Hi guys, a happy #SoccerLadumaDay to all of you. I hope you already bought the latest issue of Africa's biggest football paper. In this week's colum, I discuss how Manchester United hold the key to this season's Premier League title, especially since Chelsea's campaign slowed down after a breathtaking start.
As promised, I had a look at the weakest Premier League champions since the league's inception in 1992.
The points total to win the title has varied from a low of 75 points by Manchester United in 1996/97 to a record high of 95 points by Mourinho's Chelsea in 2004/05.
On average, the champions recorded 86 points to clinch the title, and only three times has the title been won with fewer than 80 points.
As mentioned above, United won the title with 75 points in 1996/97, Arsenal followed the next year with just 78 points before the Red Devils reclaimed the title with just 79 points in 1998/99.
Chelsea have already collected 73 points this season and are well on track to collect over 80 points with 21 points still to play for.
However, they must overcome their recent slump in form and must record wins against United and Arsenal in the upcoming games to avoid the mounting pressure on their shoulders.
Have you been convinced by Mourinho's Chelsea this season or are they just the strongest side among weak title contenders?
Just to put it into context, Arsenal are only two points better than at the same stage last season when they where fourth after 32 games, while defending champions Manchester City have collected 10 points less than at the same point last season.
By the way, Chelsea's 73 points are only four points better than at this stage last season…
Cheers,
David
