Excitement, pressure aplenty as EPL comes to a finish (April 2011)

This season’s race to become champion of the English Premier League has certainly been an interesting one. A few years ago, the big four—Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, dominated the EPL. While those teams are still consistently toward the top half of the table, other teams are stepping up. Tottenham Hotspur (I love that nickname), Manchester City, and Everton have all had strong showings this season in creating an interesting battle for Champions League spots next year.

Though Manchester United and Arsenal had been battling for the top spot most of 2011, it was Chelsea who jumped out to a strong lead in the first half of the season, only to choke it away on over-coaching and a surprising move to bring in highly touted striker Fernando Torres. Not only has Torres struggled (scoreless in almost 700 minutes in a Chelsea uniform until his first goal Saturday), but he has also taken playing time away from the always-dangerous Didier Drogba. Admirably, Chelsea has fought back to 2^nd place, and are threatening to take the title if United should falter.

After the last week’s events, it seems that Arsenal are officially out of the title race, dropping to 9 points out of the lead after a loss at Bolton. Time and again, Arsenal field squads that are solid on paper, but are missing chemistry on the field. After he tried to inspire confidence by saying Arsenal were within reach of the Quadruple, manager Arsene Wenger can only be frustrated and befuddled by a team who fails to win the “big matches”, as rightly he should. Now he awaits his fate as to whether he will be returning to the sidelines in Emirates Stadium next season. A new manager is not necessarily the best move, but it may be what is needed to light a spark for the Gunners.

Finally, in the top spot since late last fall, Manchester United have rather quietly set themselves up for the Double (Premier and Champions League titles). After a rather disappointing loss to their Manchester counter-parts in the FA Cup, United can focus on what are the two most important races for a team of this caliber. Sir Alex Ferguson has done a rather commendable job in balancing his multitude of starting-XI worthy players throughout the various competitions; even though both Arsenal and Chelsea remain on the schedule, United should coast to the Premier League title. Many critics will view this season as one of Sir Alex’s finest if he can lock down both titles. With many intriguing matchups still remaining, the Premier League again gives fans an exciting finish to the season.