United currently stand on 34 points, 11 points adrift, and with 6 teams in front of them at the top of the Premier League. There are 18 games left, and Arsenal lead with 45 points, followed closely by Manchester City on 44 points and Chelsea on 43 points. Because there are 18 games left, the maximum points tally United can amass is 88 points, which would mean winning every single one of their last 18 games. Arsenal's projected final points tally at their current rate is 86 points, Man City's is 84, and Chelsea's is 82. This means that even if the 3 teams continued at their current points rate, United could only afford 1 draw and no more losses to be likely of winning the title. As we know, life and particularly football are unpredictable, but with 3 teams, the chances that they all perform below par in the final 18 games is unlikely. It's likely one team will improve, and one team will falter. If any of the 3 teams' results improve by 10-20%, United mathematically won't be able to win the league. It's that simple. In really basic terms, United can afford to drop points in 1 game. Lose 2, and their title challenge is all-but mathematically over, barring a miracle or a spectacular, Newcastle United style capitulation by all three of the top teams. Unfortunately for David Moyes, United have already dropped points in 10 games so far this season (4 draws, 6 losses,) so the numbers are not exactly stacked in their favour. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below
Diarmuid is a freelance student and studious sports journalist operating out of the wilds of Dublin, Ireland. His specialist subjects include the English Premier League, the GAA, and track and field athletics.
