Grant took the April Coach of the Month trophy from the league ahead of Bolton's trip and the Chelsea boss would prefer his side to take home tonight's trophy as well. He had an idea before the game that once United and Chelsea were level on points, a play-off should be used to determine the real winner. "You can think of the Champions League final as a play-off and whoever wins will take away two trophies."

In the final round, Manchester United will face Wigan, who have already been relegated and have lost six times in Premier League history. Even if Chelsea can beat Bolton Wanderers at home, the end result is likely to be the same level as Manchester United, losing the title on goal difference.

A few weeks ago, Chelsea were six points behind Manchester United before they seized their chance and beat Manchester United at home to clean up the gap between the two teams. That's why Grant was named "Coach of the Month" in April. The Blues boss believes it would not be fair to fail in this way now that Chelsea have proven themselves to be the best team.

'Sometimes you can score more goals against a weak team, but if both teams have the same number of points, it means the level is the same. 'Ferguson says Manchester United are the best team he's ever managed and if Chelsea lose the title on goal difference, we'll certainly be proud. "There was a precedent in Serie A where the winner was decided by the same point play-offs, and Grant felt it was time to emulate them and make the title more convincing." We'll be ready for the final in Moscow and we'll see what happens. ”

Chelsea centre-back Carvalho agrees that the existing rules are inadequate. 'We have an attractive competition with Manchester United. Before the start of the season, there was a thought we didn't have a chance. But now, we are level on points with Manchester United before the final round. It would be very painful for us to lose the title. To really distinguish the winner from the loser. There should be another play-off in a neutral field. ”

If the title is decided by goal difference, it will indeed be the first time in 16 years of the Premier League. It's just that Chelsea's play-off demands are wishful thinking. It is now impossible to change the rules and link the results of the Champions League to the Premier League. In the eyes of the media, this is the psychological warfare of best coach Grant against Ferguson, "If Manchester United wins in the Champions League, Grant can say that Chelsea are worthy of two titles." ”

Aside from the play-offs. Chelsea's real sustenance lies with Wigan. 'I know Wigan is ready. They've been doing well at home. We drew with Arsenal and held us to a last-minute draw. Let's see what happens. Grant comforted himself.

Wigan wants to have a good fight with Manchester United. For this matter. Club President Whelan has had a busy week. He postponed Wigan's traditional rugby game to keep the turf of the JJB field from being rampaged by rugby players. "We're not going to embarrass Manchester United on the turf."

Wigan Town is also home to the famous rugby club Wigan Warriors, who also play at JJB Stadium. According to the original schedule, Friday. They will play a cup match against Whitehaven Club here. Now, Whelan has made the decision to move the game to tomorrow to ensure the quality of the turf ahead of the Premier League clash between Wigan and Manchester United.

This is good news for Manchester United, who have a bad reputation at Wigan's home stadium. Many coaches refer to JJB Stadium as a "vegetable patch", and Ferguson is even more opposed to rugby teams sharing a stadium with Premier League teams.

Seven years ago. Manchester United were knocked out by West Ham in the FA Cup, and Alex Ferguson scolded the Old Trafford venue. Because the stadium had been borrowed by two rugby teams before.

"I can't believe that the biggest football club in the world is going to be used to compete against rugby? This is the greatest disrespect. "Now that Whelan has postponed the rugby game, United can concentrate on preparing for the game, and the negative aspects of the pitch have been cut in half.

Whelan's decision is sure to upset Grant. The Chelsea boss had been hoping that Wigan would do his best to stop Manchester United, and now it was good that the treatment he did not enjoy as a guest was enjoyed by Manchester United at a crucial moment. Whelan didn't care what Grant would think, and Chairman Wigan admitted that he and Sir Alex were good friends, and that he was willing to keep that relationship with him forever. Asked about the possibility of Bruce going to Manchester United to succeed Alex Ferguson in the future, Whelan replied cheerfully, "If Sir Alex needs Bruce, I won't stop it." ”

As for Bruce himself, he prefers to look forward to the game as a former Manchester United player. 'Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware that failure will put pressure on the team as they have a Champions League final to play. Against us, Manchester United will do everything they can, and so will we, I've only been here for half a season, and Chairman Whelan has spent £3 million on me, so of course I'll give him something in return. ”

For Manchester United, it was a game that only needed 1-0 to clear all the suspense. And judging from the team's recent table in the league, there are five consecutive games in which the opponent has scored a goal. Therefore, in this seemingly disparity in the final battle, defense is the real hidden danger of Manchester United.

