So with one weekend of matches left the only thing still remaining for decision is the title itself. Relegation has been decided and Wednesday night sorted out fourth place.
Spurs finally edged Manchester City out at Eastlands in a deserved one nil victory, Crouch scoring in the closing stages. The result was no more than Spurs deserved after a brave attacking performance.
Surely though, with the money at their disposal, this can be no more than a bump on the road in City's quest to qualify for the Champions League. Last summers spending spree will only be built upon this year. There was already a marked improvement in their development and any new signings will surely serve to strengthen their position. After coming so close this year, another glut of signings will likely give them the boost required to get them over the finishing line next year. And you have to feel once they get in, there will be no looking back for them, as a combination of the calibre of player they will be able to purchase allied to their incredible resources may well cement their position for the foreseeable future.
For Spurs, well they now have to ensure they don't end up with egg on their faces. One can hardly criticise them for their celebrations at the final whistle on Wednesday. After all, not only did the result ensure that they secured fourth place ahead of a Big Four team (Liverpool) it also meant they edged out a team that at the start of the season most would have pinned as the favourites to gate crash the usual Big Four cartel (City). They must now make sure they actually make the group stages of the Champions League. Obviously a lot of this is simply down to luck in terms of the quality of opponent they are drawn to face. One hopes they don't encounter a similar scenario to that of Everton a number of years ago.
There is no fear that they won't spend big in an attempt to increase the quality of player already at the club. They have spent big in recent years anyway and surely the purse strings won't be tightened now. Further, their position should ensure that they retain the services of their best players, with Manchester United rumoured to have been sniffing around the likes of Luka Modric. (There is an argument that qualification for the Champions League doesn't necessarily lead to positive club development. When one looks at French, Italian, German, and to an extent even Spanish clubs that have qualified throughout the years, there seems to be an element of inconsistency in that the teams qualifying often vary hugely, suggesting that they have not been able to fully capitalise on their Champions League qualification. The caveat in that argument however may well be that these clubs had limited budgets in place anyway, and simply did not have the sums of money required to establish themselves. Clubs from these countries often do not have the same income levels as their Premier League counterparts as a result of television revenue and television deals, ticket sales, etc.)
One thing is for sure - if Spurs do not improve the quality of player this year, then the likelihood is that this will be a one off flash in the pan for them, with City rebounding for another, stronger surge next year.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Race Drawing to a Close
While this is unlikely to be the decisive weekend in this years Premier League title race, it is likely to be the one that most shapes the destination of the title. While one round of games will remain for both United and Chelsea after this Sunday's, this weekend's fixtures may well be United's last chance to overtake Chelsea in their efforts to retain their status as England's best for another year.
Chelsea travel to Liverpool knowing a win will all but secure a first title since the departure of Mourinho. They will face a Liverpool side still feeling the effects of their battle with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. As Rafa Benitez has been at pains to express in recent days, facing a lunchtime kick off on the Sunday immediately after a taxing game on Thursday is far from ideal. Having to play Chelsea only exasperates the situation.
Liverpool's state of mind going into this game is questionable. There are doubts as to where the manager's future lies following recent links to Juventus. He has spent much of the week fending off questions regarding his future, with his answers coming across as non-committal. You also have to factor in the impact of the result on Thursday night when Liverpool's last remaining chance of silverware evaporated thanks to Diego Forlan's away goal. Extra time is the last thing United fans would have wanted in that game.
I do feel that whatever team Liverpool pick will attempt to win the game, despite some fans suggesting they would rather see Chelsea win as opposed to aiding United in their quest to retain the title. It has to be remembered that Liverpool still have an outside chance of fourth spot, and while that chance remains you have to believe they will continue to fight for it. And we all remember what happened in 1995 when they did their job but United failed to capitalise.
It also shouldn't be forgotten that United face no easy task on Sunday afternoon. Sunderland have hardly set the world alight in recent months and their inconsistency must infuriate their fans. However, there is no espcaping the fact that they do get themselves 'up' for the games against the top sides as results have shown this season. It could well prove a tricky fixture for United who will hope to have Rooney back on the bench at the least following recent ankle and groin injuries.
