Following the usual slow start of Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, the Manchester United machine is now beginning to show signs of pulling away from the pack after a convincing 2-1 win over Arsenal at the weekend.
Goals from former Gunner Robin Van Persie and left back Patrice Evra condemned the North London side to defeat, despite Santi Cazorla pulling one back at the death. It was a result that piled pressure on Arsene Wenger from various voices but more importantly stamped United’s authority on the title race.
With United’s job done fans were able to sit back and watch as fellow title contenders Chelsea and local rivals City both slipped to disappointing draws against Swansea and West Ham respectively; The latter grateful to an officiating error for Kevin Nolan’s disallowed goal. With the events of Saturday’s matches over the top three now looks like this:
1) Manchester United – P10, W8, D0, L2, PTS 24
2) Chelsea – P10, W7, D2, L1, PTS 23
3) Manchester City – P10, W6, D4, L0, PTS 22
P- Played, W- Won, D- Draw, L-Lost, PTS – Points
For the first time this season United now find themselves in familiar territory at the peak of the Premier League table, with Chelsea and City hot on the heels. It has become a regular pattern for the Red Devils to start slowly and then build momentum as the season goes on but the tide appears to have been turned, largely due to the arrival of a certain Dutchman.
Despite holding just one year left on his contract at Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson clearly deemed the valuation of Robin Van Persie to be a fair price, and on early signs you’d have to say he’s right. Alongside fellow £30 million man Wayne Rooney, United now have a strike force that is the envy of Europe, let alone the Premier League.
Although Rooney’s goal scoring tally has dropped from last season, it is a result of clever awareness from Ferguson to understand that Rooney cannot lead the line on his own, acting far more effectively as a supporting striker. With Van Persie firing in the goals and staying on the shoulder of the last defender – an attribute not particularly favouring Rooney’s game – the Englishman has been able to link the play between defence and attack whilst retaining the freedom to help defensively, in the knowledge that his strike partner is up top to capitalise on counter attacking movement.
Beyond these two, United also have the benefit of owning two of the league’s brightest young talents, Danny Wellbeck and Chicarito. Both have played significant roles already this season in securing points for the Reds, and will provide ample support to an already glitzy starring cast.
With the advantage of being able to call on such a variety of attacking options, even on an off day for the team United have been able to fall back on the ‘we’ll score one more than you’ approach, working dividends thanks to the firepower they possess.
It is not just the strikers who deserve the early season praise however as many underrated players have also stepped up their games with much improved performances. Rafael has been arguably the leagues best right back this year whilst Tom Cleverley has come on leaps and bounds, performing with a maturity beyond his years. Michael Carrick has grabbed one of the often criticised midfield berths with solid displays too, finally justifying his hefty transfer fee.
Only two losses – against Everton and Tottenham – have marred the otherwise perfect Premier League record this season, with the Manchester side able to boast victories over title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, albeit it the former was clouded by dubious officiating decisions. Whilst Chelsea and City have faced more straightforward fixtures, United will be aware that the only member of last years top four left to face first time around are their bitter rivals City.
The key aspect in my conviction in my belief that United will win the title, as always, falls largely down to luck and the benefits Lady Luck often presents The Reds with. Refereeing decisions have a natural tendency to go in the way of Ferguson’s men, and purely because of the fear factor of the English football giants, many smaller teams effectively shrivel up when in sight of the winning line to offer United the opportunity to consistently snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Sadly for Chelsea and City fans, neither team quite carries that fear factor.
Following last seasons capitulation with one hand already grasping the Premier League trophy, Ferguson simply won’t let his charges make the same mistakes again. Complacency is not a word in the Scot’s dictionary and he’ll want this more than ever to prove who is the top team in Manchester. Title number 20 already looks inevitable, and you certainly wouldn’t bet against it.
Who will be United’s biggest challengers for the title?
images: © paolo camera, © Paolo Camera
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