Such a shape may affect Ferguson's selection of the starting lineup. First of all, from the perspective of formation, they may introduce a more balanced 451 to replace 442 in this campaign. Then, in terms of specific candidates, Rooney may not be asked to force a comeback, and he is likely to be a secret weapon to be used until the Champions League final, and the forward arrow position of this game is estimated to belong to Jonker.

Rather than rushing to call for the return of injured players up front, Ferguson is likely to make the opposite option at the back. The reason why the team has conceded frequently recently has something to do with the injury of the main player Vidic. In order to fill the void in the centre-back position, Ferguson had to make a "big move" in the back line, even asking Hargreaves to make a cameo at right wing-back. Faced with a game that does not allow any further mistakes, Nemanja Vidic could return from injury to add an insurance factor to the team's defence.

For Manchester United, the biggest enemy of this campaign may not be the opponent's 11 players, but the huge psychological pressure brought by public opinion to the players of this team. Before this round, countless British media believed that Wigan would definitely choose to release water to Manchester United.

These are a series of reports. It is likely to give Manchester United players the psychological hint that "the opponent will not give it their all". However, if Wigan goes all out to win, then United may be caught off guard by a lack of mental preparation. Therefore, the first 45 minutes of the game are a hurdle for the team, once they can't take the lead during this period. Then over time, the psychological pressure on the players will become more and more intense, which may lead to some surprising results.

Two years ago, when United were desperately chasing Chelsea, Ferguson likened the famous racehorse "Devon Lake" to a fall before the finish. On that occasion, Jose Mourinho's side were not on their laurels.

Two years later. It was Chelsea's turn to catch up with Manchester United. They are in the same position as Manchester United before the final whip and are expected to cross the line at the same time. The circle is more optimistic about Ferguson as a jockey. After all, he had at least three pre-finish fights, and what Grant lacked was last-ditch experience.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Ferguson was good at this. Trophy window at Old Trafford. There are two Premier League trophies. It was he who led the team to win at the last minute. To do so, he has left Keegan and Arsene Wenger suffering wounds that still cannot be healed, with the former becoming a comeback for Manchester United and becoming a laughing stock in Premier League history, while the latter can't stand up to the neck when it comes to defending the league title.

The 1995-1996 season was a crazy one. Because of Keegan's Newcastle, but also because of Ferguson's Manchester United. Before the final round. Manchester United, who overtook them, has 79 points, two points ahead of Newcastle behind them. Keegan is counting on Manchester United at the Riverside Stadium to capsize. And his team beat off Tottenham at home to fulfill the New Year's wish. 'The trophy will come back to us, as long as Manchester United loses.'

Ferguson didn't give him a chance, David. In the 13th minute, he scored a header through the Myburgh gate. Cole and Ryan Giggs doubled their lead and a desperate Newcastle were held to a draw by Tottenham as United snatched a third Premier League title. Speaking after the game, Ferguson said: "After the New Year, the players played good footballs. It was totally worth it, they didn't make a single mistake. ”

Three years later, Ferguson's side have made no mistakes in more difficult circumstances. In the 1998-1999 season, before the 38th round, Manchester United was only one point ahead of Arsenal, and the final round opponent was Tottenham. Rice. Rio Ferdinand opened the scoring and Arsenal saw hope. But Beckham soon equalised and Ferguson brought in Andy Brown. Kerr replaced Sheringham, who put his team ahead with a third touch. As a result, what Arsenal heard in Highbury was the news that Ferguson led the team to complete the "treble".

Compared to Keegan and Arsene Wenger, Grant may have had a more tragic end. Having had the last laugh with a one-point advantage, this time, Ferguson is going to challenge a new record for winning the title on goal difference. "We're going to win. Every team has a history worth telling, and the history of Manchester United has been illustrated in the final tough battle. ”

Ferguson also said the Reds had valuable lessons to learn. In the final round of the 1994-1995 season, the leader Blackburn Rovers capsized, but unfortunately Manchester United, who were two points behind, did not win and lost the last chance to overtake. "We're not afraid that this will happen again." Alex Ferguson told Grant: There can only be one team that will cross the line first, and that will only be Manchester United.

