By JAMES CLARK
So, Chelsea outclassed Man United 2-1 today at the (impenetrable) Bridge courtesy of two Michael Ballack goals and, all of a sudden, a title race that was threatening to materialize is suddenly well and truly on. The unlikely claims that Avram Grant can eclipse the legacy of Jose Mourinho with a league and Euro double this season seem a bit exaggerated, but, at this point, you wouldn't put it past Chelsea to take one of the two. Man United seem to have hit a bumpy patch at a very inopportune time, with Fergie seeming to bottle his team selection today even though Barcelona visits Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The most fascinating aspect of all of this is the perception floating out there that, somehow, Cristiano Ronaldo bottles it in the big games. He is putting the final touches on a season for the ages for United, but if the side goes trophy-less no one will remember the 40-odd goals. The only calling card of the season will be failure, whether warranted or not.
