The Red Devils have been by far the most successful clubside in England since clubs in the traditional First Division resigned to obtain 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 explore their heroes lifting a league trophy for the first time. As extraordinary as that experience probably was then what was even more extraordinary 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 unexcited took 5 out of 7 titles during the period . And a Champions League trophy to boot to raze the worn millennium!
The current Millenium
United continued the seeming vice-like grip it had on the trophy winning 2 straight (2000 and 01) in the modern millennium. Many feared that United were about to continue from where they stopped in the previous century. Arsenal's pick up in 2002 was a welcome relief (to neutrals) and many hoped that it would signal the raze 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 swagger 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 ruin. United, always waiting in the wings waved thank you sir and simply cruised by.
It was benefit 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 arrive. And serene in London. Where Chelsea was undergoing a revolution of sorts. Roman Abramovich, the young Russian billionaire had injected so worthy money into Chelsea that by 2005 the club was able to obtain its first title for 50 years in style. Chelsea retained the trophy the following year and Jose Mourinho was mercurial becoming a record not fair 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 mountainous 3(during the period) especially Arsenal who never won a match against Chelsea during Mourinho's time.
But you cannot save a expedient side down, not for too long at least and United came assist with a vengeance beating the unique kids on the block (Chelsea) in a tightly contested hurry for the Premier League in 2007 and repeating the feat in style the next year in one of the most appealing finishes to a Premier league season. With the Champions League crown won also in sensational style, United were assist! 2 Premier league titles in 2 seasons!
examine is will it be 3 straight this term? Are United going aid to the days of dominance of the domestic league. Can we? Or will any of the other mammoth 4 members have a say. Or maybe a murky horse.
The Contenders:
Liverpool:
Based on their design during the first half of the season you have to say Liverpool are strong contenders. They are the new league leaders and have had their brightest begin to a season in a long while. They have conquered their sizable 4 fright (not lost in 3 encounters) and together with Arsenal have the best head to head to date. So what is the pickle?
1. Kid gloves. They have not been ruthless. Not the device 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 scramble in their performances to whet the appetite. Despite being on top, supporters of Liverpool and many watchers of football are quiet not very confident of their space. The jury will be out on this and opinions will be divided. Truth be told those currently leisurely Liverpool in the standings feel a lot more confident of catching up than if a United or Chelsea were ahead. Even Arsenal's accelerate last season was more solid and clinical than the original league leaders.
While they may have lost objective once all season, it is their inability to raze off definite games that have called to request their championship credentials. Selection blunders and injury to arguably their best player Torrez have made Liverpool sight a lot less convincing than they were in the first third of the season. His fast 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 tranquil very great around is instructive. The proud home relate (very awesome indeed) has finally gone and clubs feel they can arrive 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 build has been awesome. Losing only 2 points from a possible 27!
So what is the plight? 1. The manager? Many feel he simply does not compose the fair calls before or during games. If dressing room rumblings are accurate 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 earn has been worrisome. Against the gigantic 4 they have lost to Liverpool, Arsenal and barely managed a scheme against United. Apart from draws against Spurs, West Ham and Newcastle. The proud home recount which was an unnecessary burden has gone but has not been replaced with a unusual burning fire. Your home earn 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 win points at home? Will they conclude dropping vital home points? They no doubt have their work reduce out but collected seem the best equipped to discontinuance a United treble.
Arsenal:
Never write off the Gunners. That's what an Arsenal friend of mine always says. But it's genuine to say they have but an outside chance. So what's the dilemma?
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