Another twist. Another heartbreak. It has long felt hazardous to make predictions about this season’s EPL title race, but it is still jaw dropping to witness the frenetic finale unfold in such an incredible manner over these final few weeks. The race will certainly go down to the wire, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City still all a chance to win the most difficult league title in EPL history.
Liverpool entered Anfield – once again the most formidable fortress in England – on Sunday with high expectations of sealing the title against a weakened Chelsea side due to injuries and their preparations for the Champions League. But from kick-off it was clear that José Mourinho’s game plan was anything but to win. His trick of time wasting was so obvious that referee Martin Atkinson pointed to his watch several times to warn Blues players in the opening minutes of the game.
Mourinho parked “two buses” in the box to deflect any ball into the area and Liverpool couldn’t find the fluency that helped them win 11 games in a row. But disaster beckoned for Liverpool when Steven Gerrard, their loyal servant, slipped and conceded the ball to Demba Ba just before the half time. Ba scored from this most unexpected of chances and Liverpool never found a way back. William sealed victory for the Blues before the final whistle although the second goal was irrelevant as the damage was already done in the first half.
A mistake that may haunt Steven Gerrard for years to come
Manchester City registered a 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace to ensure the race was back on again, with City now favorites. As long as they win their remaining three games, City will be out of touch thanks to their huge goal difference advantage. Their next opponents Everton, ironically another club from Liverpool, will be the toughest to handle, while Aston Villa and West Ham stand no chance against the Blue Moons. Liverpool will have to win their last two games against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United to stand a chance and hope City drop points somewhere before the end.
Sunderland is on the verge of producing a miracle survival
The biggest winners from last week though was neither City nor Chelsea, but battlers Sunderland who beat Cardiff City 4-0. The long-time bottom club is writing an amazing escape story, having grabbed seven points in their last three games – including a draw against City and a win over Chelsea. The Black Cats are now sitting 17th with a game in hand. Manchester United is another club finally looking good as interim manager Ryan Giggs enjoyed a dream debut with the Red Devils beating Norwich City 4-0 at home. Giggs will lead the side through the final games of the season before Luis Van Gaal takes over in 2014/15.
