Chelsea concede the title away to Man Utd
It was a victory at Old Trafford last season that put Chelsea on course for their first Premier League title post-Jose Mourinho but a defeat in the same fixture on Sunday afternoon has virtually ended their chances of retaining the trophy.
First-half goals by Javier Hernandez - who delivered his 20th goal of the campaign within 37 seconds of the kick-off - and Nemanja Vidic put long-term leaders Manchester United on course for a 2-1 triumph that leaves them six points clear of the defending champions with two matches to go.
Two wins for Chelsea and two defeats for the table-toppers in the final two weeks would be enough to see Carlo Ancelotti's men gain their fourth Premier League crown on goal difference but such a scenario appears hugely unlikely with the Red Devils visiting Blackburn and then hosting Blackpool.
That's why Sir Alex Ferguson's are a [1.01] lay to finish first and why they engaged in unusually lively celebrations after the final whistle despite their 19th championship success not yet being mathematically confirmed. Chelsea are [180.0] to complete the most unimaginable of turnarounds.
Provided Manchester United gain the point they need against Blackburn at Ewood Park, they will be in a position to rest a few stars in the last game against Blackpool, meaning that the likes of Wayne Rooney could potentially have a fortnight off before facing Barcelona in the Champions League Final.
Ferguson's side are [2.76] to get their hands on that trophy too, while the situation probably allows Dimitar Berbatov to start at least one of the last two ties to cement his position as Premier League top scorer. The Bulgarian striker is two clear of Carlos Tevez and [1.24] to see out his advantage.
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Published: 9 May 2011
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