As we approach the World Cup in South Africa, how experienced are England’s players?
Today, I took a look at the most capped players of all time and also look at how much of the current squad can be classed as vastly experienced internationals.
In addition, I also take a look at some goal scoring statistics of the national team.
ENGLAND’S 25 MOST CAPPED PLAYERS
Name Clubs Caps Years
Peter Shilton Leicester, Stoke, Nottm Forest, 125 1970-1990
Southampton, Derby
David Beckham Man Utd, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy 115 1996-
AC Milan
Bobby Moore West Ham Utd 108 1962-1973
Bobby Charlton Manchester United 106 1958-1970
Billy Wright Wolverhampton Wanderers 105 1946-1959
Bryan Robson WBA, Man Utd 90 1980-1991
Michael Owen Liverpool, Real Madrid,Newcastle89 1998-
Kenny Sansom Crystal Palace, Arsenal 86 1979-1988
Gary Neville Manchester United 85 1995-
Ray Wilkins Chelsea, Man Utd, AC Milan 84 1976-1986
Gary Lineker Leicester, Everton, Barcelona 80 1984-1992
Tottenham
John Barnes Watford, Liverpool 79 1983-1995
Steven Gerrard Liverpool 79 2000-
Frank Lampard West Ham, Chelsea 78 1999-
Stuart Pearce Nottingham Forest, West Ham 78 1987-1999
Terry Butcher Ipswich, Glasgow Rangers 77 1980-1990
Ashley Cole Arsenal, Chelsea 77 2001-
Rio Ferdinand West Ham, Leeds, Man Utd 76 1997-
Tom Finney Preston North End 76 1946-1958
David Seaman QPR, Arsenal 75 1988-2002
Gordon Banks Leicester City, Stoke City 73 1963-1972
Sol Campbell Tottenham, Arsenal, Portsmouth 73 1996-
Alan Ball Blackpool, Everton Arsenal 72 1965-1975
Martin Peters West Ham, Tottenham 67 1966-1974
Tony Adams Arsenal 66 1987-2000
Paul Scholes Manchester United 66 1997-2004
Eight of the top 25 are current internationals, while four of the top 20 are definite starters in South Africa, if fit.
Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole – both still in their twenties are well placed to reach 100 caps in the next couple of years.
Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand though, are both approaching their 32nd birthday's, and for the latter especially, age appears to be catching up with them in their pursuit of the ton.
The current crop of players are actually very experienced, and, while David Beckham and Michael Owen will definitely not be going to South Africa, Gary Neville’s recent run of games at Manchester United may well still see him selected as back up to Glen Johnson at right back.
Sol Campbell would probably require a whole host of injuries to other centre halves if he is to add to his 73 caps this summer.
ENGLAND’S 25 LEADING GOALSCORERS (Post war)
Name Goals Years (includes the first to last goals)
Bobby Charlton 49 1958-1970
Gary Lineker 48 1985-1992
Jimmy Greaves 44 1959-1967
Michael Owen 40 1998-
Tom Finney 30 1946-1958
Nat Lofthouse 30 1950-1958
Alan Shearer 30 1992-2000
David Platt 27 1990-1996
Bryan Robson 26 1981-1989
Wayne Rooney 25 2003-
Geoff Hurst 24 1966-1971
Stan Mortensen 23 1947-1953
Tommy Lawton 22 1938-1948
Mick Channon 21 1973-1977
Kevin Keegan 21 1974-1981
Peter Crouch 20 2005-
Frank Lampard 20 1999-
Martin Peters 20 1966-1973
Johnny Haynes 18 1954-1961
Roger Hunt 18 1962-1967
David Beckham 17 1998-
Steven Gerrard 16 2001-
Tommy Taylor 16 1953-1957
Tony Woodcock 16 1979-1984
Paul Scholes 14 1997-2004
ENGLAND’S 25 BEST POST WAR GOALSCORERS
(Only includes players with over 10 international goals)
Name Caps Goals Strike rate
Tommy Lawton 22 23 95.65%
Stan Mortenson 23 25 92.00%
Nat Lofthouse 30 33 90.91%
Robert Smith 13 15 86.67%
Tommy Taylor 16 19 84.22%
Dennis Wilshaw 10 12 83.33%
Jimmy Greaves 57 44 77.19%
John Milburn 10 13 76.92%
Gary Lineker 80 48 60.00%
Peter Crouch 37 20 54.05%
Martin Chivers 13 24 54.17%
Roger Hunt 34 18 52.94%
Allan Clarke 10 19 52.63%
Geoff Hurst 24 49 48.98%
Alan Shearer 30 63 47.62%
Bobby Charlton 106 49 46.23%
Mick Channon 46 21 45.65%
Michael Owen 89 40 44.94%
David Platt 27 62 43.55%
Wayne Rooney 25 58 43.10%
Wilfred Mannion 26 11 42.31%
Tom Finney 30 76 39.47%
Tony Woodcock 16 42 38.10%
Paul Mariner 13 35 37.14%
Francis Lee 10 27 37.03%
Peter Crouch may have had a poor season in front of goal at Tottenham, but his international record is terrific. He has 18 goals from only 17 starts (he has appeared 20 times as a substitute). He could yet turn into an all time great England striker.
