So the title race comes to something of an early conclusion, despite the attempts of many at making this fight till the very end. Manchester United beat Chelsea convincingly to put all questions as to where the trophy will be at the end of this season to bed. Rather expectedly so, United will be handed the trophy, a reward for their determination and unwillingness to give up.
In recent weeks however it looked as if things wouldn’t be decided so easily. Arsenal did their best “what could have been” impression by beating Manchester United with ridiculous ease. The way in which Arsenal were triumphant was a shame to see really. This was a season where everyone expected Arsenal to have a realistic chance at winning the league and they did their best to maintain their heightened chances, only to crumble dramatically.
Wenger’s men were chasing silverware on all four quarters. First, the Carling Cup final, a glorious chance for this youthful team to truly experience success rather than just play pretty football with no reward.
As it were though, Arsenal were beaten. A game that was signposted as a stepping stone for greater things for the young starlets ended in despair. And, in turn, the game proved to be the catalyst for Arsenal’s season to fall into a downward spiral.
Having already been beaten at home by Barcelona, they were layed to waste once more at the Nou Camp. Leaving the F.A cup and the league the only things left to chase. To add insult to injury, Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford to try and maintain their hunt for silverware. Yet again, they travelled home a losing side.
In just three weeks, their chances of glory fell dramatically, they just had to keep their heads and stay within reach of the premier league crown. Their season depended on it.
Many people had marked the showdown between Arsenal and United to be crucial in their quest, but by the time came around, it was nothing but a victory tainted by thoughts of what could and should have been.
As Manchester United lined up against Chelsea at the weekend, Arsenal were at Stoke knowing that the only thing they could do was continue to pick up points and hope that a highly unlikely slip up from Chelsea or United were to happen. Arsenal lost. The Britannia stadium turned out to be the stage for everyone to witness the death of Arsenal’s title hopes.
Sir Alex Ferguson bowed down to Manchester United faithful knowing that only a point from their next two fixtures would secure a record 19th title. A remarkable achievement and a deserving reward for himself and United, an image of a man with no intentions of retiring anytime soon.
Arsene Wenger could only hold his head in his hands. A symbol of his team’s inadequacy when called upon, an image of a man who’s time and persistence might just be running out.
Submitted by Dale Benton from Football Friends
