At the start of the season. I didn't think we had a chance. The summer signings didn't exactly fill me with confidence. I was very gutted we lost Crouch, and I still believe if we had him now there would be a lot of daylight between us and the rest. Riera was a nice addition and even though we bought Keane, I thought we were far too short in the striking department - my main concern was how we could cope if Torres got injured? It seems my main fear was unfounded, as I don't think we have seen anything of Torres capability this season.
The fact we have gone over the Christmas period with 6 points and 8 goals is fantastic for us.
Yesterdays results were fantastic. Chelsea dropped points again, and we finally built up a mini lead over them. Only 3 points, however I think Chelsea will continue to drop points over the next few months. They seem to have trouble scoring(like us) however they are a lot less secure at the back than us. They are missing Carvalho and Essien however Scorlari's style of play means even with them, they are still sceptible. And if you look at the matches they have left - Villa away, United away, Arsenal away, and US AWAY. They definetly have the hardest set of fixtures and coupled with the fact they don't actually look that good, I expect us to continue to pull away from them.
The very real danger is Man United. 10 points behind, but with 3 games in hand, means they can close to within a point if they win them. IF. Also the fact we all have to go there - Arsenal-Chelsea-Villa-Liverpool. However just because they are at home DOESN'T mean they will win them. United play football against Arsenal, and Arsenal ARE the best footballers, I don't hold much hope for us up there, but with the results this season, you never know.
Chelsea play United in 2 games time, the weekend we play Everton. If we can win our next 3 games against STOKE (A), EVERTON (H) and WIGAN (A), and United drop points against Chelsea, I will feel A LOT more confident.
Another thing to consider is that although we are being told United play better in the second half of the season. We also do a lot better in the second half. Last year we were 7th in the league in Jan, we finished 4th. Since Rafa has been here, its our first half that always lets us down and normally in the second half we string championship winning runs together but we are never close enough in Jan. Food for thought.
Plus if Torres comes back and finds the form of last year, and Keane continues to show his true form, then whisper it quietly, but its a very real possibility we win be crowned champions in may.
Champions.
Imagine that.