THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Well this weekend showed why this league is called the best in the world.


Just when you thought you could predict what was going to happen in the Premiership's races for the title and for fourth place, it is blown wide open which will inevitably lead to an incredible end to the season, or as I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson would put it " squeaky bum time"

Player and fans of Chelsea must have been preparing to celebrate the final whistle of Saturday's Manchester derby, that was until 5 foot 7 inch Paul Scholes, celebrating a new one year contract extension, rose unmarked in the Manchester City penalty area to head past Shay Given to cut Chelsea's lead on top of the Barclays Premier League table to one point, giving 18 time Champions United a monumental lift in their quest to overtake rivals Liverpool who also have 18 top flight titles to their name.

But Chelsea still had the chance to re-establish that lead with victory at White Hart Lane against a Tottenham Hotspur side fresh from a great mid-week derby victory that all but knocked Arsenal out of the title race. But Chelsea, like Manchester City, crumbled under the pressure and were well beaten, thanks to goals from Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale, by a Tottenham side that has only failed to win once in their last 8 games.









That result left Tottenham in pole position for the final Champions League place, two points clear of Manchester City, although the two sides still have to play each other in a game that is undoubtedly their most important of the season. But first up for Spurs is a trip to Old Trafford, which they will be relishing having just convincingly beaten the other two main contenders for the Premiership. City meanwhile travel to the Emirates, in a game that manager Roberto Mancini will be hoping will go the same way as the corresponding game at Eastlands earlier in the season, which The Citizens won 4-1.

Chelsea go to Anfield on the 2nd May in a game that is being earmarked as the key game in determining whether the trophy will be going to Stamford Bridge of heading back to Old Trafford for the fourth consecutive season.

One thing is sure, there's still plenty of twists and turns left in this season, which has been the more exciting in years.

Having impressively secured their way back to the Premiership at the first attempt, Chris Hughton is preparing to wrap up the season as Champions, something which will be guaranteed if the Toon Army win at Plymouth on Monday. To be fair to Newcastle they have gained promotion with relative ease having brushed past the majority of the Championship sides this season without having to leave third gear, as shown by recent wins against Sheffield United and Reading

The Newcastle United fans, often called delusional and over expectant, have certainly been brought down to Earth after their season in the lower leagues, but having smashed the Championship record attendance, previously held by North-East neighbours Sunderland, they look set for a sell out when former Black Cats boss Roy Keane brings his resurgent Ipswich side to St James' Park, which simply exemplifies the fact that the Newcastle United supporters are up there with the best set of supporters in the Country.

And the Magpies will be forgiven for eagerly anticipating their return to the Barclays Premier League but question marks still remain. Will rookie manager Chris Hughton be able to keep them in the league? Will the reported £15 million that Mike Ashley has provided be enough to bring in players of sufficient quality? After all, a large proportion of the side were in the squad that travelled to Villa Park on May 24th 2009 when they were sent down. Players like Fabricio Collocini, and Jonas Gutierrez will have points to prove having failed to make the grade last time round whilst Kevin Nolan and Danny Guthrie have spent most of their careers in England's top league and should be able to make the step up. Andy Caroll, who is making a lot of noise with his performances in the Championship resulting in him being earmarked for a remarkable England call up,will be hoping he too will make the step up after a string of impressive games in the Magpies dreaded relegation season. An added bonus for the Tyneside club will be if they manage to keep a hold of Spanish left back Jose Enriqué who has arguably been the best player outside the Premier League this season.

Regardless of what happens next season, the Premiership is undoubtedly a better place when the passionate noisy Northerners are part of it.