And Then There Were Two ...

Games that is. Arsenal now have their destiny back in their own hands after the breathtaking (and I do mean that literally) 2-2 draw between Tottenham and Chelsea Wednesday. As Gareth Bale stepped up for a free kick in the 90th minute, I had to turn away from the TV. Luckily he kicked it to Petr Cech and the draw was sealed. But Chelsea could have easily put this one to bed earlier, but for a number of blown counter attacks including Ramirez falling down as Hazard laid the ball off in front of goal. Ramirez had been the man that put Chelsea back ahead after Tottenham leveled, but the Blues failed to get the all-important third goal. They were more ruthless this weekend against Aston Villa and now have essentially guaranteed Champions League football next season. Tottenham also helped themselves with another late goal to avoid a damaging draw today. So they currently stand in fourth and Arsenal really does need to win their last two.

The task appeared to get a little harder though, as Wigan will be on a high after the biggest upset in the FA Cup final since 1988, when Wimbledon beat Liverpool. Wigan held off a rather lethargic Man City through the first three quarters of the match, then seized the advantage after Zaboleta was sent off for a second yellow. It was a wonderful upset that gave Wigan, and Roberto Martinez, their first major silverware -- though Arsenal could ruin it Tuesday. A win by the Gunners will seal Wigan's fate, though they would still be playing in Europe next year. Arsenal will have to start strong against a team that too often cedes leads, but occasionally plays strong from ahead or when tied. A series of late goals have probably relegated them this year and the same can be said of Tottenham, who have given up 23 points from leading positions this year. Arsenal, on the other hand, have only given up five (I think) and thus the necessity of a strong start and early goal. The way we are defending, an early goal could see us through. If we do win Tuesday, the final game against Newcastle will mean everything to Arsenal and absolutely nothing to Newcastle, which should set up as another very winnable contest. Let's hope the Gunners keep their good form and see out the job. Then it would be off to the summer transfer window spectacle, where we are linked with every player in the world. I don't think we need major reinforcements, but a world class striker, competition for Sz and a defensive minded midfielder seem required. Also probably a right back to replace Sagna and hopefully some sort of creative player (if the rumours about Fabergas are true, snatch him up in a heartbeat). 

The other big news this week, of course, is the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. It has been a long time in coming and I suppose it is nice he got to go out on top. That we essentially gave him the title by selling RVP to our bitter rivals seems apropos of the past eight years, but this leaves Wenger as the longest-serving manager in the EPL and in a position to strengthen and challenge for a title next year. SAF has had the greatest football manager career in the history of the sport and is arguably the greatest coach in any professional sport in history. Sure he didn't last as long as Casey Stengel and didn't dominate his sport like UCLA did under Wooden (though that is college), but who else would even be in the debate to rival his achievements (49 pieces of silverware at Aberdeen and Man U). I'm not a fan of either the club or Ferguson but you would have to be crazy not to respect his achievements and longevity. Unfortunately, the man who probably felt he would benefit the most from the news (besides Moyes, who will be hunting for his first trophy next season) will not be there to celebrate -- as Roberto Mancini is apparently about to be replaced by Pellegrini from Malaga. It seems a bit harsh given his achievements over the past three years, but his failure to maintain strong relationships with his players, failure to achieve in the Champions League, critique of the management above him and general aloofness seem to have done him in. The surprising news is even if they had won the FA Cup, he was still gone. Such is the life of managers these days -- except the two longest serving. Well, a fare-thee-well adieu to Ferguson, a tough luck and ciao to Mancini, a good luck to Moyes (with my fingers crossed behind my back) and an opening that has to be Wenger's last stand. Two games and then a summer that could lead to a hopeful season for fans starved for something to celebrate, besides being fourth best. COYG!