Twelve days from tonight, the best teams in Europe will be known. First, Manchester United and Chelsea will decide the title of the Premier League, which has just been officially promoted to the first league, and then head to Moscow, where both teams want to complete the coronation and lay the foundation for their dynasties with the Champions Cup.

'It's not fair, since we're the best team, it's too painful to lose the Premier League title like this.' Holding the trophy of "Premier League Coach of the Month in April", Grant first talked about his views on the championship. Rather than splitting the champions and runners-up on the same score, the Chelsea boss suggested that the Champions League final should be judged by the real king - the final in Moscow, which can also be seen as a Premier League play-off, and the final winner is the most convincing champion.

Few would agree with Grant's whimsy, but few would not believe that Manchester United's battle with Chelsea would produce the smallest title in Premier League history. Wigan were relegated early, coach Bruce was a former disciple of Alex Ferguson, Bolton was only theoretically relegated, and this week, Reebok Stadium was already celebrating his stay in the Premier League next season. The 17-goal difference could be a weapon for United to eventually overwhelm Chelsea.

In the last nine times he has led the team against Bruce, Ferguson has won all of them. For a thrilling scene with Chelsea. His opinion: Manchester United won, Chelsea not. The Lord's reasoning is that it is not Wigan who really can't let up, but Bolton. Moreover, in the past four visits to Stamford Bridge, Bolton have won one, drawn two and lost one.

"I trust my players. It's always like this: you don't look back at past achievements, it's the present that matters. The players are in great shape at the moment and they can play at their best. Ferguson revealed that he rested a number of key players in the league defeat to Chelsea two weeks ago. Now it's time for our Double-Title strategy to pay off, "We took our chance and reached the Champions League final. There's one league game and one Champions League left – it's time to close the net! ”

As for Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic. Ferguson was noncommittal on whether he would make reservations for the Champions League final: "I'm not sure Wayne [Rooney] will play unless he's 100 per cent fit. But. I hope Nemanja Vidic will be on the JJB Stadium. ”

The suspense of winning the championship in the last round. After 80 minutes, it was all over after Ryan Giggs scored the second goal, and as John Terry said after the game, he thought he should congratulate Manchester United. Grant also felt after the game that the second goal made the final ten minutes less important.

Regrets? Of course, they were chasing and catching up with Manchester United in the final round, but it was the frontrunners who reached the finish. A miracle that would have been great has become the norm, and it is impossible for Chelsea's side not to stifle it. But think back to this ever-changing event. Chelsea can be described as "glorious despite defeat", as Grant himself said: "My team has never been at the top of the table, and I can't be proud to be able to catch up with it!" ”

Chelsea's lowest ranking in the whole season is 7th after the eighth round, when its record was 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses, and only 12 points, and the leader at that time was Arsenal, it accumulated 22 points after 7 wins and 1 draw after eight rounds, Manchester United accumulated 17 points, and in the end, Arsenal was left behind by Chelsea by two points, which is equivalent to chasing as many as 12 points, and Chelsea itself is only two points behind Manchester United, which is equivalent to chasing 3 points, if it is counted in the 37th round, it is 5 points to catch up with Cheng Dù. With 30 rounds remaining, Grant can catch up so far, and Grant really has to be proud of the team's performance.

And in this painstaking catch-up, Chelsea are often accompanied by some negative things, thanks to Grant's strong nerves, and the management also gave him full trust, Chelsea ended more perfectly. In hindsight, if these negative things had been weakened as much as possible, wouldn't Chelsea's results have any more hope? Let's take a closer look at the negativity that Chelsea has encountered, all of which are "man-made", both proactive and passive. Although the actual effect of retrospect is only to comfort oneself. But "the past is not forgotten, the future is the teacher", some of the things that happened to Chelsea, have a good warning effect on any big team, including Chelsea themselves.