The bottom line is that whatever happens at Anfield, United have to keep up their end of the bargain a couple of hours later. The title is still there to be won and lost. It won't be for much longer.
Chelsea travel to Liverpool knowing a win will all but secure a first title since the departure of Mourinho. They will face a Liverpool side still feeling the effects of their battle with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. As Rafa Benitez has been at pains to express in recent days, facing a lunchtime kick off on the Sunday immediately after a taxing game on Thursday is far from ideal. Having to play Chelsea only exasperates the situation.
Liverpool's state of mind going into this game is questionable. There are doubts as to where the manager's future lies following recent links to Juventus. He has spent much of the week fending off questions regarding his future, with his answers coming across as non-committal. You also have to factor in the impact of the result on Thursday night when Liverpool's last remaining chance of silverware evaporated thanks to Diego Forlan's away goal. Extra time is the last thing United fans would have wanted in that game.
I do feel that whatever team Liverpool pick will attempt to win the game, despite some fans suggesting they would rather see Chelsea win as opposed to aiding United in their quest to retain the title. It has to be remembered that Liverpool still have an outside chance of fourth spot, and while that chance remains you have to believe they will continue to fight for it. And we all remember what happened in 1995 when they did their job but United failed to capitalise.
It also shouldn't be forgotten that United face no easy task on Sunday afternoon. Sunderland have hardly set the world alight in recent months and their inconsistency must infuriate their fans. However, there is no espcaping the fact that they do get themselves 'up' for the games against the top sides as results have shown this season. It could well prove a tricky fixture for United who will hope to have Rooney back on the bench at the least following recent ankle and groin injuries.
The bottom line is that whatever happens at Anfield, United have to keep up their end of the bargain a couple of hours later. The title is still there to be won and lost. It won't be for much longer.
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Twists Keep Coming
And so just when it looked like the destination of the Premier League Title had all but been decided for another year, the season took another of its unexpected twists.
United's draw with Blackburn last weekend, coming hot on the heels of their reverse at home to Chelsea, seemed to all but hand the title to Chelsea. After this weekend's results the race is back on.
United went into the derby knowing anything other than a win would effectively signal an end to their title defence. Chelsea surely fancied City to do them a favour. After all, for City this was more than just a derby. It was a chance to put a marker down in terms of their intentions over the coming years and more importantly to continue their assault on the much coveted fourth place. What followed was a limp performance from City, so out of character with the verve and goal scoring prowess of recent weeks. While United hardly had it all their own way and again struggled to create the chances that one has come to expect from them, they managed to steal the points at the death, with Paul Scholes rolling back the years and reminding us of his stealth like ability to ghost into the opposition box unmarked. United edged the contest and therefore probably just about deserved the victory. From City's point of view there will be much disappointment both in terms of the display and the result. Paul Scholes dominated the match and was at his imperious best. However, this a sad indictment of Manchester City - allowing a player who is likely one year away from retirement to dominate a derby in your stadium is a sad reflection of your performance.
As for Chelsea - well it wasn't long ago that their fans referred to White Hart Lane as 'Three Point Lane' such was their dominace at that venue. Not so anymore. They were out of sorts on Saturday evening, and in truth faced a Tottenham team clearly still invigorated following a fabulous midweek result against Arsenal. John Terry had the kind of game defenders dread, and finally gave away a penalty that has been coming for a couple of matches. The red card he eventually received came as no great surprise. While Lampard gave them hope late on, the reality is Tottenham would have been more than two clear at that stage but for some woeful finishing.
Arsenal were involved in the most dramatic game of the weekend - a game which served to highlight their Jekyll and Hyde character. One moment they can pass teams off the park, the next concede goals where there appears little danger. They combined both against Wigan. First strolling to a two goal lead before capitulating in the final ten minutes in the manner of a team attempting to stave off relegation rather than hunting the title. That title hunt can now be called off. They have been written off on numerous occasions this season and each time regrouped and rebounded with a revived assault on the title. After two defeats in a matter of days, the championship is surely off the agenda for another year. In fairness to Arsenal, one wonders where they would be if their relentless injury list was to ease up, even momentarily (though it is hard to escape the possibility that Arsene Wenger, with his infamous desire to curb spending a much as possible, buys good players at low prices who simply tend to be more injury prone than new signings should be). Oh well, so much for Arsenal having the easiest run in of the contenders.
