The Premier League Title Race Isn't Over

>Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Bolton on Tuesday night extended their English Premier League lead to four points from second-placed Manchester United with four games to play. So is the title race over?

In short, no. Chelsea don’t have a simple final four matches and despite United’s recent form slip (minus Wayne Rooney, of course) they’ll be sure to push until the end.

And then there’s Arsenal too, who can close to within three points of the leaders with victory over London rivals Tottenham.

The Run Home

Chelsea

Tottenham (away)’‘Stoke City (home)'’Liverpool (away)’‘Wigan (home)’’

As mentioned before, Chelsea’s run to the finish line isn’t exactly simple with two tricky away games to come. Spurs and Liverpool, both chasing a UEFA Champions League spot, have plenty to play for and could cause Chelsea some grief.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the Bolton win on Tuesday: “Now the Premier League is in our hands and we have to stay focused and calm. We have to play game by game, and we are not interested in the results of the other teams.”

Manchester United

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Manchester City (away)’‘Tottenham (home)'’Sunderland (away)’‘Stoke City (home)’’

The Red Devils run isn’t easy either, with the stand-out fixture the Manchester derby against the Sky Blues. Their 4-3 thriller earlier in the season won’t have been forgotten and there will be a lot on the line and plenty to play for.

Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged after the weekend’s draw with Blackburn: “The title is slipping away… It’s a big gap.”

He added: “We have a derby game against Manchester City next week. It’s a derby game that takes away the business of chasing the League. It is a different kind of game. It will be entertaining in terms of the pride of the supporters.” He seems, in a way, resigned to not winning the EPL.

Arsenal

Tottenham (away)’‘Wigan (away)'’Manchester City (home)’‘Blackburn (away)'’Fulham (home)

Arsenal, who can close to within 3 points of Chelsea with victory over Spurs tonight, have a relatively simple run home. Their biggest challenge will come at home to Manchester City (who’ve plenty to play for), while Blackburn and Fulham have been strong this season, but will finish midtable and have little incentive.

The Gunners gives them a chance, if Chelsea slip up, but first they must get past their rivals Spurs on Wednesday night. And they’ll have to do most of it without their brilliant captain Cesc Fabregas. But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger retains the belief the title race is still wide open.