Premier League matches no longer last for 90 minutes these days, they have become 95 minute, nail biting affairs. That’s how far away Manchester United stand from a record breaking title win if they succeed in coming back from Stamford Bridge with all three points. Call me a blind optimist if you want but I have no doubt that opening a seven point lead over Arsenal will ensure that the trophy will return to Old Trafford in May. Why? Because United will then carry the momentum to brush aside any challenge Liverpool may provide at Anfield on Sunday and whatever a demoralised Chelsea and Arsenal can muster towards the end of the season.
No team managed by Sir Alex Ferguson will ever throw away such an advantage with just ten matches remaining. That’s how critical the visit to West London has become. Yes, a Liverpool side desperate to stop United from winning another title will be a tough nut to crack as will the visit to Arsenal in early May but the title race will surely be all but over by then if United can obtain the result at Chelsea in the postponed game on Tuesday night.
Am I deluding myself? Some may think so, there can be little doubt however that United will take a stranglehold on the trophy in the next 48 hours should they succeed in returning home from London with an away win under their belts.
So hang on to your hats folks, the wild ride is either nearing its end or is about to become a far more bumpy one. Much will depend on what will be 95 tense minutes against the reigning champions. And the Champions League? Quite bluntly, I don’t give a stuff. Yes the prestige will be great but more than anything, a record breaking championship will be far more satisfying. And as always, I will simply retain my complete faith in Sir Alex.
Will three points at Chelsea just about clinch another title?