It is hard to call this title race, and indeed is almost foolhardy to attempt to do so given the way the season has gone. However, with United still to travel to Sunderland and next week having to face an in form Spurs, and with Chelsea still to play Liverpool, there is a good chance more points will be dropped before a winner is crowned.
United's draw with Blackburn last weekend, coming hot on the heels of their reverse at home to Chelsea, seemed to all but hand the title to Chelsea. After this weekend's results the race is back on.
United went into the derby knowing anything other than a win would effectively signal an end to their title defence. Chelsea surely fancied City to do them a favour. After all, for City this was more than just a derby. It was a chance to put a marker down in terms of their intentions over the coming years and more importantly to continue their assault on the much coveted fourth place. What followed was a limp performance from City, so out of character with the verve and goal scoring prowess of recent weeks. While United hardly had it all their own way and again struggled to create the chances that one has come to expect from them, they managed to steal the points at the death, with Paul Scholes rolling back the years and reminding us of his stealth like ability to ghost into the opposition box unmarked. United edged the contest and therefore probably just about deserved the victory. From City's point of view there will be much disappointment both in terms of the display and the result. Paul Scholes dominated the match and was at his imperious best. However, this a sad indictment of Manchester City - allowing a player who is likely one year away from retirement to dominate a derby in your stadium is a sad reflection of your performance.
As for Chelsea - well it wasn't long ago that their fans referred to White Hart Lane as 'Three Point Lane' such was their dominace at that venue. Not so anymore. They were out of sorts on Saturday evening, and in truth faced a Tottenham team clearly still invigorated following a fabulous midweek result against Arsenal. John Terry had the kind of game defenders dread, and finally gave away a penalty that has been coming for a couple of matches. The red card he eventually received came as no great surprise. While Lampard gave them hope late on, the reality is Tottenham would have been more than two clear at that stage but for some woeful finishing.
Arsenal were involved in the most dramatic game of the weekend - a game which served to highlight their Jekyll and Hyde character. One moment they can pass teams off the park, the next concede goals where there appears little danger. They combined both against Wigan. First strolling to a two goal lead before capitulating in the final ten minutes in the manner of a team attempting to stave off relegation rather than hunting the title. That title hunt can now be called off. They have been written off on numerous occasions this season and each time regrouped and rebounded with a revived assault on the title. After two defeats in a matter of days, the championship is surely off the agenda for another year. In fairness to Arsenal, one wonders where they would be if their relentless injury list was to ease up, even momentarily (though it is hard to escape the possibility that Arsene Wenger, with his infamous desire to curb spending a much as possible, buys good players at low prices who simply tend to be more injury prone than new signings should be). Oh well, so much for Arsenal having the easiest run in of the contenders.
It is hard to call this title race, and indeed is almost foolhardy to attempt to do so given the way the season has gone. However, with United still to travel to Sunderland and next week having to face an in form Spurs, and with Chelsea still to play Liverpool, there is a good chance more points will be dropped before a winner is crowned.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Lights Out For Dimi?
And so is that all she wrote for Dimitar Berbatov's Manchester United career? He had the chance to keep United's league and European campaign on track in the absence of star man Wayne Rooney - it was an opportunity to show those fans who continue to question him that he has what it takes to be a difference maker. He failed to deliver.
Ferguson, as he would, talked him up big time in the build up to the Chelsea game. Sir Alex has little choice in the matter - it was he who paid £30.75 million for him after all. He played relatively okay in the match but so obviously failed to provide the goal threat required of a player operating as a lone striker.
