Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney expects Chelsea to present tough title challenge next season
Manchester United striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736 revealed he believed that Chelsea would present the Red Devils with a tough title challenge next season.
The Blues managed a second place finish on the English Premier League table, despite a very tough, roller coaster of a season.
Chelsea ended the trophy-less season on 71 points, nine points behind league leaders Manchester United, who went on to claim their 19th League title.
Rooney said while speaking to reporters:
“Chelsea will be our main rivals for the league next season
They are so strong and powerful and ended the season so well.”
Chelsea suffered their worst slump in over 15 years, which saw them struggle to maintain a top four spot on the Premier League table.
However, they made a surprisingly quick recovery to present Manchester United with a late title challenge.
With three games remaining the Blues travelled to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United, just three points behind Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Ferguson’s side.
A victory would have seen Chelsea go top of the table once again, level on points with Manchester United, but ahead on goal difference.
Unfortunately for Carlo Ancelotti and the Blues, they failed to secure a win and ended up losing the match 2-1.
The loss resulted in Manchester United taking a six point lead with just two games remaining in the season, successfully ruling http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 out of the title race.
However, the fact that Chelsea even managed to present the Red Devils with a late title challenge showed their determination and class.
Rooney was certain the Blues would continue with their quest at reestablishing their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
Overtaking the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to claim the second place spot, the Blues deserve some credit for the late resurgence.
The other London sides, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, both disappointed greatly, finishing below the expectations of everyone.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 managed a fourth place finish, which means they will get an opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The Spurs on the other hand failed to finish in the top four like last season, ending up at fifth place on the Premier League table.
It was Manchester City under http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mancini-c23323 that beat the London sides to secure a comfortable third place finish, guaranteeing passage into the European competition next season.
Rooney believed the competition for a place in the top four of the Premier League had intensified and would continue to do so next season.
The Manchester United striker continued:
“Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 and Arsenal will all be fighting for top four.
It makes it even more intense. It wouldn't surprise you if any of those teams finished in the top two.”
Tags: