Just when it looked like there might be a bit of life left in the title race our hopes have once again been dashed thanks to Chelsea’s victory at Highbury.

Despite Arsene Wenger’s protestations to the contrary, it is sadly true that the better team won in the end. It might have been so different if Henry’s shot in the first half went in or the linesman had realised Van Persie’s goal was perfectly legitimate.

But it was not to be and Chelsea now find themselves a whopping 20 points clear of Arsenal, the team I tipped at the beginning of the season to wrestle the title off Mourinho.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that in terms of this year’s title.

Manchester United may only be nine points behind Chelsea, but in order for them to catch up they need the champions to drop points. And, if they are not going to drop points away to Arsenal, where will they?

There will, of course, be some fluke results between now and the end of the season where some of the lesser teams take points off some of the bigger ones, Chelsea included. But those freak results will happen to Manchester United as well.

For there to be any hope, Chelsea had to at least drop a couple of points on Sunday, but they didn’t.

So the Stamford Bridge Christmas party might as well double as a title party too.

Renault and Alonso

Renault must be kicking themselves.

After their excellent Formula 1 season they must have been looking forward to the future with more than a smattering of optimism. After all, with world champion Fernando Alonso on board, what could go wrong?

Sadly, just one thing – he could leave. And that is exactly what he is going to do. Fair enough, he still has one more season with the French team, but it has been announced that the Spaniard – the youngest ever champion – will pack up his overalls and move to Mclaren from 2007.

No matter how hard Renault boss Patrick Faure denies it, there can be no doubting that this is a blow to his team. Despite his young age it is widely accepted that he has been instrumental in helping elevate Renault to their current lofty position.

Interestingly, Alonso’s move means at least one of the current Mclaren drivers will be surplus to requirements – either Montoya or Raikonnen. And neither of them are particular poor behind a wheel.

Rumour has it that it could be Raikonnen who is heading for the exit and a particularly rewarding move to Ferrari as replacement for Schumacher who might make next season his last.

All good merry-go-round fun.

It just goes to show you what a funny old sport Formula 1 can be when the between-season driver changes tend to be at least 100 times more exciting that the races themselves.

Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce’s job is safe. Apparently.

Birmingham owner David Gold has insisted he will not sack the former Manchester United defender who he believes should be kept around to dig them out of hole they are in.

“We expect him to give it his best and get us out of this mess. We are in a critical situation with our league position and we have some difficult games coming up. He has got to get on with it and resolve it. That’s what he does,” Gold said.

I am not one who likes to see managers get fired. But after watching Birmingham lose to Manchester City on Saturday I have to say I am completely surprised that Gold is being so patient.

With the players at their disposal, Birmingham should be a mid-table team at the very least.

But against Stuart Pearce’s side they looked clueless in defence, aimless in midfield and toothless in attack. They were, in short, a very, very poor shadow of the team they should be and could have easily lost by more than 4-1 if Pearce hadn’t taken the opportunity to rest some of his key players in the second half.

I think Bruce is good young manager but it very much feels like he has run out of ideas at City. Sometime it just happens and both manager and club need to part ways for and make the fresh start they need.

And, despite what Gold may say, I fully expect that parting of ways to happen by January at the latest.

Nominations

Just a few nominations for worst striker in the Premier League so far. So keep them coming in. I won’t tell you who has been nominated so as not to influence you. Got those emails coming.

Contact James on: [email protected]