A Year On...Is This The Day We Beat Chelsea To The Title Again?

May 5th 2007

A lacklustre performance at the Wastelands on the Saturday, just three days after being knocked out of the European Cup in Italy against Milan, saw United on the brink of securing our first title since 2003. We had lead the table all season, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea drifting within three points of us on occasion. Our victory over City, which was won courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, following a foul from Michael Ball, who had previously stamped on the Portuguese winger’s chest, meant the title was painfully close. We had done our bit, now we were hoping Arsenal could do us a favour the following day. Only a win was good enough for Chelsea, with any other result confirming the title for United.

May 6th 2007

Chelsea travelled to the Emirates knowing that a victory would mean they had some say in who was going to be named Champions. United were set to travel to Stamford Bridge the following week and the blues knew they would have to go through the humbling experience of presenting us with a Guard of Honour if they didn’t get a win against Arsenal.

Just before half time at the Emirates, Khalid Boulahrouz, one of Jose’s dreadful signings at £8.5 million, brought down Julio Baptista in the area. He was given his marching orders and presented Arsenal captain, Gilberto Silva, with the perfect opportunity to give the Gunners the lead from the penalty spot, which he did.

However, Jose Mourinho believed his lads had a lot to be happy about come the final whistle, after Essien had levelled the score. “Chin up” he signalled to the Chelsea fans. However, the title had been lost and as United fans had been singing about all season, we’d come in May in to take it away.

May 5th 2008

Chelsea play Newcastle later this afternoon, needing a win or a draw to keep the race alive until the last day of the season. A defeat at St James will mean the title is United’s, taking for granted the games against Wigan and Bolton next weekend won’t cancel out the incredible 19 points goal difference.

Newcastle have won 5 and drawn 2 in their last 7 and will be eager to finish their home campaign on a high after their recent spell of good form under their new manager, Kevin Keegan. Their players have confirmed they’re certainly up for the fight.

So, almost exactly a year on from our last title victory, is today the day we win the league?