5 matches that will decide the destination of the Premier League title
Chelsea will have a major say on who wins this seasonAs perennial challenger and 13-time champion Ferguson might’ve put it, ‘squeaky bum time’ is almost upon us.With only 12 games to go until that day in May, the Premier League title is still a 4-way scramble between Arsenal, Manchester City, Leicester and Tottenham (yes, you read that right!). As unbelievable as it seemed at the end of last season, it is the latter two who look like they are closer to dreamland. However, as Arsenal have shown with their clinical double over leaders Leicester and City’s track record coming from behind late in the season, the experience is crucial.The Premier League’s traditional Big Four looks shattered. Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli have replaced Eden Hazard and Wayne Rooney as the talismans of the strongest teams. Liverpool are lurching from exciting to naive under Klopp and their Merseyside rivals, Everton, have forgotten how to defend. It’s all set to be one of the most memorable league seasons in living memory.As we all know though, nothing is a given in the Premier League. City looked down and out in both of their recent title wins until Aguero dragged them over the finish line. Arsenal haven’t been closer to the title since 2004, and Petr Cech will be looking to retain it. Let’s take a look at which matches will crown some champions and banish others to the land of nearly-men. The title race is on!
#1 Tottenham vs. Arsenal (5 March 2016)
The annual celebrations - but mostly mockery - that accompany the day when it’s mathematically impossible for Spurs to finish above Arsenal might go completely quiet this year. It’s been 20 years of yearly pain and banter in North London - at Tottenham’s expense. While Arsenal haven’t won the title in over a decade, it has often been enough for them to have a quick laugh at their most loathed rival’s expense.
Tottenham look a completely reformed unit this time around and will want to end the Arsenal fans’ banter. Boasting ‘their very own’ Harry Kane, on 19 goals this season, Eriksen and Co will look to unleash him upon the often-suspect Arsenal defence. With Mertesacker’s pace - Gabriel’s indiscipline - frequently being exploited by stronger teams, Spurs will fancy their chance in this match.
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, will look to their magician Ozil and the powerful Giroud to combine to devastating effect. They’ve been quite splendid this season, and will fancy themselves to get a result at the White Hart Lane.
Level on points with 51 (only 2 behind Leicester), this match is poised to descend into a heinous, manic, furious North London derby. With City behind them and only runaway leaders Leicester in front, both managers will impress upon their men that this is a mega-high stakes game.
Winner takes all - the glory, the banter, and maybe even the title?