The title is still up for grabs with both Manchester clubs vying to be crowned champions, although Manchester City holds both tie-breakers and only have to mirror the result of their rivals -- beating Manchester United twice this season by a six-goal margin has earned them the crucial advantage.
It has been a remarkable turnaround of fortunes and manager Roberto Mancini deserves a tremendous amount of credit, making up an eight-point gap at the tail end of the season.
Not many saw it coming, myself included. City do have the better squad but it was difficult to bet against United's ability to hang onto such a big lead before they threw away points to Wigan Athletic and Everton, and losing at the Etihad Stadium to relinquish control of top spot.
But the surprises continue further down the table with European places still undetermined. Chelsea sit four points behind Newcastle United for the final Europa League berth, while the Magpies shocking form has them only two points off an automatic Champions League spot that is currently being held by Arsenal. Tottenham is in fourth with a single point separating them from the Geordies and their London rivals.
Some talk about the demise of quality in the Premier League in recent years, with results in Europe being the glaring example to emphasize that point. But I would argue the opposite. Who wants the league to be determined before a ball is ever kicked?
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/05/11/bpl_epl_releagtion_bolton_qpr/
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