Two poachers goals from Liverpool striker Fernando
Torres sparked joyous scenes at Anfield on Sunday and television
executives would have raised a glass to the Spaniard for at least
keeping the title race interesting.
It was only a few weeks ago that the Premier League looked like
being the closest run thing for years but were it not for
Liverpool's 2-0 defeat of Chelsea, champions Manchester United
would have been disappearing over the horizon.
United have been busy re-writing the record books with 12
consecutive clean sheets in the league, a run containing a burst of
seven straight victories that has left the chasing pack hanging on
by their fingertips.
There are huge question marks about the ability of United's
pursuers to stay in touch much longer.
Liverpool, who seemed firmly on course to land a first league
title since 1990 a few weeks ago, are just two points behind,
although United have played a game less.
The league table does not tell the full story, however.
On December 13 Liverpool could have opened up an eight-point gap
on United before the champions flew off to play in FIFA's World
Club championship -- instead they scraped a 2-2 draw at home to
Hull City.
A week later they drew again, with Arsenal, despite the Gunners
being down to 10 men.
Further points have been tossed away in January, notably draws
with Stoke City and Wigan Athletic, and on top of that manager
Rafael Benitez has baffled many with his conservative tactics and
team selections.
His pre-scripted blast at United manager Alex Ferguson, possibly
designed to unsettle their bitter rivals, has backfired so
spectacularly that a galvanised United have hunted down Liverpool
with glee.
CHALLENGE OVER
Chelsea slipped to third on Sunday, five points behind United
and the gap will grow to eight if United win their game in hand.
They have not beaten United, Liverpool or Arsenal this season and
look to have gone backwards this season.
With no signings in the transfer window to speak of, they are
desperately lacking width, guile and goals. The free-scoring days
of early-season are a distant memory.
Didier Drogba is a shadow of the player who has terrorised
Premier League defences in recent seasons while Nicolas Anelka's
early-season form has evaporated and Michael Ballack seems stuck in
second gear.
Against Liverpool Chelsea managed just one attempt on goal and
trudged off with the look of a side knowing their title challenge
is as good as over.
At least fourth-placed Aston Villa have performed way above
expectations but Martin O'Neil's side lack the depth to keep pace
with United and will be more concerned with making sure an
enterprising season is rewarded with Champions League football.
Arsenal are a distant fifth, 10 points behind United and even
the return of injured players like Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas
would not get them back in the mix.
Worryingly for those hoping that United's charge towards an 18th
league title might slow down, they have managed to put together
their latest run despite an injury list that has reached double
figures at times.
With Wayne Rooney soon to return from a hamstring injury to
bolster manager Alex Ferguson's formidable array of firepower, the
1-0 wins that have become something of a United speciality of late
may be replaced by some real thumpings.
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