And then Ferguson showed his hand in relation to Berbatov for the Bayern Munich game - preferring to gamble on a half fit Rooney, rushing him back into the starting line up at the Bulgarians expense. Hardly a resounding endorsement of Dimi's ability and clearly demonstarting that Ferguson does in fact have a lack of faith in him, despite his claims to the contrary. While that must have shattered his confidence enough, when Rooney eventually succumbed and had to be withdrawn, the Bulgarian was left on the bench, with Nani moving into the forward role.
The following weekend Berbatov was reinstated against Blackburn - though this time with Macheda to lend a hand up front. Macheda was poor but so was Berbatov, squandering one of the few chances United created on the day in the final minutes.
There is no doubting Berbatov's ability and hearing United fans boo him at Blackburn was unsavoury to say the least. However, the truth of the matter is that he doesn't always suit United's style of play. United tend to be at their best playing quick incisive football with a high tempo. Berbatov can sometimes apply himself well as a supplier of chances within this framework and usually with a striker supporting him, but just as often he slows play up when the reverse is not only required, but is also what works best for United.
It would be wrong in the extreme to blame United's faltering end to the season exclusively on Berbatov (it is clear that many problems exist in the heart of midfield) but there is no doubting he hasn't delivered as often as United fans would have hoped when he signed.
Ferguson, as he would, talked him up big time in the build up to the Chelsea game. Sir Alex has little choice in the matter - it was he who paid £30.75 million for him after all. He played relatively okay in the match but so obviously failed to provide the goal threat required of a player operating as a lone striker.
And then Ferguson showed his hand in relation to Berbatov for the Bayern Munich game - preferring to gamble on a half fit Rooney, rushing him back into the starting line up at the Bulgarians expense. Hardly a resounding endorsement of Dimi's ability and clearly demonstarting that Ferguson does in fact have a lack of faith in him, despite his claims to the contrary. While that must have shattered his confidence enough, when Rooney eventually succumbed and had to be withdrawn, the Bulgarian was left on the bench, with Nani moving into the forward role.
The following weekend Berbatov was reinstated against Blackburn - though this time with Macheda to lend a hand up front. Macheda was poor but so was Berbatov, squandering one of the few chances United created on the day in the final minutes.
There is no doubting Berbatov's ability and hearing United fans boo him at Blackburn was unsavoury to say the least. However, the truth of the matter is that he doesn't always suit United's style of play. United tend to be at their best playing quick incisive football with a high tempo. Berbatov can sometimes apply himself well as a supplier of chances within this framework and usually with a striker supporting him, but just as often he slows play up when the reverse is not only required, but is also what works best for United.
It would be wrong in the extreme to blame United's faltering end to the season exclusively on Berbatov (it is clear that many problems exist in the heart of midfield) but there is no doubting he hasn't delivered as often as United fans would have hoped when he signed.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Barca Brilliance
Messi Masterclass
Sky claimed that this was an occasion that in years to come people will ask 'where were you when Messi scored four?' That may have been an exaggeration considering his performance came against an Arsenal side ravaged by injuries, but it was stunning nonetheless. One always wants to see the best players come to the fore on the biggest stage and while Messi may have been quiet in the first leg, he ripped Arsenal apart at the Nou Camp. Granted he was assisted by the imperious Xavi (does he ever lose possession?), Messi was still the difference maker, taking his goals with the aplomb of someone far beyond his tender 22 years.
Here Messi led Arsenal in a merry dance and Barcelona into the semi finals. Last year he sealed victory in the final. He seems to have done it all, already. But soon thoughts will turn to the World Cup. Despite his status at Barcelona, the little magician is far from revered in his homeland as a result of some less than vintage displays for Argentina. There can be no doubt that his form at international level must be hampered by the farce that is Maradona's management tenure thus far. However, to truly rank amongst the best footballers ever, he has to match the feats of Pele and Maradona at a World Cup. This summer he has that chance, but bear in mind it will probably not be his last opportunity to light up the grandest stage of them all.
