Red Devils Rejoice!!

2-1! The final score at Old Trafford! A result that leaves one team galloping towards the Premiership title but halts the dreams and ambitions of another. Arsenal managed to squander their lead for the 4th time in their last 6 matches ending yet another title charge. Two set-piece goals from the talismanic Ronaldo and Hargreaves edged out the opener from Adebayor exposing the fragilities in Arsenal’s defence. 8 points from the last 8 Premiership matches (D D D D L W D L) does not present a pretty picture for the Gunners and looks even woeful when compared to Manchester United’s 22 points in the same number of matches (W W W W W W D W) and Chelsea’s 20 points (W W W D W W W D). Even the most optimistic Arsenal supporter will now be looking forward to the next season for this 3-year trophy-less run to end.
The Premiership marathon is left with only two runners now. And Sir Alex Ferguson believes that wins in their next two matches will be enough to bring the Premiership title to Old Trafford for the 10th time. Avram Grant in his first season in the post-Mourinho era remains optimistic and stated after the 1-1 draw against Wigan that “We are still in it and we will keep on fighting.” The 26th of this month (Chelsea v/s ManU) might be the Judgment Day in this engrossing saga!

In Spain, Real Madrid continue to extend their lead at the top. A goal from Sneijder was enough for them to see off Murcia. Barcelona faltered yet again in a season that looked so bright at the beginning with the signing of Thierry Henry but has delivered nothing so far. A goal in the first minute by Eto’o was not enough as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Recreativo leaving them 9 points behind Madrid. With only one win in their last seven league matches the much awaited clash with Madrid on 7th May could be just a formality. Reports flying around on possible departures of Ronaldinho and Henry also do not help Barcelona in their preparation for the semi-final clash with Manchester United next week.

Italian Serie A sees the top contenders continuing the title chase with sound victories. Internazionale maintain their 4-point lead over Roma with a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina while Roma came from a goal down to beat Udinese 3-1. In Germany, Bayern Munich smashed five goals past Dortmund to add to a wonderful week which has already seen their entry to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup thanks to a dramatic comeback against Getafe. Luca Toni continues his impressive display adding another brace taking his tally to 28 goals from 34 appearances for the German club.
Elsewhere, Lyon were held to a draw and saw their lead cut to four points in their hunt for a 7th consecutive Ligue One title. PSV Eindhoven may be holding the trophy in their hand soon though. A point in their final game will be enough to clinch the title.

And on a final note… a weekend that saw most of the League front-runners make a stronger claim to the title, it was celebrations for the small football club of Swansea City. The Swans earned promotion from League One to the English Championship and will be entering the second tier of English football after a spell of 24 years. A truly magnificent performance and congratulations to the Swans faithful!