Chelsea by beating Alan Curbishley's West Ham United this coming Saturday lunchtime. But the Hammers, who have triumphed against United in the last three league meetings, seem to hold the indian sign over the Red Devils, and United will need to be at their attacking best to take all three points. Should they do so, the title will be all but assured by virtue of United's goal difference were Newcastle to beat Chelsea. Having precipitated a dip in form if not enthusiasm by rejoining the Tyneside club, Kevin Keegan has since conjured wins aplenty from his Newcastle United team, and The Magpies are in fine fettle, especially at home, where they will host Chelsea.
With many twists and turns guaranteed, the English Premier League heads for the final run-in with increasing drama, and it promises to be a stunning climax to an incredible season. Watch this space....