Pass and Move
It's what the great sport is based on, but far too often forgotten in modern times. Watch Xavi - he recieves the ball, plays it, and moves into another position to take the next pass. It sounds so easy but if it was then everyone could do it. He is seldom static in the middle of the pitch, always available to take the ball and has a unique ability in choosing the best option in terms of whether to make the simple pass or the incisive one. While Messi rightly takes so many of the plaudits, it is this man (and to a lesser extent the fabulous Iniesta) that makes the team tick. A joy to watch and proof positive that brains can overcome brawn in the engine room of any team.
Sky claimed that this was an occasion that in years to come people will ask 'where were you when Messi scored four?' That may have been an exaggeration considering his performance came against an Arsenal side ravaged by injuries, but it was stunning nonetheless. One always wants to see the best players come to the fore on the biggest stage and while Messi may have been quiet in the first leg, he ripped Arsenal apart at the Nou Camp. Granted he was assisted by the imperious Xavi (does he ever lose possession?), Messi was still the difference maker, taking his goals with the aplomb of someone far beyond his tender 22 years.
Here Messi led Arsenal in a merry dance and Barcelona into the semi finals. Last year he sealed victory in the final. He seems to have done it all, already. But soon thoughts will turn to the World Cup. Despite his status at Barcelona, the little magician is far from revered in his homeland as a result of some less than vintage displays for Argentina. There can be no doubt that his form at international level must be hampered by the farce that is Maradona's management tenure thus far. However, to truly rank amongst the best footballers ever, he has to match the feats of Pele and Maradona at a World Cup. This summer he has that chance, but bear in mind it will probably not be his last opportunity to light up the grandest stage of them all.
Pass and Move
It's what the great sport is based on, but far too often forgotten in modern times. Watch Xavi - he recieves the ball, plays it, and moves into another position to take the next pass. It sounds so easy but if it was then everyone could do it. He is seldom static in the middle of the pitch, always available to take the ball and has a unique ability in choosing the best option in terms of whether to make the simple pass or the incisive one. While Messi rightly takes so many of the plaudits, it is this man (and to a lesser extent the fabulous Iniesta) that makes the team tick. A joy to watch and proof positive that brains can overcome brawn in the engine room of any team.
Friday, April 2, 2010
United turn to Berbatov
It had to happen. With his record of injuries it was always going to. Manchester United fans endured a horrible 90 minutes in Munich, possibly the worst their team has performed all season. And as if letting a one goal lead be completely reversed in the closing moments was not bad enough, the thing United fans had been fearing all season finally happened - Wayne Rooney fell to the floor in a heap clutching his ankle. Disaster. He left the field courtesy of the support of two men, and it is tempting to think that United's season was leaving the field with him.
The prognosis isn't quite so bad. Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the anticipated recovery time is three weeks and the hope is that he will return in time for the Manchester derby with those noisy neighbours. Apparently United fans are supposed to believe this is good news. Unfortunately though, his injury comes at the business end of the season. With the return fixture from the aforementioned Bayern match next week as well as the potential title decider against Chelsea both looming large, it is not the most opportune time for United's leading light to raise the white flag.
United now go into these crucial matches with Berbatov leading the line. In defence of the much maligned Bulgarian, his record this season is somewhat improved on his poor debut year and he appears to be in relatively good form. However, there is a reason he tends not to be selected for the big occasions. Ferguson's preference for the 4-5-1 formation in the big matches is likely to be the structure once again for the next two games. Berbatov played well last week against Bolton in the same set up. The big question now is can he do it against two teams of real pedigree and stature.
One of the main issues with Berbatov playing as a lone frontman is that he likes to drop deep and play as a link man. There were frustrating moments last weekend when he dropped into midfield to collect the ball, leaving a chasm where the forward should be. In a 4-5-1 he has to attempt to resist the temptation to drop so deep too frequently. The result can only be to stifle the midfield. By the time he lays the ball off, there is no one far enough forward to receive the next pass. When one notes the great players used as a single frontman they tend to be fantastically mobile, good at holding the ball up, and willing to graft to ensure room is made for midfielders breaking from deep. These are characteristics of the like's of Rooney and Drogba. While Berbatov demonstrates some of them, others surface less frequently. In the next three weeks he may have to bring them to the fore more often if United's season is to remain on track without their talisman.
