Grand Slam Sunday

Manchester United 3 - 0 Liverpool

Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal

Two big results from the weekends matchups between the "Big Four" in England. Javier Mascherano made headlines, in the wrong way, when he garnered two first half yellow cards at Old Trafford, and earned a send-off that sent a shockwave effect through the title race. First, obviously, it helped United increase their somewhat tenuous 1-0 lead to 3-0 by allowing them to play with a man advantage for the entire 2nd half. Second, it hurt Liverpool by prohibiting Mascherano from playing in this weekend's Merseyside derby against Everton, which is a vital game in the two teams' race for fourth in the EPL. Third, it effected Chelsea and Arsenal adversely, as a Liverpool result (1-1 would have been possible, if not probable, were Macherano to have stayed on the pitch) would have given the title-chasers great hope in catching United. Now, conventional wisdom says the race is all but over and won for Man U.

And, it needs to be said, deservedly so. United have been the best and most consistent English club the last two seasons, and will rightfully repeat as champions, barring any unforeseen collapses or miracles from the London contenders. Cristiano Ronaldo has established himself as the best footballer in the world, scoring 33 goals this season in all competitions, an outrageous number. Wayne Rooney is consistently dangerous and threatening, and newcomers Nani and Anderson pack a powerful youth punch in complementing veterans Scholes, Giggs and Carrick in midfielfd. And at the back, United are the best in the Prem, conceding a staggeringly low number of only 15 goals in the league. Chelsea, with their John Terry-led defense, have conceded 23. By all accounts, Manchester United are the best team in England this year, and deserve to win the trophy.

But will they?

(to be continued)