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard can both still enter the top ten leading goal scorers list if they manage to repeat their prolific club form on the international stage.
And then there is Wayne Rooney, who, at still only 24, is almost certain to move into the top five leading scorers within the next year. Injuries permitting, the Manchester United star may well break Bobby Charlton’s long standing record and become the first England player to score 50 goals.
But, a note of caution is needed. A few years ago we all said without any hesitation, that Michael Owen would be the first England player to do this, but persistent injuries appear to have destroyed his hopes.
A quick mention has to go to Bobby Charlton and indeed, David Platt. They were both midfielders, but have goal scoring record's any international striker would be proud of.
REFERENCES:
www.englandfootballonline.com
www.thefa.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
WENGER v BENITEZ, WHO IS THE MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGER?
Considering the current problems at Anfield, this may seem like a ridiculous question to ask. However, what should remembered is that a year or so ago some people were beginning to question Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal.
Their records over the last six seasons in the Premiership – since Benitez arrived in England – are amazingly similar, with the Spaniard actually holding the slight edge.
This may surprise some, and this is why I have raised the question.
Now let’s not kid ourselves here, football is all about what is happening in the moment, and there is no doubt that Liverpool have had a poor season. But they may well still finish the season with a trophy, something Arsenal have not achieved for five years.
In the time since Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2005, Liverpool have won three trophies and are clear favourites to win another.
The Gunners have also been involved in two title races during this time, while Liverpool have been involved in only one. But (this season included) both clubs have finished above each other three times.
Benitez’s average points total is slightly higher that Wenger’s during this period (he averages 75 points a season compared to Wenger’s 74). This is despite the fact that he has been a manager in the Premiership for eight years less than the Frenchman.
Crucially you may think, Wenger has captured three league titles in England, including two domestic doubles, but does that give him the edge?
I believe, we as football fans, are quite insular in this country and think the Premiership is the ‘be all and end all’ of European football. This is not the case, and when you look just how far Real Madrid and Barcelona are ahead of the rest in La liga this season, Benitez's achievements when he was manager of Valencia look even more remarkable.
In three seasons at the Mestella, Benitez guided the club to two league titles, defeating the Galactico’s at Real Madrid and the superstars at Barcelona in the process.
The Spaniard has also won two European trophies, whereas Wenger is still yet to win one, although in his defence, he has lost three finals in his 23 years as a manager.
But since Jose Mourinho came to Chelsea in 2004 - and began to spend Roman Abramovich’s endless millions - Arsenal have not won the league and have only finished in the top two once. Wenger has been unable to crack the so called ‘big two’.
Some of you may argue that the same flaw applies to Benitez. But the Arsenal boss has three league titles behind him and vast experience of the Premiership. Has he ever so slightly lost his magic?
Is football at the highest level about winning trophies, or is it about playing swift attacking football and bringing through young players? All three would be ‘utopoia’ but it must surely be a debate which is split between the Emirates faithful.
No one is suggesting that Wenger should be sacked, but considering how many trophies he won with players he inherited from the George Graham generation, the squad's that he himself has built have not lived up to the same standards. How long are we going to have to wait until these ‘young’ players finally deliver some silverware? Is being ‘close’ good enough in this day and age?
Of course, Wenger has been rightly lauded for his ability to buy players on the cheap and nurture them into world class players. He is a master at this and probably the best around.
