NJIRU: Liverpool will miss out on Champions League

With only 10 matches to go for most teams, it’s now becoming a reality that some big teams will miss out on the Champions League football come next season.

This is has been the most unique season from empty stadiums, partially filled stadiums to the most congested fixture list ever.

I watched Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 on Monday evening and putting another blueprint mark the Blues are seriously in the top 4 and very much in the title race come next season. According to Opta Stats, since Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge of Chelsea (27th Jan 2021), no goalkeeper playing for a top-five European league side has kept more clean sheets in all competitions than Edouard Mendy (7).

Last week I had said we may see changes in the top four but Man United proved me wrong. They beat Man City 2-0. Imagine! To be honest no one saw that coming that’s why United are still second on 54 points, followed by Leicester on 53 and Chelsea on 50. It’s now close than ever.

The title race is all but wrapped as City are 11 points clear and Man United haven’t shown any signs of being real title contenders.

It might have been a ‘useless’ win from Man City’s perspective but United cemented their place in the top four as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under massive pressure after dropping points against Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the preceding matches.

Dear Liverpool fans, the unthinkable happened, for the sixth time in a row. The reds lost 0-1 to Fulham at Anfield. It’s getting to my nerves that last season’s mentality monsters are now mentality midgets as aptly by club legend Jamie Carragher.

Momentarily West Ham, who beat Leeds 2-0 courtesy of rejuvenated J Lingz and Craig Dawson, are favoured by form to make the top as the Champions can’t find a goal after going 0-1 down in the last six matches at Anfield.

With only 12 points separating fourth-placed Chelsea and 10th placed Arsenal, there’s all to play for and no one should lose hope. This is by far the most incredible race for the top four. As I said it will go down to the wire.

Speaking of Arsenal, they must feel robbed after what happened at Burnely in their 1-1 draw. Yes, you have a right to be irritated but directing your hate to Granit Xhaka because of Burnley’s equalizer is uncalled for. I do feel both Xhaka and Leno should have done much better with the latter being in a position to read the game as expected from a modern-day keeper.

Their North London rivals, Tottenham, seem to have found form at the right time. Can we say Gareth Bale is back? Spurs fans don’t care if this is the Bale they sold in 2013 or a tired Bale. The point is he is delivering. That performance in the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace sent a clear message to top-four rivals that “we are still in it.” Bale’s combination with Harry Kane and obviously Son in the fray means Tottenham will push for the top four till the last day. 7

Form table predicts Man City on top with United, Leicester and Chelsea in second, third and fourth positions respectively. However, that can change depending on the international break, European matches, Carabao Cup final, FA Cup, injuries, suspensions and other factors.

The best advice, for now, win your matches!

Wednesday 10 March

Manchester City vs Southampton - 9 PM EAT