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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Chelsea are almost-Champions, but 2nd place is still up for grabs


Chelsea are the Champions-elect
It was an important fixture yesterday, as Chelsea is trying to wrap-up their 3 Premier League title in the last 11 years (they won another in 1954-55). They were taking on resurgent Leicester, who are just a point clear of relegation. Leicester went on top late in the first half on a Marc Albrighton goal. But, Chelsea coasted to a 3-1 victory in the second half. Chelsea deserves the title, but they have had many comeback wins lately against lesser teams.
0-0 Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Oh yes, in a particularly dull game for both sides, Arsenal and Chelsea had a nil-nil draw on Sunday. Chelsea appeared to be playing for a draw and the Gunners couldn't break through. The referee Michael Oliver was involved in a controversial decision in the first half, as Cesc Fabregras was assessed a yellow card for flopping. Arsenal was lucky that Chelsea wasn't given a penalty kick. It did appear that Santi Cazorla took a shot to Fabregras' knees.
Only 4 games to go! 
Chelsea now can clinch with a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday, while 3 teams fight it out for second: Manchester City and Arsenal with 67 points, Manchester United with 65. A deciding fixture could be May 17th as Man U hosts Arsenal. Arsenal does have a good chance of remaining in 2nd at the end. Liverpool and Tottenham are just a point ahead Southampton for 5th, and I hope Southampton qualifies for the Champions League because they aren't a big-money club.
Relegation and Promotion:
Sunderland, QPR, and Burnley appear to be going down as their form has been awful as the season winds down. Watford and Bournmouth are on the way up for a big EPL payday, to be joined by Middlesborough, Ipswich, Norwich, or likely Derby. Watford striker Troy Deeney scored 20 goals this year in the Championship and they may stay in the Premier League past next year. Singer Elton John is one of many famous fans of Watford FC. It was an awkward interview BBC Radio 1's Chris Stark conducted with actress Mila Kunis that led to her becoming a fan of the club.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

A bit too late: Arsenal's late push for the title may not be enough

Alexis Sanchez (red, middle) score against Beskitas in
in the Champions League group stage (CNN International)
Arsenal has been in the best form in the Premier League as of late, winning in their last eight games.That is followed closely by Manchester United winning 8 of 9 EPL games with 1 draw. Alexis Sanchez appears to be on the way to a possible Player of the Year award, proving that a 51.7 million dollar transfer fee was worth it for Arsenal. Goalkeeper David Ospina has been playing great, conceding only 9 goals in 16 games since overtaking Wojciech Szczesny for the starting role in January. I think this was the right move for Arsene Wenger, as Szczesny had been close to awful in goal and had been caught smoking in the showers after his last Premier League game against Southampton.

As it stands, Arsenal is 7 points shy of first place Chelsea. Chelsea does have an extra game in hand though against Leicester. Arsenal has a date with Chelsea next week, which with a win, could really make the season finish more exciting. This week against Reading, it would be smart to rest players in the FA Cup semifinal. Arsenal fans will be pulling for Manchester United to come out on top against Chelsea this coming weekend.

Although we set in second place, it appears that Chelsea will probably win the title. I would still consider second place a good finish for Arsenal, having been ravaged by injuries early on and setting in 5th as late as December.