Chelsea – The deserving champions


Chelsea eventually became the English Premier League champion last week end. They are without any doubt, the deserving winners this year. Didier Drogba, the epitome of Chelsea’s iron will won this year’s Golden boot award for scoring maximum number of goals (29) this season. The only team which came close to Chelsea was the team who won the championship for three consecutive years, Manchester United. They lost by only a solitary point. As expected, the title race went down to the wire. Many however feel that Manchester United’s title dreams ended when Chelsea won against Liverpool the previous weekend. Manchester United, were left stranded and have themselves to blame as they were unable to win important matches like the one they lost against Burnley at the start of the season. They also lost against Chelsea both at home and at Stamford Bridge, which were considered to be important matches of the season. The most experienced manager of the Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson as if letting the moment pass aware that he can own the next one, hinted at possibilities of buying new players to ensure they are in a better position next year. Manchester United desperately needs a striker like Ronaldo who can score goals and can win matches. They seemed a one man army this year as they looked hopeful of winning a successive fourth title only when Rooney was playing and scoring. His addition to the injury list was a signal of fluttering butterflies. The fans seek change this time around and to be honest change isn’t always bad.

Another team who should look at a complete revamp next year is Arsenal. They not only need a good player who can score goals but also need a better goal keeper. Both Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia looked out of sorts this year. Till last year, Premier League was only about 4 team’s viz., Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. The performances of Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa this year have added a new dimension to the competition. These teams who used to languish at mid-table position or at the bottom of the table are going to only improve from here on and therefore the top teams like Arsenal cannot afford to rest.

It appeared Liverpool were under ominous astrological influence for the entire season and now have a mountain to climb as the club’s finances are in a mess. Injuries to the key players like Gerard and Torres made matters worse. Recent reports of Real Madrid trying to buy Steven Gerard and Rafael Benitez planning his career in Italy are a cause of concern for fans. The solution to Liverpool’s problems would once again depend upon how much money they would be spending buying players before the next season begins.

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