Triumph for Manchester United

It's only the 22nd of April but the Premier League title has already been secured, and what a way to do it. Manchester United's comprehensive bullying of Aston Villa at Old Trafford thanks to Robin Van Persie's hat trick was an amazing conclusion to the inevitable title procession. It was all wrapped up in 33 minutes and quite frankly United coasted for the rest of the game. Man City's defeat at Tottenham meant that United knew before kick-off that victory would be enough for an unprecedented 20th title, and it was one man in particular who really made sure that the trophy would be won on the night. Van Persie's clinical finishing guaranteed the victory in stunning fashion and we are left to reflect that with four games and 12 points still remaining, United have 84 points and are unassailable at the summit of the table. Can they beat Chelsea's record of 95 points? It will be tough with Arsenal and Chelsea still to play, but why shouldn't they be able to  now the pressure is off? 

Van Persie's 3rd goal put him on 24 in the league for the campaign, 1 ahead of Luis Suarez. He has been generally cited as the difference between the Manchester Clubs this season, but there are inherent issues with that point of view. Firstly, this ignores the fact that at the start of the season, Roberto Mancini had Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko at his disposal, who scored a combined 54 goals last season in the league alone. The argument that Mancini needed Van Persie is utterly ridiculous with that sort of talent already available. The difference lied really in the managers. Not withstanding the fact that United just kept winning, and winning, and winning. Even the games when they were poor they kept winning. When you look at United's squad, not many jump out as being world class. Van Persie's debut season has been superb, but where was he when United really needed him, against Madrid? Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic would both make claims as well, but with their creaking bodies bodies restricting their appearances, they could be hardly described as still truly indispensable.

  

Therefore the real achievement lies with the manager and the character and belief of the squad. Over the course of the season, there have been many occasions where United's superior mental strength has got them  through tough fixtures. Recent away victories over Stoke and Sunderland, the clutch of matches early in the season when a late goal from Javier Hernandez often saved them... they all demonstrate why United have cruised to this title win. The fact that United have 19 different goal scorers in the league this season is tribute to that team spirit.

That of course has been supplemented by some individuals playing with remarkable consistency. Of course Van Persie has taken most of the headlines, but others have been brilliant alongside him. Players like Rafael, who has grown into one of the best full-backs in Europe, Jonny Evans, who has seen off the challenge of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to become the centre back of choice when one of Ferdinand or Vidic is unavailable (and let's face it, that is most weeks), Patrice Evra, who has had his best season since 2010, and Ryan Giggs, who saw off a frankly awful Autumn to blossom once again in the spring. Not forgetting the goal contributions of Rooney or Hernandez either.

But also, this season has been about Michael Carrick. He has been incredible this season, and it is disgusting that it has taken so long for him to recognised by the mainstream media as a key player for United. A regular every year in a team that has only lost the title twice since 2006,- one by a solitary point and one on goal difference- Carrick has nevertheless stepped up a gear this season. His calm influence on United has been much needed during another season of troubles in the midfield. He is as dependable as anyone in the United squad and deserves everything he gets for his excellent displays this season.

Luis Suarez bit a defender on the weekend. So, a pretty average week for him then. An overpaid footballer racially abusing opponents, punching & biting defenders in the Premier League - sounds just like somebody who needs support. You really cannot make him look like a victim even if you want to. Suarez may be a gifted footballer, but he deserves punishment for repeatedly tarnishing the game with his antics. Liverpool bought Suarez with the knowledge that he had already bitten a player in the Dutch league, and then act surprised when he repeats the act?? Words can't do justice to the mans stupidity.

Mario Gotze's move to Bayern Munich is, for many football fans, a symbolism of the fact that the most powerful clubs in Europe can ruthlessly bully the up and coming teams. Gotze's move for around £30m  is very disappointing as it is surely only a matter of time before other great young talents are snapped up. After all, Dortmund have already lost Nuri Sahin and Shinji Kagawa in the last two years to more powerful and rich clubs and it is sad that such a great young team will lose one of their best talents, especially as Bayern seem to have timed it just to derail Dortmund's Champions League's campaign. 

Thanks for reading, Adam.

And a GIF of that awesome goal...