EPL 2010-11 is disappointing yet intriguing

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Upon the final whistle at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger was a man at a loss of words and in a turmoil of emotions after his twinkle-toed turks beat the heavy-footed Manchester United.

He could have smiled that Arsenal finally did cross the finish line before United for the first time in the season in all competitions, but what use was it for a team who have already lost ground in the race for the title, and the most they did was give their London rivals Chelsea a shot in the arm, with the Blues looking to steal the title from Manchester at Old Trafford.

He could have complained that the win had come very late and a string of 'what if's' would have followed but that wouldn't have added any leverage to the Arsene Wenger stock.

The tumultuous demeanour of Arsene Wenger summarised just how the fight for the English Premier League has been so far!

The season began on the 14th of August and 2009-10 double winners Chelsea carried on from where they left off, annihilating any team that crossed their path, scoring goals at will and showing a ruthless, merciless side to them which led them to lift the crown after three years. United, always slow starters to the season, began at their own pace, and in the weeks to follow where Arsenal and Chelsea made it rule of thumb to put six goals past oppositions, United looked like rank outsiders. Let alone winning, unusual draws forced United in an uncomfortable fourth spot.

But as always Manchester United like everything late. Late charges, late goals, and late titles.

A certain Salomon Kalou came out on record and proclaimed that Chelsea would grab the title before Christmas and all would be settled before the yuletide treats and singalong carols.

Fast forward to 26th December 2011, Salomon Kalou was on the bench and on the verge of being sold, and Chelsea had just come off a masterclass 3-1 annihilation at the hand of Arsenal at the Emirates.

Chelsea's arrogance had dried up as quickly as their goals and while Manchester United were at the top of the table, Arsenal were breathing down their necks.

The summit of the English Premier League this season has been turned into a game of musical chairs, with each club either tasting the dizzying air of the top or coming within touching distance of it.

Chelsea got first go at the numero uno spot, Arsenal was always there, Manchester City were the surprise contenders, but when it mattered the most, Manchester United have been on top of the table and fail to let go off that position despite always turning in a below-par performance.

The United squad of 2010-11 has been called ordinary let alone undeserving. The flair that every United squad possessed had been absent and riding on the shaky limbs of the young and the brittle legs of the elderly, few would have thought that the Red Devils would have been where they are.

What has also been intriguing is the general lack of quality, at the top and at the bottom of the table.

Teams that were considered three-point arena's gave the favourites a fight and how! Wolves were successful in defeating Chelsea and Manchester United at Molineux.

Sunderland came to take full purchase of the sacking of Chelsea legend and assistant coach Ray Wilkins by leaving the Blues red-faced at home, beating them 3-0.

Not to forget the others, Manchester City were beaten by Wolves too, Liverpool, well by almost every team they were expected to take full points off and who can forget Chris Hughton and his resurgent Newcastle side that went, saw and conquered the Emirates 1-0.

Squandering sizable leads, shaky title contenders all looking pretenders at one point in the season, indifferent form away from home, and refereeing blunders galore, the English premiership season has been a highly nauseating roller-coaster ride for club loyalists and followers.

With Manchester United taking on Chelsea at Old Trafford for the title, the match might end up summarising the season for you.

Let's hope it doesn't. Because this has been one ugly season.