The prognosis isn't quite so bad. Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the anticipated recovery time is three weeks and the hope is that he will return in time for the Manchester derby with those noisy neighbours. Apparently United fans are supposed to believe this is good news. Unfortunately though, his injury comes at the business end of the season. With the return fixture from the aforementioned Bayern match next week as well as the potential title decider against Chelsea both looming large, it is not the most opportune time for United's leading light to raise the white flag.
United now go into these crucial matches with Berbatov leading the line. In defence of the much maligned Bulgarian, his record this season is somewhat improved on his poor debut year and he appears to be in relatively good form. However, there is a reason he tends not to be selected for the big occasions. Ferguson's preference for the 4-5-1 formation in the big matches is likely to be the structure once again for the next two games. Berbatov played well last week against Bolton in the same set up. The big question now is can he do it against two teams of real pedigree and stature.
One of the main issues with Berbatov playing as a lone frontman is that he likes to drop deep and play as a link man. There were frustrating moments last weekend when he dropped into midfield to collect the ball, leaving a chasm where the forward should be. In a 4-5-1 he has to attempt to resist the temptation to drop so deep too frequently. The result can only be to stifle the midfield. By the time he lays the ball off, there is no one far enough forward to receive the next pass. When one notes the great players used as a single frontman they tend to be fantastically mobile, good at holding the ball up, and willing to graft to ensure room is made for midfielders breaking from deep. These are characteristics of the like's of Rooney and Drogba. While Berbatov demonstrates some of them, others surface less frequently. In the next three weeks he may have to bring them to the fore more often if United's season is to remain on track without their talisman.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Player of The Year: The Contenders
It's approaching that time of the year again when thoughts begin to turn to recognising the best player in the division. This year see's what may turn out to be a changing of the guard in terms of the standout performers in England. Some seasoned players that tend to be in contention year in year out have not performed to their usual high standards. In particular, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and John Terry cannot seriously be in the running this year, for what seems like the first time in the best part of half a decade. Add Ronaldo's exit from these shores and the line up may well boast some new additions...possibly.
So, the candidates:
Wayne Rooney
Surely the standout contender for the individual awards this year. Wearing the number ten at United, he is now for the first time in his career playing more like a number nine. Spearheading the United attack, he is consistently scoring the type of goals that previously he would have converted only sporadically. Indeed, his two recent goals against AC Milan at Old Trafford are perfect examples of the type of goals he might not have scored a number of years ago - the first a perfectly executed header, the second a delicate finish. The improvement in his heading is well documented, but what also deserves mention is that all his goals this year have been scored inside the box. While van Nistelrooy he is not, this statistic is in stark contrast to seasons past and shows his new found focus to get himself into more orthodox goalscoring positions. There is no doubt he has thrived in Ronaldo's absence. While he was never the mere supplier of chances or an outcast on the wing as often as some would like us to believe, his influence was far more marginal when Ronaldo was around. He is now the go to man when things aren't going smoothly for United.
There have been arguments made that he doesn't score enough against the top teams, that he is a flat track bully. However, 4 goals against Milan, 2 against Arsenal, 2 against City, and now 1 against Liverpool, would suggest that if there was an element of this to his game then he is beginning to eradicate it.
Didier Drogba
Just as Wayne Rooney is spearheading United's title challenge as the goalscoring centre forward in form, so too is Didier Drogba for Chelsea. The man so often ridiculed in his first season or two in English football has matured into the ultimate centre forward. Just like Rooney, he does far more than just finish off moves, and can be found in the role of provider almost as often as finisher. Drogba has the extra burden this year of playing in a team surprisingly bereft of goals from the supporting cast. While one could argue Rooney is without Ronaldo and Tevez, Lampard and Anelka have been particularly quiet considering their goalscoring pedigree. Anelka, for his part, certainly started the season well but his goals have dried up since the turn of the year. This makes Drogba's performance all the more commendable. There is of course the nasty streak to his game that he has never managed to erase fully, recently resurfacing against Inter Milan. But his form and general performances this year deserve to be recognised.
