United shouldn't take title Grant-ed
Although many believe that the Premiership title is destined to stay put in Manchester United's trophy cabinet this Summer, Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes that there could be one final twist in the tale of the 2007-2008 Premier League season.
Although Wigan cannot possibly be relegated this year the Israeli believes that Steve Bruce and his men will be utterly determined to cause an upset against United despite Bruce being a former Red Devil during his playing days.
Grant's comments came after the Newcastle match where his side beat an in-form Magpies side to take the title to the wire and he believes that Chelsea are still in with a massive shout of overtaking United at the top of the pile. If that would happen it would surely be the most thrilling end to a League season since Michael Thomas' late, late goal against Liverpool which saw Arsenal crowned Champions in 1989.
Since taking the helm from Jose Mourinho, Grant has been subject to massive criticism from many corners of not only the media but the footballing fraternity as a whole. The next two games will be vital in determining whether this quiet and seemingly pleasant natured manager will remain at Chelsea next season but Grant himself is confident that he will remain in place next season.
Rumours surrounding Grants future have remained rife but following the clubs defeat of Liverpool in the Champions league and subsequently securing their first appearance in the final, he feels that owner Roman Abramovich is happy with the way the club are performing and club captain John Terry has jumped to the defence of his manager.
Although Wigan cannot possibly be relegated this year the Israeli believes that Steve Bruce and his men will be utterly determined to cause an upset against United despite Bruce being a former Red Devil during his playing days.
Grant's comments came after the Newcastle match where his side beat an in-form Magpies side to take the title to the wire and he believes that Chelsea are still in with a massive shout of overtaking United at the top of the pile. If that would happen it would surely be the most thrilling end to a League season since Michael Thomas' late, late goal against Liverpool which saw Arsenal crowned Champions in 1989.
Since taking the helm from Jose Mourinho, Grant has been subject to massive criticism from many corners of not only the media but the footballing fraternity as a whole. The next two games will be vital in determining whether this quiet and seemingly pleasant natured manager will remain at Chelsea next season but Grant himself is confident that he will remain in place next season.Rumours surrounding Grants future have remained rife but following the clubs defeat of Liverpool in the Champions league and subsequently securing their first appearance in the final, he feels that owner Roman Abramovich is happy with the way the club are performing and club captain John Terry has jumped to the defence of his manager.
Terry told the BBC,
"To get to where we are and still question his role is unbelievable.
"It's the first time we've got to the final. No manager or set of players has ever done that. Results don't lie"
Time will only tell if Grant is to remain in charge into the new campaign but with the season drawing to a close, he must up the ante and deliver the most telling sign that he has what it takes to lead one of Europe's trophy-hungry clubs.
Although there have been slip-ups during his time in charge of the Blues, Grant has recently proven that he has the ability to grind out results and get the best from his players in the games that really matter.
"To get to where we are and still question his role is unbelievable.
"It's the first time we've got to the final. No manager or set of players has ever done that. Results don't lie"
Time will only tell if Grant is to remain in charge into the new campaign but with the season drawing to a close, he must up the ante and deliver the most telling sign that he has what it takes to lead one of Europe's trophy-hungry clubs.
Although there have been slip-ups during his time in charge of the Blues, Grant has recently proven that he has the ability to grind out results and get the best from his players in the games that really matter.
First of all came Chelsea's Easter Sunday showdown against arch-rivals Arsenal. After falling behind early in the second half Grant made an unpopular decision in bringing on Nicholas Anelka for Claude Makelele. With cries of 'you don't know what you're doing' ringing around Stamford Bridge - and Grant's ears - Anelka flicked a ball into the path of Drogba who slotted home the equaliser, scoring the winner minutes later keeping Chelse in the Premiership title race.
Then came the match against Manchester United. If Chelsea failed to beat United it would have left them effectively out of the running for the title, handing instead to their opponents and most likely even more pressure for the sacking of Grant.
Those critics were left eating humble pie as a dominant performance from the Blues saw them sweep aside United who were kept quiet throughout a glorious Spring afternoon down at The Bridge.
Chelsea took the lead via a late Michael Ballack header in the first half, securing all three points late on through Ballack again from the penalty spot. The only real blip of the afternoon coming when Ricardo Carvalho foolishly played a short ball back to Petr Cech; Wayne Rooney rushing in to fire in the equaliser, a goal which with time running out appeared to be enough for United.
Last but not least came that night at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea took on Liverpool in a game which could and probably in defeat, would have sealed Grants fate.
After being taken to extra time, Chelsea upped their game, scoring twice through Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard who following the death of his mother the previous week, fired in an emotionally fuelled penalty taking the Blues to within touching distance of a vital revenge over Liverpool and a place in the Champions league final.
A late Liverpool onslaught which resulted in a goal was not enough to turn the tie around in favour of the Reds and as Grant fell to his knees in a mixture of disbelief and joy, he knew that his job was safe, at least for a few more matches.
Now seemingly brimming with confidence, Grant takes his side into the final day of the season knowing that if United drop points against Wigan and Chelsea secure all three at home against Bolton, the first piece of an unlikely double will be secured and Grant, unfavoured by many may well be on his way from going from zero to hero and that really would be a bolt from the Blues.
Then came the match against Manchester United. If Chelsea failed to beat United it would have left them effectively out of the running for the title, handing instead to their opponents and most likely even more pressure for the sacking of Grant.
Those critics were left eating humble pie as a dominant performance from the Blues saw them sweep aside United who were kept quiet throughout a glorious Spring afternoon down at The Bridge.
Chelsea took the lead via a late Michael Ballack header in the first half, securing all three points late on through Ballack again from the penalty spot. The only real blip of the afternoon coming when Ricardo Carvalho foolishly played a short ball back to Petr Cech; Wayne Rooney rushing in to fire in the equaliser, a goal which with time running out appeared to be enough for United.
Last but not least came that night at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea took on Liverpool in a game which could and probably in defeat, would have sealed Grants fate.After being taken to extra time, Chelsea upped their game, scoring twice through Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard who following the death of his mother the previous week, fired in an emotionally fuelled penalty taking the Blues to within touching distance of a vital revenge over Liverpool and a place in the Champions league final.
A late Liverpool onslaught which resulted in a goal was not enough to turn the tie around in favour of the Reds and as Grant fell to his knees in a mixture of disbelief and joy, he knew that his job was safe, at least for a few more matches.
Now seemingly brimming with confidence, Grant takes his side into the final day of the season knowing that if United drop points against Wigan and Chelsea secure all three at home against Bolton, the first piece of an unlikely double will be secured and Grant, unfavoured by many may well be on his way from going from zero to hero and that really would be a bolt from the Blues.
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