In Spain, the meeting between Real Madrid and Barcelona is called El Clasico. In England, what was once dubbed Grand Slam Sunday has become known as the big turn-off. When was the last time you saw a truly terrific game between the top four? Manchester United nicked it at Anfield earlier in the season, and Arsenal's win over Chelsea at the Emirates was hardly a classic.
These matches have all the ingredients for great games because so much is at stake. United have unquestionably the best player in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 33 goals this season—a remarkable achievement for a winger. Ronaldo has evolved, adding free-kicks and headers to his repertoire, and his upper-body strength from weight training has boosted his pace. His consistency, with 24 goals in 24 Premier League starts, marks true quality.
Fernando Torres and Liverpool are in great form, but the game will be so tight that the best Liverpool can hope for is a draw. Rafa Benitez often sets up his team in Champions League mode against top-four opponents, making them hard to break down. Therefore, Liverpool may go to Old Trafford not to win but to frustrate United, which could end in a draw and give Chelsea or Arsenal a chance to gain ground.
However, it is hard to see anything other than a Chelsea win, as they are in the ascendancy while Arsenal are in decline. Arsenal have a mental problem: after a great win at Milan, they struggled against Wigan and Middlesbrough. Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor have had great seasons but their form has dipped, and others have not stepped up. Arsenal lack strength in depth and character, unlike United, where Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, and Nani have come good when Ronaldo dipped.
Arsene Wenger could not have legislated for Eduardo's injury, but Arsenal do not look as strong as the rest. Chelsea have the chance to nick second place. Now is the time for Tomas Rosicky to step forward, but he is injured, and captain William Gallas seems to be losing the plot, blaming teammates. Arsenal need leadership, not a captain throwing tantrums. A few weeks ago, teams feared Arsenal; now it's 'only Arsenal'.
Despite their crazy 4-4 draw at Tottenham, Chelsea can beat the Gunners and finish strongly. Joe Cole is hitting top form at the right time and is the most productive wide player Chelsea have had in recent times. If Cole were foreign, we would rave about him; because he is English, we focus on what he cannot do rather than what he does well.