Cesc Fabregas
The absolute heartbeat of his young Arsenal side. He has well and truly stepped up to the plate and grown into the role of club captain. He is at the centre of everything good about Arsenal. A couple of years ago a regular complaint against him used to be a lack of goals. Many people felt that was holding him back somewhat from becoming the ultimate midfield player. That is a complaint that no longer holds any weight. 15 league goals is a stunning return from the position he occupies, a return many forwards would be pleased with come the conclusion of the season. And this has barely affected his assists statistics. This year Arsenal lost Adebayor, have played without van Persie, Bendtner and any number of attacking midfield players, and yet Fabregas has been able to increase his contribution yet again. The great fear for Arsenal fans is that Barcelona seem intent on prising him back to the Nou Camp. The Premier League as whole would suffer almost as much from his absence.
There are more contenders for the prize, such as Richard Dunne, Thomas Vermaelen and Carlos Tevez, and Fernando Torres would be in contention if he had played more games as his goal return is still staggering. However, the aforementioned are without doubt the prime contenders at this stage.
So, the candidates:
Wayne Rooney
Surely the standout contender for the individual awards this year. Wearing the number ten at United, he is now for the first time in his career playing more like a number nine. Spearheading the United attack, he is consistently scoring the type of goals that previously he would have converted only sporadically. Indeed, his two recent goals against AC Milan at Old Trafford are perfect examples of the type of goals he might not have scored a number of years ago - the first a perfectly executed header, the second a delicate finish. The improvement in his heading is well documented, but what also deserves mention is that all his goals this year have been scored inside the box. While van Nistelrooy he is not, this statistic is in stark contrast to seasons past and shows his new found focus to get himself into more orthodox goalscoring positions. There is no doubt he has thrived in Ronaldo's absence. While he was never the mere supplier of chances or an outcast on the wing as often as some would like us to believe, his influence was far more marginal when Ronaldo was around. He is now the go to man when things aren't going smoothly for United.
There have been arguments made that he doesn't score enough against the top teams, that he is a flat track bully. However, 4 goals against Milan, 2 against Arsenal, 2 against City, and now 1 against Liverpool, would suggest that if there was an element of this to his game then he is beginning to eradicate it.
Didier Drogba
Just as Wayne Rooney is spearheading United's title challenge as the goalscoring centre forward in form, so too is Didier Drogba for Chelsea. The man so often ridiculed in his first season or two in English football has matured into the ultimate centre forward. Just like Rooney, he does far more than just finish off moves, and can be found in the role of provider almost as often as finisher. Drogba has the extra burden this year of playing in a team surprisingly bereft of goals from the supporting cast. While one could argue Rooney is without Ronaldo and Tevez, Lampard and Anelka have been particularly quiet considering their goalscoring pedigree. Anelka, for his part, certainly started the season well but his goals have dried up since the turn of the year. This makes Drogba's performance all the more commendable. There is of course the nasty streak to his game that he has never managed to erase fully, recently resurfacing against Inter Milan. But his form and general performances this year deserve to be recognised.
Cesc Fabregas
The absolute heartbeat of his young Arsenal side. He has well and truly stepped up to the plate and grown into the role of club captain. He is at the centre of everything good about Arsenal. A couple of years ago a regular complaint against him used to be a lack of goals. Many people felt that was holding him back somewhat from becoming the ultimate midfield player. That is a complaint that no longer holds any weight. 15 league goals is a stunning return from the position he occupies, a return many forwards would be pleased with come the conclusion of the season. And this has barely affected his assists statistics. This year Arsenal lost Adebayor, have played without van Persie, Bendtner and any number of attacking midfield players, and yet Fabregas has been able to increase his contribution yet again. The great fear for Arsenal fans is that Barcelona seem intent on prising him back to the Nou Camp. The Premier League as whole would suffer almost as much from his absence.
There are more contenders for the prize, such as Richard Dunne, Thomas Vermaelen and Carlos Tevez, and Fernando Torres would be in contention if he had played more games as his goal return is still staggering. However, the aforementioned are without doubt the prime contenders at this stage.
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