I think a good example of that was Carlo Ancelotti when Chelsea drew with Blackburn. He came out and said it would be more difficult for Chelsea to win the title and that immediately jarred with me. Actually he was premature to do that because having beaten Portsmouth, the title is in their hands as they must still play United.

Towards the end of the season, there is more tension. Just look at the incident between Roberto Mancini and David Moyes. I have to say, it wasn’t a great example to set anybody. I actually wonder whether the time has come to conduct a season in which all the managers have to sit up in the stands, although I don’t think it will happen. Sam Allardyce does it at Blackburn, certainly for the first half, and every manager I ever speak to says that when they get sent to the stands, they quite like it. They can see the game a lot better and a lot of the dug-outs in the Premier League are just that - dug-outs - and you have a horrible view of the game. I think being in the stands calms a manager down. I understand why they are so tense and I understand the pressure, but I don’t think it does the game any good. The Mancini and Moyes incident did not look good.

On Saturday, ESPN will be bringing you live coverage of Bolton v Manchester United and the latest instalment in what has definitely been one of the best title races in recent years. Some weeks we have thought it is a two-horse race and some weeks we have thought it is a three-horse race, but that in itself is exciting. Over the past ten years or so, there have been occasions where one team is eight or nine points ahead at this stage of the season, so the current situation is something that has not actually been that common in the Premier League.

I am just refusing to make any more predictions though. I have seen Arsenal twice in the past two weeks and I have come away from both games thinking ‘They are not playing in fifth gear, but I think they can win the title.’ Then I see United and think ‘They are going to win it because they have the experience and they have Wayne Rooney.’ Then you see how Chelsea performed against Portsmouth - I certainly didn’t expect them to win 5-0 - so now I am completely stuck. If I was a betting woman I would probably still go for United, if Wayne Rooney’s knee holds up. I don’t think we are expecting Rooney to play on Saturday though, as Sir Alex Ferguson may rest him ahead of the game against Bayern Munich.

I don’t think it is anything for us to panic about, or fear that we will see those back pages with close-ups of his foot ahead of the World Cup, like we have done in the past. But I think it is probably just the sheer number of games he has played this season and he doesn’t half try his heart out. It’s a shame for us because it is always nice to watch him, but also for Rooney as he will be desperate to get past Ronaldo’s 42 goals and you would fancy him to get a couple against Bolton.

Ferguson’s opposite number, Owen Coyle, is a joy to talk to. There are managers who are either very, very focused, shy or just quite abrupt and it is very difficult to form any kind of relationship with them, which I think is very important. He will come in and shake your hand, ask how you are, even after they lose. He is very secure in himself. He is not moody, he is not difficult. Owen Coyle is a real gentleman, but I also think he has done a great job. I think he was brave to leave Burnley. I thought he might be making a mistake but I was wrong.

The difference I think he has made is that Bolton now try to play football. For the last ten years or so, you rarely heard ‘that’s nice, attractive football’ at the Reebok. They were effective, but not always aesthetically pleasing. It is only a marginal difference so far, but after the summer we will see a different Bolton under Owen Coyle. I think they will be a good mid-table side playing good football and I would be really happy for them.

love this article and i have to say, after Sir Alex, Owen Cole is my fav premier league manager

With Chelsea's injury crisis, I don't see them building any momentum. It is about time, though, as both Arsenal and United suffered worse crises earlier in the season.

i must confess this is a tight one, but i trust my united to be on top. One love, one united

Very well said...Cheers mate!

Die-Hard Man Utd Supp.

Good comment and wish man u d best in d run in

i agree i like listening owen croyle too......its him harry arsene martin n SAF.....i thinh united should handle bolton t'rrow tho. i think chelsea gets a draw agasist villa and arsenal too against b'ham

Haha - well obviously drawing to Blackburn made it more dificult - because otherwise they would still be at the top of the table and wouldn't need to possibly have to beat Utd.

it will go down to the last game,luck will play a part as usual but strong character and experience make huge diffrent in such a tense league like this year, i wish it's United that be the top but whoever wins it i will still congratulate them for they are worthy winner.

Bolton playing attractive football? this i must see..
You have to fancy Man utd for the title, its theirs to lose now, i suspect the Chelsea game will be the deciding factor on who gets 1st or 3rd.
For me, If Arsenal get lower than 2nd place based on their remaining games then it has to be considered objective failed.
I can only see Arsenal winning if Man Utd slip up by drawing a game they are supposed to win, till then they better keep an eye on maximising the goal difference. this time that may actually be the deciding factor.
All in all, a pretty good read and a very interesting title race so far!

Owen Coyle, in my honest opinion the George Clooney of the Premier League, is tactically sound and an advocate of good flowing football. Kudos to the gaffer!

Nice article. Just hope United wil go on and win the title and Rooney wins the golden boot and the golden shoe. I will be the happiest man on earth!

Class blog as always Ms. Lowe. We here in the States absolutely love you. Keep up the great work all around.