Patrick Viera, Nicolas Anelka and Emmanuel Adebayor are just three examples of players bought for very little money and sold on for a huge profit. Marc Overmars and Thierry Henry (the unboubted crown in the jewel) were players who were bought and sold on for a very healthy profit. While in the current side, Cesc Fabregas, was plucked from the Barcelona youth system at a very young age in the early 2000s, and is now one of the world’s best midfielders.
But, I am also of the opinion that Benitez has made some excellent bargain signings too.
Despite his well publicised failures in the transfer market – of which many have been sold on for a profit – the Liverpool boss has also discovered some absolute gems.
Pepe Reina was bought for 6 million pounds when he was still a youngster at Villarreal, and is now one of the top three goalkeepers in the world. Fernando Torres was bought for 20 million pounds, and many people at the time questioned whether or not this was good value. How much is he worth now? 50 million?
There is Yossi Benayoun too, who was bought for a mere 4 million, but at the end of last season and before his injury this season he was being hailed as one of the most creative players in the Premier League. How much has his value increased? Three fold? And Xabi Alonso was also a great bit of business. He was bought for 10 million and sold on for a 20 million pound profit five years later.
Of course, Liverpool are weaker without Alonso, but Arsenal have never really recovered from losing Viera either have they?
Another factor that has to be taken into account between the two managers is their age. There is more than ten years difference between the two managers, Arsene Wenger being 60, while Benitez is actually celebrating his 50th birthday today. Yet, Benitez has one two more European trophies than Wenger and two less league titles. It’s not a huge difference for such a large age gap is it?
However, Wenger is so often deemed untouchable by the English press and Benitez is often perceived to be a bit of a joke. Is this really fair? He is one of the world’s top coaches, without a doubt.
In Wenger’s defence again, he claims to have had very little money to spend in the last few years, or has he?
We never actually seem to know the answer to this question. The former Monaco boss has a degree in Economics and has he just become obsessed with running the club as a business and demonstrating his powers of negotiation more than winning trophies? Could he do a little more in the transfer market?
Sure, Rafael Benitez has spent more money, but he has also had to deal with horrific issues at boardroom level for two or three years now. That he still almost managed to capture the league title last season under these restrictions is verging on a miracle, but does he get much credit? No.
Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has pretty much been left with the freedom to run his club how he wants to, but there is no doubt he has struggled a little since his chief ally in dealing with transfers - David Dein – departed the Emirates.
One question is, if you could inherit Arsenal or Liverpool right now, which team would you inherit? The answer of course, would be Arsenal on current form. However, one year ago, many would have said Liverpool. Football can change so quickly, so who knows what the answer will be in one year’s time.
The main reason I have raised this debate is because I do feel Rafael Benitez gets a very rough ride from the press in England. They are so vindictive towards him, despite the fact he may just be about to reach his fourth European final in six years.
Yes, the Merseyside club have had a poor season and Benitez has been criticised for the lack of strength in his squad. He has also been very heavily criticised for having only one out and out, injury prone striker at his disposal. But is this his fault? Are his hands tied? Did he have the money to spend on a striker?
I don’t think the question about which of these two is the better manager has such an obvious answer. Like it or not, these days trophies mean everything at the highest level of modern day football.
I often hear journalists and fans say ‘How long is Benitez going to live off Istanbul 2005?’ However the same could also be said of Wenger and his 2004 team of invincibles. How many of those players still remain at the club?
People can rightly point to Arsenal’s youth set up, but remember that Liverpool’s youth team (closely supervised by Benitez) won back to back Youth Cup's in 2006 and 2007 and also reached the final in 2009, where they were defeated by Arsenal.
Will we see the fruits of these Liverpool teams coming to fruition in the next two seasons just like Arsenal's? Who knows?
The conclusion I come to is that I would probably rather Wenger was my manager in the Premiership (although Benitez’s record does compare favourably while they have both been Premiership managers), mainly due to Wenger’s record in the Premiership in an overall sense, and not in the last six years.
In European competition, however, you would have to choose Benitez. His record in both the Champions League and the UEFA/Europa tournaments is quite exceptional for such a short career in management at the top level.
In fact, if you wanted to point to evidence concerning head to head Champions League clashes between the two managers, I believe it reads quite significant viewing. The two managers have met four times in the Champions League, and Wenger has never managed a winning side. On both occasions, Benitez's team's knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League. This occurred once with Valencia in 2003 and also when Liverpool eliminated at the quarter final stage two seasons ago.
