Source: Telegraph
Premier League title run in: Liverpool throw race open after Aston Villa destruction
Just nine days ago, United were sitting seven points clear with a game in hand – but that lead has now been reduced to one as the top four enter the home straight with just eight games to go. [LNB]With Chelsea slipping up against Tottenham at the weekend, and manager Guus Hiddink focusing on the Champions League and the FA Cup, it is now effectively a two-horse race. [LNB] Related ArticlesLiverpool have the momentum, says Benitez[LNB]Gerrard hat-trick fires Liverpool title charge[LNB]Fantastic Fulham burst United's bubble[LNB]'Sloppy' Chelsea taught harsh lessons by Tottenham[LNB]Chelsea and Liverpool under offer as the FA Cup Cup loses it?s lustre at Tottenham[LNB]Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson bemoans title slip-up[LNB]As Rafael Benitez pointed out when asked why he did not even break a smile at Anfield at the weekend – it may all come down to goal difference. So, should Liverpool draw level with United on points – the title is in their hands as it stands. [LNB]Steven Gerrard's hat-trick and the six other goals they have scored in the league in their last two fixtures, puts Liverpool two ahead of United. [LNB]Despite their points advantage being slashed, United remain the bookies favourite to lift the trophy in May at 1/3. Liverpool's odds have been slashed to 3/1 and Chelsea are being given 14/1. [LNB]MANCHESTER UNITED Played 29 Goal Difference 31 Points 65 [LNB]PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES April 5 Aston Villa H. April 11 Sunderland A. April 22 Portsmouth H. April 25 Tottenham H. May 2 Middlesbrough A. May 9 Manchester City H. May 16 Arsenal H. May 24 Hull A. TBC Wigan A. Key game: April 25, Tottenham H. Tottenham's impressive record against the top four will make this a vital game for United. Arsenal at Old Trafford is obviously huge, as is the derby, but the Spurs game cannot be underestimated. [LNB]CHELSEA Played 30 Goal Difference 32 Points 61 [LNB]PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES April 4 Newcastle A. April 11 Bolton H. April 22 Everton H. April 25 West Ham A. May 2 Fulham H. May 9 Arsenal A. May 16 Blackburn H. May 24 Sunderland A. Key game: April 25, Arsenal A. Defeat at the Emirates will end Chelsea's title hopes for good. [LNB]LIVERPOOL Played 30 Goal Difference 33 Points 64 [LNB]PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES April 4 Fulham A. April 11 Blackburn H. April 19 Arsenal H. April 25 Hull A. May 2 Newcastle H. May 9 West Ham A. May 16 WBA A. May 24 Tottenham H.Key game: May 9, West Ham A. Aside from the obvious visit of Arsenal, a trip to West Ham is exactly the type of fixture which could see any leading side drop points. [LNB]
