The Soccer Blogger
Manchester Utd maintained teir pressure on the current Premiership leaders Arsenal with a last gasp penalty to beat Everton at Old Trafford by 2 goals to 1.
But their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, believes that neither Utd nor Arsenal can afford to underestimate the threat posed by both Chelsea and Liverpool in what still promises to be the most open championship race in years.
Man Utd still trail Arsenal by a single point, followed by Chelsea and Liverpool. However, this season’s suprise package Man City currently separate those two. But it would appear that Ferguson does bot consider City to be a long term threat like Liverpool and Chelsea and that the title will go to one of the “Big Four”, especially if neither of the top two drops any points pver the festive season.
Utd nearly did that yesterday at home to Everton. It took an 88th minute penalty by Ronaldo to end Everton’s 13 match unbeaten run. But as the season nears the half way stage, Ferguson believes his team are in a strong position even though he is very serious about the threat posed by the other big 3.
After yesterday’s game Ferguson said, “You can’t say it’s a two horse race now. As far as I’m concerned the battle of the big four is still on. There’s a slight gap opening up with ourselves and Arsenal nosing in front of Chelsea and Liverpool. But you can’t start calling a two horse race. It’s far too early.
“This season the big games between the leadings clubs are going to have a crucial bearing on the championship, but there can be no easing up. December is a very important month and if we get through the Christmas period, when we have two very difficult way games at Sunderland and West Ham and then Birmingham, and we are still with Arsenal, then we will have a good chance.”
United and Chelsea are likely to be without their normal first choice keepers for the forthcoming matches. Van der Sar missed yerterday’s victory against Everton with a groin strain. It is likely to keep him out for about 3 matches. Meanwhile Cech suffered a blow to his side during the victory at Ewood Park and will be sent for a scan today, Christmas Eve.
It must be said that Arsenal and Utd are not showing any signs losing momentum at the moment and the chasing pack might start finding keeping up a little arduous in the coming weeks and months. Joe Cole, who scored the winner at Ewood said, “We didn’t play well, but what a result. I don’t think that many teams are going to come here and get many points. we know the task ahead. we don’t look at the results, we just want to keep on winning.”
The Christmas and New Year period is going to be very interesting and at the end of it the race for the Championship might be looking a lot clearer.
A very Merry Christmas to everyone from the Soccer Blogger and everyone at The Soccer Blog!
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