This again reinforces Benitez's European pedigree, and whether or not you believe European football to be important or not, his record in such competition is superb.
Last year it was reported that Benitez and Wenger were Real Madrid’s top two choices to take over as boss. If that’s the case, it’s obviously a very hard one to call just who is the better boss.
Maybe we should analyse Benitez’s record in ten year’s time, then perhaps we can finally get a clear answer, once and for all.
By the way, as a journalist who doesn't dislike Benitez as much as most others appear to. Happy Birthday to you Rafa!
Their records over the last six seasons in the Premiership – since Benitez arrived in England – are amazingly similar, with the Spaniard actually holding the slight edge.
This may surprise some, and this is why I have raised the question.
Now let’s not kid ourselves here, football is all about what is happening in the moment, and there is no doubt that Liverpool have had a poor season. But they may well still finish the season with a trophy, something Arsenal have not achieved for five years.
In the time since Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2005, Liverpool have won three trophies and are clear favourites to win another.
The Gunners have also been involved in two title races during this time, while Liverpool have been involved in only one. But (this season included) both clubs have finished above each other three times.
Benitez’s average points total is slightly higher that Wenger’s during this period (he averages 75 points a season compared to Wenger’s 74). This is despite the fact that he has been a manager in the Premiership for eight years less than the Frenchman.
Crucially you may think, Wenger has captured three league titles in England, including two domestic doubles, but does that give him the edge?
I believe, we as football fans, are quite insular in this country and think the Premiership is the ‘be all and end all’ of European football. This is not the case, and when you look just how far Real Madrid and Barcelona are ahead of the rest in La liga this season, Benitez's achievements when he was manager of Valencia look even more remarkable.
In three seasons at the Mestella, Benitez guided the club to two league titles, defeating the Galactico’s at Real Madrid and the superstars at Barcelona in the process.
The Spaniard has also won two European trophies, whereas Wenger is still yet to win one, although in his defence, he has lost three finals in his 23 years as a manager.
But since Jose Mourinho came to Chelsea in 2004 - and began to spend Roman Abramovich’s endless millions - Arsenal have not won the league and have only finished in the top two once. Wenger has been unable to crack the so called ‘big two’.
Some of you may argue that the same flaw applies to Benitez. But the Arsenal boss has three league titles behind him and vast experience of the Premiership. Has he ever so slightly lost his magic?
Is football at the highest level about winning trophies, or is it about playing swift attacking football and bringing through young players? All three would be ‘utopoia’ but it must surely be a debate which is split between the Emirates faithful.
No one is suggesting that Wenger should be sacked, but considering how many trophies he won with players he inherited from the George Graham generation, the squad's that he himself has built have not lived up to the same standards. How long are we going to have to wait until these ‘young’ players finally deliver some silverware? Is being ‘close’ good enough in this day and age?
Of course, Wenger has been rightly lauded for his ability to buy players on the cheap and nurture them into world class players. He is a master at this and probably the best around.
Patrick Viera, Nicolas Anelka and Emmanuel Adebayor are just three examples of players bought for very little money and sold on for a huge profit. Marc Overmars and Thierry Henry (the unboubted crown in the jewel) were players who were bought and sold on for a very healthy profit. While in the current side, Cesc Fabregas, was plucked from the Barcelona youth system at a very young age in the early 2000s, and is now one of the world’s best midfielders.
But, I am also of the opinion that Benitez has made some excellent bargain signings too.
Despite his well publicised failures in the transfer market – of which many have been sold on for a profit – the Liverpool boss has also discovered some absolute gems.
Pepe Reina was bought for 6 million pounds when he was still a youngster at Villarreal, and is now one of the top three goalkeepers in the world. Fernando Torres was bought for 20 million pounds, and many people at the time questioned whether or not this was good value. How much is he worth now? 50 million?
There is Yossi Benayoun too, who was bought for a mere 4 million, but at the end of last season and before his injury this season he was being hailed as one of the most creative players in the Premier League. How much has his value increased? Three fold? And Xabi Alonso was also a great bit of business. He was bought for 10 million and sold on for a 20 million pound profit five years later.
Of course, Liverpool are weaker without Alonso, but Arsenal have never really recovered from losing Viera either have they?
