Manchester United secured the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League title, their 19th top flight trophy, with a game to spare, but it was not an easy feat in least.
When all is said and done, the Reds will have been at the top of Premier League for 24 straight weeks to end the season, which was far more than either of their closest title challengers, Arsenal and Chelsea, who had 4 and 14, respectively.
Nobody can doubt United’s title credentials, because of the way they overcame every adversity that was thrown their way over the course of the last nine months, but there were a few reasons and handful of matches that led to the trophy heading back to Old Trafford.
One thing that has been quickly forgotten was the way that United started the season by going 24 games unbeaten – both home and away. Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed many times this season that the Premier League is becoming a more competitive league from top to bottom, which just adds more credibility to his team lifting this season’s title.
Another thing that is something of note, the Reds never dipped below third place, which they were seated their for eight of the first 10 weeks of the season. After that, United only spent four weeks in second place before they spent the rest of the season as the leader of the pack.
11 of United’s 22 wins this season have been decided by the odd goal, and a further six were decided by only two. The Reds only had one of their four losses, all of them on the road, was by just two goals – a 3-1 loss at Anfield against Liverpool, who have given up their perch without a fight.
The timing of the goals that United have scored was vital to their title triumph as well. 30 of their league-leading 74 goals that they have amassed this season have come in the last 15 minutes of each half, and a further 26 of them came after the opening 15 minutes of the whistle of either half.
Normally the best defensive wins championships, but, fortunately, the Reds currently are third place with 35 goals conceded, which is only three off of Chelsea’s league-leading total. Altogether, United have a +39 goal differential, which is two better than Chelsea and 11 better than Arsenal.
Form
Supporters were treated to a real life version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde season as how their performances at Old Trafford were completely contrasting from the ones that were witnessed on the road.
There is no question that United would not have won the title without the best-record in the Premier League at home. The Reds, who still have a pointless match to play against Blackpool, have won three more games than their closest rival, Chelsea, and six more than Arsenal.
To lead the league, United have tallied 45 goals, a 2.65 goals-per-game average, at home, but, equally as impressive, they have only conceded 10 for a 0.59 goals against average.
For some reason or another, Ferguson could not get the same focus for 90 minutes out of his players away from home and their performances stuttered because of it. Over the last couple of years, the manager has stressed the importance of getting off to a good start in the season, and their first two games away from epitomize their struggles.
Draws against Fulham and Everton, after being in winning positions, led to the Reds drawing 10 times on the road – including the all-important 1-1 draw at Ewood Park against Blackburn. The Reds only won five matches away from Old Trafford this season, but at the same, they only managed to lose four games – which was tied for the best in the league.
Statistically, United has not been all that impressive, but their record is good for fourth best in the league. Their goal scoring total of 29 is good for third-best, but their defensive frailties let in 25 goals, 71% of their season goals, away from home.
Even Manchester United’s alleged poor away record could not keep them from winning their 19th English top flight title, which should send fear in every one of their league title rivals next season.
Submitted by The United Religion
