A Red Moon and Strange Bedfellows in the Premier League

If Liverpool’s triumph over Manchester City wasn’t enough, the Gods themselves indicated who they favour for this season’s EPL title. A few days later, shortly after midnight, here in the Bay Area where all matters of worldly importance (like the EPL race) are decided, we were treated to a total lunar eclipse, with a blood red full moon. It stayed around for almost an hour and a half, just to make sure there were no unbelievers with lingering hopes of a light or dark blue intervention.

The small business of a Henderson red card and the even smaller business of a Daniel Sturridge knock seemed to fade away in the mystical night. With what can only be explained as divine intervention, Sunderland nicked points off both of Liverpool’s rivals. As is customary after a Mourinho loss, the world was promptly “treated” to Mourinho “praising” referees Mike Dean and Mike Riley, while conveniently forgetting to “condemn” Andre Mariner, whose last minute penalty award for Chelsea against WBA has long been forgotten.

Liverpool’s chances improved further this week, with untimely injuries to Petr Cech and John Terry and a deserved 4 match ban for Ramirez. This time, the Gods have it right, favouring the little club that could over its much moneyed rivals.The pundits are convinced Mourinho will easily outwit Rodgers and steal all the points at Anfield. Mourinho may scowl, but Suarez bites!

A close finish to the season makes for strange bedfellows. Start at the top, where Chelsea would be rooting for Crystal Palace, the very team that derailed them from pole position. Palace play both Liverpool and Man City. Winning this weekend’s game won’t be enough for Chelsea. Indeed, Crystal Palace may have the best suitors, with all three top clubs vying for their favours at different points in the run in. Liverpool may find themselves cheering on derby rivals, Everton, when they take on City. City, in turn, would have to root for Chelsea, who were picked as their season rivals for the title.

Down in the muck and mire where dwell those who are out of the automatic Champions League places, things get even more sordid. I suddenly found myself in the unfamiliar role of rooting for our perennial nemesis, Tony Pulis, who smiled upon us. It only went from bad to worse, cheering the Evil Empire (Man Utd) against Everton. Perhaps Darth Vader (aka Fergie) had planned this all along, the Chosen One and a dysfunctional Red Devils team, all for a parting shot at longtime rival Wenger.

Now we must hope for the other half of Manchester to look down kindly upon its London farm club and confer favours. Would that guarantee a much coveted double? (Oh yes, these days an FA Cup and a CL place IS the double). The Now Very Vincibles would still face the daunting task of putting to sword the likes of Norwich and Newcastle and the club with a feline identity crisis again. We did manage to handle West Ham and longtime nemesis, Sam Allardyce, albeit not without a scare. What a difference Aaron Ramsey makes! You suddenly realize how little pace and movement there was in his absence. Add in what Walcott adds on the break and you wonder what might have been.

If Arsenal pull off the double, for a change, it will be some other team (read Everton) who played beautiful football while the Gunners got the results.