Another factor that has to be taken into account between the two managers is their age. There is more than ten years difference between the two managers, Arsene Wenger being 60, while Benitez is actually celebrating his 50th birthday today. Yet, Benitez has one two more European trophies than Wenger and two less league titles. It’s not a huge difference for such a large age gap is it?
However, Wenger is so often deemed untouchable by the English press and Benitez is often perceived to be a bit of a joke. Is this really fair? He is one of the world’s top coaches, without a doubt.
In Wenger’s defence again, he claims to have had very little money to spend in the last few years, or has he?
We never actually seem to know the answer to this question. The former Monaco boss has a degree in Economics and has he just become obsessed with running the club as a business and demonstrating his powers of negotiation more than winning trophies? Could he do a little more in the transfer market?
Sure, Rafael Benitez has spent more money, but he has also had to deal with horrific issues at boardroom level for two or three years now. That he still almost managed to capture the league title last season under these restrictions is verging on a miracle, but does he get much credit? No.
Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has pretty much been left with the freedom to run his club how he wants to, but there is no doubt he has struggled a little since his chief ally in dealing with transfers - David Dein – departed the Emirates.
One question is, if you could inherit Arsenal or Liverpool right now, which team would you inherit? The answer of course, would be Arsenal on current form. However, one year ago, many would have said Liverpool. Football can change so quickly, so who knows what the answer will be in one year’s time.
The main reason I have raised this debate is because I do feel Rafael Benitez gets a very rough ride from the press in England. They are so vindictive towards him, despite the fact he may just be about to reach his fourth European final in six years.
Yes, the Merseyside club have had a poor season and Benitez has been criticised for the lack of strength in his squad. He has also been very heavily criticised for having only one out and out, injury prone striker at his disposal. But is this his fault? Are his hands tied? Did he have the money to spend on a striker?
I don’t think the question about which of these two is the better manager has such an obvious answer. Like it or not, these days trophies mean everything at the highest level of modern day football.
I often hear journalists and fans say ‘How long is Benitez going to live off Istanbul 2005?’ However the same could also be said of Wenger and his 2004 team of invincibles. How many of those players still remain at the club?
People can rightly point to Arsenal’s youth set up, but remember that Liverpool’s youth team (closely supervised by Benitez) won back to back Youth Cup's in 2006 and 2007 and also reached the final in 2009, where they were defeated by Arsenal.
Will we see the fruits of these Liverpool teams coming to fruition in the next two seasons just like Arsenal's? Who knows?
The conclusion I come to is that I would probably rather Wenger was my manager in the Premiership (although Benitez’s record does compare favourably while they have both been Premiership managers), mainly due to Wenger’s record in the Premiership in an overall sense, and not in the last six years.
In European competition, however, you would have to choose Benitez. His record in both the Champions League and the UEFA/Europa tournaments is quite exceptional for such a short career in management at the top level.
In fact, if you wanted to point to evidence concerning head to head Champions League clashes between the two managers, I believe it reads quite significant viewing. The two managers have met four times in the Champions League, and Wenger has never managed a winning side. On both occasions, Benitez's team's knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League. This occurred once with Valencia in 2003 and also when Liverpool eliminated at the quarter final stage two seasons ago.
This again reinforces Benitez's European pedigree, and whether or not you believe European football to be important or not, his record in such competition is superb.
Last year it was reported that Benitez and Wenger were Real Madrid’s top two choices to take over as boss. If that’s the case, it’s obviously a very hard one to call just who is the better boss.
Maybe we should analyse Benitez’s record in ten year’s time, then perhaps we can finally get a clear answer, once and for all.
By the way, as a journalist who doesn't dislike Benitez as much as most others appear to. Happy Birthday to you Rafa!
Friday, April 2, 2010
BENNY'S VALUABLE INFORMATION OF THE WEEK
As we enter the home straight of a fascinating and unpredictable Premier League campaign, it looks like the race for the title will go right down to the wire.
Manchester United and Chelsea – the teams currently first and second – clash at Old Trafford tomorrow. However, Arsenal, in third - four points behind United - cannot be discounted.
On paper, the Gunners have the easiest run in, and the fact that their two main rivals play tomorrow means something has to give.
The phrase ‘the closest Premiership title race in years’, has been used many times in previous seasons, but how close is it really this year? Is it the closest race in history?
