The race is on…

Tuesday, 10/11/2009

After a couple of seasons that have seemed somewhat of a championship procession for Manchester United it appears that 2009-10 will see the return of a proper title race.

Last season Liverpool offered little resistance to Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who were arguably below their best for much of the season. The previous season, United were almost untouchable with Cristiano Ronaldo’s performances on an entirely different footballing planet. Chelsea tried to grab their coat tails, but United always looked in charge of their own destiny and supremely confident of retaining the trophy.

The season before that, 2006-07, was a closer affair and another United Chelsea ding-dong with the Blues pressing the Red Devils all the way to final game of the season before Ryan Giggs and co lifted their first title in four seasons.

This year, with the big red machine seemingly in a state of slight transition, Chelsea and Arsenal have taken advantage and both hit top form early on. For the Blues, a good start was vital to allow Carlo Ancelotti to settle and get plenty of points on the board before the African Cup of Nations when they’ll lose arguably their two most influential players, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba.

United deserved much better then they got against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The games between the big three this season will be decided by slight margins, whether it’s a moment of brilliance or an error of judgement from players or officials. Despite the defeat, Sir Alex Ferguson will be encouraged by a battling display that also included the slick passing and energetic movement his United sides have been famed for.

Chelsea were out played at times but stuck to that famed mixture of resilience and some less then subtle negative tactics. But they won’t care one bit how they won. They’ve shown there’s more to their game this season under Ancelotti, with creative players like Deco and Lampard given more freedom and Drogba and Anelka clicking as a partnership.

Arsenal have been breathtaking going forward, particularly on the break where they’ve picked teams apart for fun. Fabregas, Arshavin and Van Persie have stood out and the defence and midfield have tightened up behind them. It may be a season too early for the Gunners to lift the trophy, but you’d expect them to be in the running until at least April.

With the two London clubs making such a positive start and United likely to improve over the Christmas period, before hitting their peak during the run-in, it promises to be one of the most exciting Premier League seasons for years.

The battle for that fourth and final Champions League place is intriguing. After Liverpool’s early season wobbles, the impressive form of Aston Villa and Tottenham and Manchester City’s spending power, fourth is up for grabs.

Liverpool have had their blip and with Torres and Gerrard on their way back they will surely start to kick on. Tottenham are able to now win games without being at their best. Under Martin O’Neill, Villa keep chipping away and putting points on the board and without the distraction of a UEFA Cup campaign, their season shouldn’t fizzle out like last term.

Manchester City are drawing too many games, but when they get everybody fit and perhaps add a couple of signings in January they will be in a great position, particularly if they remain patient with manager Mark Hughes.

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