Manchester United defeated Arsenal at the Emirate on Sunday and the questions that came to mind is “Does This Win at the Emirates Put United in the Title Race?”
Manchester United put a smile on the face of their fans once more at the Emirate Stadium just a week after defeating Manchester City at their home ground Old trafford. As Arsenal fans were already dreaming of their first Premier League title since the “Invincibles” era of 2004. But by the time the final whistle blew, it was the Manchester United fans singing “We’re gonna win the league” into the London night.
Following a resounding 3-2 victory over the Arsenal, the big question on everyone’s mind : Are Manchester United back in the title race? This might sound funny just because of the gap between the top and the 4th position.
The Carrick Effect
To be honest nobody expected this kind of result two weeks ago. Under Ruben Amorim, United looked lost, recorded their lowest-ever Premier League finish, and seemed to be going nowhere fast. But everything changed in the era of Carrick and in in just two games, he has beaten Manchester City and now Arsenal.
Carrick has “liberated” the team by doing the simple things right—playing players in their best positions and using a formation they actually understand. Bryan Mbeumo, who just netted his 50th Premier League goal, and Patrick Dorgu, who smashed in a 25-yard “screamer,” look like different players. Then you have Matheus Cunha coming off the bench to curl in that 87th-minute winner. The “swagger” is officially back at Old Trafford.
By the Numbers: Can They Actually Do It?
To answer if they are title contenders, we have to look at the “maths”:
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The Gap: United are now in 4th place, sitting 12 points behind Arsenal.
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The Schedule: While Arsenal, City, and Aston Villa are busy with the Champions League and domestic cups, United have only 15 Premier League games left to focus on. No distractions.
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The Form: They’ve won 10 consecutive matches in all competitions (if you count the end of the previous run).
In a normal season, 12 points is a mountain. But this season is “unpredictable.” Arsenal are showing “nerves,” and City aren’t playing like the usual machines we know.
The Verdict: Title Race or Top Four?
If you ask the United fans now they’ll tell you United are now in great form But looking at it calmly, the title is still a “long shot.” The main goal is to secure Champions League football, which they haven’t tasted in three years.
However, with no other competitions to worry about and a run of “winnable” games in February (starting with Fulham), if United keep this momentum, those teams at the top will definitely be looking over their shoulders. Carrick hasn’t just worked a miracle; he has made United “big-game winners” again.
Whether they carry the trophy or not, one thing is sure: Manchester United are no longer just making up the numbers. They are officially a problem for everyone else. What do you think?
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