Internal disorder, which mainly occurred after Mourinho left, some grumpy players immediately came to love, Drogba is the number one person, repeatedly publicly made unfavorable remarks against the club's unity, under his leadership, Essien, Carvalho, Ferreira all have the heart to leave, they are Mourinho's top favorites, and Terry and Lampard take super high-salary contracts to blackmail the club's enthusiasm has also exploded.

Such turmoil, director Grant was kicked to the ground by Manchester United in the first game, and then the home team could not win Fulham, but fortunately, these players, after losing their temper, at least felt that they had to play professionally on the field, Drogba also immediately announced with a goal, venting to vent, table xiàn to table xiàn.

The shadow of civil strife left Grant full of grievances, at least delaying his time to fully integrate into the team. Moreover, the comparison between Terry and Lampard has also affected the team's fighting spirit to a certain extent, and the so-called contradiction between the Abu and Mourinho players has also been hyped by the media.

At the end of the season, the clouds turned sunny, the incongruous voice was already very weak, and Drogba also expressed his willingness to stay.

Injury Troubles: Grant also emphasized this after the game, saying that his main players were not only injured en masse, but also injured a second time. Although emphasizing this point will make people feel evasive, but if you look closely, what the Israelis said is indeed the truth: among the main players in Chelsea this season, only Joe Cole and Kalaw have played more than 30 games, the third is Mikel with 29 games, and Alex is fourth with 28 games. They also have the number of appearances at the absolute main level.

Manchester United naturally has injuries on their side, but firstly, there are not many people, and there are few clusters, and secondly, several major injuries, such as Rooney and Scholes, were encountered in 07, and in the crucial second half of the season, they were basically fine.

This is not the case at Chelsea, where injuries to the main team are quite severe, starting with the defensive line, with Cech injured in November and March; Arcol was injured between mid-October and mid-November, Carvalho twice: from mid-August to early October, mid-November to mid-December, and Terry twice, with a defensive line broken down from early October to late November, mid-December to mid-February, and October and November.

In the forward line, the first is Ballack, who entered the 0708 season with an injury and did not play until the end of December, and when he played, people realized that it was a pity that such an attacking midfielder was absent for half a season. Frank Lampard, another key striker, was absent from the tournament for the whole of September and January, and in this situation, the crazy goals against some underdogs allowed Lampard to maintain his tally of 20 goals throughout the season. But what affects is the overall quality of the attack.

Up front is Didier Drogba, who missed three and a half weeks in September before missing the December tournament and playing the Africa Cup of Nations with an injury.

Eight absolute main players, from September to March, especially at the end of 07, as if it was said that there was a collective injury, and it was the kind of injury that was at least a month's rest.

The Africa Cup of Nations has zero impact on Manchester United, at most the club sent two scouts to Africa to "dig for gold", and there is nothing to lose in terms of their own players, while Chelsea is not, Drogba, Essien, Kalou and Mikel play, two main players plus two main rotations, a fully equipped 16-man squad, which is less than 1 in 4.

Pre-match preparation plus group stage, the whole month of January was spent on the African wilderness, plus they played for Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast are not weak teams, after playing the group stage all qualified, Chelsea can only wait for them to play 1/4 finals, as a result Nigeria is the first to go out, in the semi-finals, Ghana and Ivory Coast are out again, so that the four of them can return to the team in early February. Back at the club to get into the fight? Of course not, it's another week of adjustment and rest, and when they get on the field, it's only in mid-February.

Why was Grant so excited to say he was proud of his team's performance in January? It is because of this team with missing arms and legs that they won all four league games and four cup games in January! But the subsequent scene is not optimistic, because the players who returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, their state is actually not as good as those who got up from the bench, that is to say, the main configuration at this time, its effect is lower than the bench combination, as a result, in February and March, Chelsea don't look at the return of the team, what is given to the fans is the FA Cup and League Cup double defeat, and the Champions League almost let Olympiacos do a little.

Luckily, Chelsea are back in top-level form, and their sights are on the Champions League trophy, which is not the Liverpool-style trophy of previous years, but for Manchester United, it is the best proof that they are the best team in Europe, and for Chelsea, it is the best compensation for their heroic season that has been difficult but always resilient. (To be continued......)