Below, I will present a few facts and figures from seasons gone by, illustrating some tight Premiership title races between three clubs.
At this point, all three teams at the top have played 32 games.
So how close was the title race after 32 games in the selected previous seasons, and what eventually happened?
SEASON 1995-1996
Liverpool’s legendary 4-3 defeat of Newcastle United meant that only four points separated the top three teams with six games to go. However, the Merseyside team would only take nine points from their last six games and dropped out of the title race.
The race between the top two, however, went to the wire, with Manchester United crowned as champions with a last day victory at Middlesbrough.
Newcastle were 12 points clear with only 13 games left in February, but eventually inished four points behind.
League table after 32 matches
P Pts
1 Manchester United 32 66
2 Newcastle United 32 65
3 Liverpool 32 62
Final League table
1 Manchester United 38 82
2 Newcastle United 38 78
3 Liverpool 38 71
SEASON 1998-1999
This season will always be synonymous with Manchester United and their unique treble. But what is often forgotten is that the title race went down to the final day. Any one of three teams could still have won it.
Chelsea, under Gianluca Vialli, were contenders from day one, and on many occasions throughout the season, the title looked like it could be heading for Stamford Bridge for the first time in 44 years.
However, tremendous late runs from Arsenal and Manchester United meant that the West London club missed out and the trophy headed to Old Trafford for the fifth time in seven seasons.
The title was clinched following a David Beckham inspired 2-1 victory at home to Tottenham. Ten days later, Alex Ferguson’s men had also won the FA Cup and the Champions League. The rest as they say, is history.
League table after 32 matches
P Pts
1 Manchester United 32 65
2 Arsenal 32 63
3 Chelsea 32 61
Final League table
1 Manchester United 38 79
2 Arsenal 38 78
3 Chelsea 38 75
SEASON 2001-2002
This particular season turned out to be an enthralling three way race for the title.
At the half way stage only four points separated Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle, but the Tynesiders couldn’t maintain their challenge and it subsequently became a three way battle for the crown.
Manchester United’s surprise home defeat to Middlesbrough on week 32 meant that Liverpool went top for the first time in four months following a last gasp win over Chelsea.
In fact, the Anfield club won 12 of their last 14 matches, and perhaps in any other season this may have been enough to clinch the title.
However, Arsenal – who always had vital games in hand throughout the run-in - won all of their last thirteen matches, and clinched the title with a sweet victory at Old Trafford in the penultimate league game of the season.
Arsene Wenger’s team went onto win the double, while Liverpool had the consolation of finishing runners up in the Premier League for the first time. This is to date, the only time the club have finished above their great rivals – Manchester United – in the Premier League era.
League table after 32 matches
1 Liverpool 32 65
2 Manchester United 32 64
3 Arsenal 30 63
Final league table
1 Arsenal 38 87
2 Liverpool 38 80
3 Manchester United 38 77
SEASON 2007-2008
Week 31 had seen a huge weekend of matches, which, in the end, proved to be crucial in a tight three way battle for the title.
Arsenal, who led the table for so many months up to March, lost, after taking the lead at Chelsea.
Manchester United went to the top of the table after defeating fourth placed Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Week 32 saw Manchester United surprisingly held at Middlesbrough, while Arsenal could only draw at home to Liverpool.
A tremendous late surge from Chelsea (including a 2-1 win over United at Stamford Bridge) took the title race right down to the last day. But, while Chelsea were being held at home by Bolton, Manchester United won at Wigan, giving themselves and Ryan Giggs their tenth Premiership titles.
The two teams would also meet in the Champions League final in Moscow ten days later, with United again prevailing in a dramatic penalty shoot out victory.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were left to rue a crucial 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in week 33 after taking an early lead. This six point swing in Manchester United’s favour was to prove fatal in Arsenal’s bid as they eventually trailed the champions by four points in the final reckoning.
League table after 32 matches
1 Manchester United 32 72
2 Chelsea 31 68
3 Arsenal 31 67
Final League table
1 Manchester United 38 87
2 Chelsea 38 85
3 Arsenal 38 83
References:
Wikipedia
youtube.com
bbc.co.uk
Manchester United and Chelsea – the teams currently first and second – clash at Old Trafford tomorrow. However, Arsenal, in third - four points behind United - cannot be discounted.
