If it hadn't been for some impressive saves from goalkeeper Manuel Almunia during the second half of Sunday's game between Arsenal and Chelsea, the margin of victory could have been even greater. Nevertheless, a 3-0 win for the Blues was emphatic enough and illustrates that they are surely the team who will take all the beating in the Premier League this season. Didier Drogba's brace along with a Thomas Vermaelen own goal gave them a deserved three points and the west London side are no bigger than 4/6 (bodog) to win the title. However, Ladbrokes and bet365 are only prepared to lay the league leaders at 1/2.
Some are now suggesting that the title has become a two-horse race, with Arsenal remaining stationed in fourth position and some eleven points off the pace. Defeats at Sunderland and against Chelsea have suggested that Robin Van Persie is a big loss for the Gunners and Arsene Wenger's team are out to 10/1 (Ladbrokes) on the outright market. North London rivals Tottenham retain third place, with the bookies not prepared to totally discount Spurs just yet. Bet365 offer 125/1, although Laddies go as short as 50/1.
Manchester United ensured that the gap between themselves and Chelsea remained at five points this weekend thanks to a 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Saturday. With the Blues still to visit Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson will be confident that his team can win a fourth consecutive Premier League title and perhaps they are the value bet at 5/2 (Coral). It was round about this stage of the season last year when the Red Devils went on a astonishing run of victories, with the champions having a favourable set of fixtures throughout December.
Meanwhile, Liverpool did their chances of finishing in the top four the power of good by winning at Goodison Park on Sunday. Their 2-0 victory elevated them to fifth place in the table and while title odds of 33/1 (Boylesports) don't look that tempting, they are now 8/11 (Blue Square) to land a place in next season's Champions League. Manchester City are out to 6/4 (bet365) on the same market after a disappointing draw with Hull, while Spurs are 5/2 chances (Blue Square).