The Race for the Title

The marathon that is the English Premier League season has reached its half way point. This is the first real marker at which we can gauge anything truly meaningful concerning current league position and end of season league standings. Management, players and fans alike are beginning to get an inkling of what sort of season they're in for and are readying themselves to watch the necessary horror or excitement ensue.

The Premier League has long had much to recommend it as the best in the world, and this season, an increase in the number of breathtakingly outstanding matches, and a genuine three-horse title race has further pushed this claim. Rafael Benitez's patient rebuilding program at Liverpool has finally seen his side able to launch a credible challenge for league honours, joining Chelsea and Manchester United in the title hunt. 

Reluctant at first to acknowledge what could still prove to be another false dawn, the media are starting to come round to the possibility of the league title returning to Liverpool for the first time in 20 years. Indeed, many are predicting the return of the title to Merseyside. 

And they have a chance. Benitez knows his squad - its strengths and limitations - most of the players are his buys, and he finally has a system suited to his personel which is effective if not spectacular. At no point this season have Liverpool played the league's most attractive football, but at the turn of the year their results have been good enough to land them in pole position.

Aesthetics has never been Benitez's priority and this is a philosophy justified through recent results. Pairing Mascherano and Alonso together in the middle of midfield invites no comparisons with Brazil, but in terms of ball winning and retention of possesion the two have provided a superb base from which the team can build. The system seems to get the best out of their outstanding captain Stephen Gerrard and they have even managed to go long periods without the prolific Fernando Torres.

Good as Liverpool have been, they have somewhat relied on the indifferent results of the other top teams. In addition, a failure to capitalise on the inconsistent results of their rivals has resulted in only the narrowest of leads. This failure to put any real daylight between themselves and the chasing pack raises questions about Liverpool's title credentials.

On top of this there remains a doubt that Liverpool can up the stakes in the likely event that either one or both of Manchester United and Chelsea decide to really come to the party. Effective if not spectacular, it is hard to see that Liverpool have an extra gear to ease into in order to break away from the pack. They have been good, but little evidence suggests they can be better. By contrast, Chelsea's early season form shows they are capable of much better than they have produced in recent months.

While a Chelsea resurgance is possible, using history as a guide, a Manchester United cavalry charge is inevitable. Ferguson, a veteran and master of title run-ins, has yet to see his side fire on all cylinders this season. We know this because at no point have they matched last seasons imperious form, and the only transfer activity involving them since last season has significantly strengthened their squad.

By definition they possess a squad of title winners, and in contrast with Liverpool they have portrayed the impression of playing within themselves. The idea that they have an advanced level of performance into which Ferguson can expertly guide his team spells danger for the other two title contenders. 

So it remains to be seen where the title will end up in its seventeenth season. In the marathon of the Premier League season Liverpool are the early pacesetters but the figure of Manchester United looms ominously on their shoulders.