On paper, the Gunners have the easiest run in, and the fact that their two main rivals play tomorrow means something has to give.
The phrase ‘the closest Premiership title race in years’, has been used many times in previous seasons, but how close is it really this year? Is it the closest race in history?
Below, I will present a few facts and figures from seasons gone by, illustrating some tight Premiership title races between three clubs.
At this point, all three teams at the top have played 32 games.
So how close was the title race after 32 games in the selected previous seasons, and what eventually happened?
SEASON 1995-1996
Liverpool’s legendary 4-3 defeat of Newcastle United meant that only four points separated the top three teams with six games to go. However, the Merseyside team would only take nine points from their last six games and dropped out of the title race.
The race between the top two, however, went to the wire, with Manchester United crowned as champions with a last day victory at Middlesbrough.
Newcastle were 12 points clear with only 13 games left in February, but eventually inished four points behind.
League table after 32 matches
P Pts
1 Manchester United 32 66
2 Newcastle United 32 65
3 Liverpool 32 62
Final League table
1 Manchester United 38 82
2 Newcastle United 38 78
3 Liverpool 38 71
SEASON 1998-1999
This season will always be synonymous with Manchester United and their unique treble. But what is often forgotten is that the title race went down to the final day. Any one of three teams could still have won it.
Chelsea, under Gianluca Vialli, were contenders from day one, and on many occasions throughout the season, the title looked like it could be heading for Stamford Bridge for the first time in 44 years.
However, tremendous late runs from Arsenal and Manchester United meant that the West London club missed out and the trophy headed to Old Trafford for the fifth time in seven seasons.
The title was clinched following a David Beckham inspired 2-1 victory at home to Tottenham. Ten days later, Alex Ferguson’s men had also won the FA Cup and the Champions League. The rest as they say, is history.
League table after 32 matches
P Pts
1 Manchester United 32 65
2 Arsenal 32 63
3 Chelsea 32 61
Final League table
1 Manchester United 38 79
2 Arsenal 38 78
3 Chelsea 38 75
SEASON 2001-2002
This particular season turned out to be an enthralling three way race for the title.
At the half way stage only four points separated Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle, but the Tynesiders couldn’t maintain their challenge and it subsequently became a three way battle for the crown.
Manchester United’s surprise home defeat to Middlesbrough on week 32 meant that Liverpool went top for the first time in four months following a last gasp win over Chelsea.
In fact, the Anfield club won 12 of their last 14 matches, and perhaps in any other season this may have been enough to clinch the title.
However, Arsenal – who always had vital games in hand throughout the run-in - won all of their last thirteen matches, and clinched the title with a sweet victory at Old Trafford in the penultimate league game of the season.
Arsene Wenger’s team went onto win the double, while Liverpool had the consolation of finishing runners up in the Premier League for the first time. This is to date, the only time the club have finished above their great rivals – Manchester United – in the Premier League era.
League table after 32 matches
1 Liverpool 32 65
2 Manchester United 32 64
3 Arsenal 30 63
Final league table
1 Arsenal 38 87
2 Liverpool 38 80
3 Manchester United 38 77
SEASON 2007-2008
Week 31 had seen a huge weekend of matches, which, in the end, proved to be crucial in a tight three way battle for the title.
Arsenal, who led the table for so many months up to March, lost, after taking the lead at Chelsea.
Manchester United went to the top of the table after defeating fourth placed Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Week 32 saw Manchester United surprisingly held at Middlesbrough, while Arsenal could only draw at home to Liverpool.
A tremendous late surge from Chelsea (including a 2-1 win over United at Stamford Bridge) took the title race right down to the last day. But, while Chelsea were being held at home by Bolton, Manchester United won at Wigan, giving themselves and Ryan Giggs their tenth Premiership titles.
The two teams would also meet in the Champions League final in Moscow ten days later, with United again prevailing in a dramatic penalty shoot out victory.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were left to rue a crucial 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in week 33 after taking an early lead. This six point swing in Manchester United’s favour was to prove fatal in Arsenal’s bid as they eventually trailed the champions by four points in the final reckoning.
League table after 32 matches
1 Manchester United 32 72
2 Chelsea 31 68
3 Arsenal 31 67
Final League table
1 Manchester United 38 87
2 Chelsea 38 85
3 Arsenal 38 83
References:
Wikipedia
youtube.com
bbc.co.uk
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