Goal Post!!! – By Chetan Narula.

Chelsea-Man U on collision course…..

The fact that Sir Alex Ferguson is celebrating his twentieth year at the helm of Manchester United’s affairs can only re-affirm his resolution to bring down Chelsea this season. And for that he is certainly on the right path. Come November 26th, when Chelsea visit Old Trafford, the premier league will come to a standstill as the two top teams will go at it hammer and tongs, to take pole position in the premiership, going into the busy and tougher Christmas season.

Chelsea has steam rolled the competition in the last two years of their domination of the English league. However, some sports enthusiasts might say that the red devils did run Jose’s team till the end last season, but I would say Sir Alex was living a dream. Chasing a Chelsea side, which loses as much as it snows in the gulf, the red devils conceded defeat by a good nine points.

However much has changed since the first two years. The element of surprise which Jose Mourinho brought to the league in the first year and the resolve which saw them winning consecutive titles, both of them are a thing of the past. The fact that Chelsea in spite of Abramovich’s millions has not been able to win the champions league, has stung Mourinho a lot and the way he has built his team this season, his prime motive seems to be capturing the champions league crown.

And Manchester United are not complaining. Sir Alex’s only wants reclaim what many would say is rightfully his, the premiership crown. However there is pressure to better their previous year’s Champions league efforts too. That is altogether a different point that no one is betting on them to win it. So all Manchester united need to do is concentrate on their premiership run and the Champions league will take care of itself. This might sound as paradoxical to many, but that’s the way it is. Ferguson cannot afford another season without a big win, certainly not without a premier league win.

And for this they needed the right start to their season. For many past years we have seen Man Utd come from behind to claim the title, after getting their act together in the Christmas period. Since they are habitual of doing so in the winter period, they needed to raise their pre-Christmas game. And that’s exactly what they have done.

Without Nistelrooy it was always going to be difficult. But a re-molded midfield with Carrick as the central man and Solskajaer supporting Saha, the jigsaw seems to be finally fitting. Add to that the recent run in form of Rooney and we know why Man Utd is the team to beat. This stupendous team work has seen them gain not only their best start to a season under Sir Alex, but also a crucial 3 point lead going into this Sunday’s clash.

No doubt a lot is at stake for Chelsea. They have already lost two matches this season and a third loss so soon would only severely dent their chances of regaining a third consecutive title. The road ahead for both the teams is only going to be tougher as we enter the crucial Christmas period and without any disdain, I can say that Man Utd with a lead going into December is as good as handing them the premier league trophy on a platter.

This Chelsea side is under pressure, like it has never been before.