Source: Daily_Mail
The great Premier League mystery: Does anyone REALLY want to win the title?
When the dust settled on Chelsea's convincing 3-0 win at Arsenal at the end of November, the Barclays Premier League looked destined to be, at best, a two-horse title race.[LNB]Only Manchester United seemed equipped to match the relentless pace of Carlo Ancelotti's team at the top as the Gunners slipped 11 points behind the leaders.[LNB] I don't believe it: Wayne Rooney looks dismayed as Manchester United crash to a comprehensive defeat at Fulham and John Terry (below) appears similarly concerned by Chelsea's recent form[LNB] [LNB]Three weeks and four league games later and the title race has been blown wide open again, with United losing twice and Chelsea struggling for top form, too.[LNB]As West Ham's Mark Noble said after holding the leaders to a 1-1 draw on Sunday: 'Everyone can beat everyone else, It's a good league to play in, with Spurs and Aston Villa harassing everyone.'[LNB]Even Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack said: 'It's better if you lead the table instead of chasing because then you always have to win to put pressure on the top team. But I think it's still open.'[LNB]The fragility of Chelsea and United has lifted the chasing pack. Arsenal have dropped only two points from their last four games and Andrey Arshavin said: 'It's getting very interesting and any team can beat anyone - it's good, especially for us. I hope this will stay the same.'[LNB]But Villa, boosted by the outstanding form up front of Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor and the rock-solid Richard Dunne in defence, have taken maximum points - including a win at Old Trafford - from their last four games.[LNB]As their upcoming fixtures show below, Chelsea and United have relatively 'easy' games, but this season nothing is certain. If they slip up, is there anyone ready to slide into the title driving seat?[LNB]THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE HOLDING THEM BACK... Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri faces stamp ban as referee tells FA he did not see Hull incident Steven Gerrard cannot take much more of Liverpool crisis Ballack backs starlet Sturridge to come good in the absence of DrogbaFergie rules out January spree for new defenders despite recent woes [LNB]
