Can Chelsea Be Caught?

Chelsea seem set to clinch their first title crown in fifty years even though, following yesterday’s goalless draw with Manchester City, their points advantage is back down to single figures.

Of course, Newcastle United let a similar advantage slip back in 1996. Could it possibly happen again?Chelsea seem set to clinch their first title crown in fifty years even though, following yesterday’s goalless draw with Manchester City, their points advantage is back down to single figures.

Of course, Newcastle United let a similar advantage slip back in 1996. Could it possibly happen again?

After Manchester United completed their 26th game of the 1995-96 Premiership campaign, they trailed Newcastle by nine points - the same margin that Chelsea have today - and Kevin Keegan’s team had a game in hand.

Already on a run of three consecutive wins, the Red Devils won ten of their twelve remaining games. Their only defeat in the run-in was at Southampton on 13 April.

The Geordies had just won five in a row. They won five of their last thirteen games, but also lost five.

Manchester United hit top spot on 16 March for the first time since 23 September. Newcastle went back on top two days later but slipped down again on 23 March due to a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s stayed in first position from then on. They clinched the title on the final day of the season with a 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough - and a winning margin of four points.

Before the champagne corks start popping again at Old Trafford, there are a couple of telling stats that should be considered.

After 26 games, Newcastle United had 60 points and four defeats. Chelsea have 65 points and only one defeat.

While both teams scored 49 goals, Newcastle had conceded 22 goals while Chelsea have only let in eight goals so far this season.

Our photo shows Chelsea’s championship-winning team from the 1954-55 season.