Big summer for the London trio

For all the accolades and spectacles during the season, you cannot deny the climax of the Top 4 battle held the spotlight. So it turns out that after weeks of expectation and apprehension, the top 4 teams would remain the familiar quartet – Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

It’s over; the relief and elation that emanated from the victorious teams’ quarters was best represented in the gusto with which Wenger punched the air and also the wholehearted cheers that greeted Rafa at the Bridge. AVB’s side was left in defeat but the Spurs fans subtly conveyed the trust and hope they have in their team and coach.

Chelsea: The Next World Beaters?

I fully believe Chelsea will be one tough team to beat in three or four years. By tough, I mean the next Barcelona, or Manchester United of old.

Jose Mourinho will be our cherry, on the icing of the cake, but in reality, he really doesn’t have to do much at all. His first reign at the club, was very much a time for sculpting, and creating a world-beating team, as part of a four or five year plan. Now, when he joins, that work is already well in motion.

Papa-not-for-us?

After the transition of David Luiz from defensive rock, to marauding defensive midfielder, it may well be time to dip into the market for another centre-back, especially with concerns over John Terry’s long term fitness.

A £100m warchest apparently awaits our new boss, and its open to debate whether we need to spend that anywhere at all. However, if you have to argue somewhere to spend it, your first-choice may well be at the back. With Terry, 32, Ivanovic, 29, and Cahill, 27, it is clear that a youngster may well spice up the competition in defence, especially as Ivanovic is also the second-choice RB at present.

Why Lukaku won’t be here next season.

For as long as we have had Roman Abramovich at the helm, we will be linked with strikers when the transfer windows open, and this summer should prove now exception.

Lukaku has had a stunning season at West Brom; banging in 17 goals in 35 league matches, with 15 of these appearances coming from the bench.

With Ba and Torres performing rather poorly in the league, most fans would be keen on welcoming Lukaku back into the frame for the 2013/14 season. But the question is, would he?

Rafa Benitez, Success or Failure? @AStamBridge2Far

Back in November, there was uproar amongst  fans as a new manager was appointed, namely Rafa Benitez, who had said back in 2007 that he ‘would never take the Chelsea job, in respect for his former team Liverpool, no matter what.’

Those words came back to haunt him when he took over on an interim basis from Roberto Di Matteo. Missing out on the Champions League knock out stages followed and it all seemed to be going terribly for the Spaniard. However, he has delivered the Europa League trophy, secured 3rd place in the league and reached two cup semi-finals.

Surely not another game…..

Well, I thought last season was a marathon. Our clash with Everton will be our 69th game of this season, setting a new record, and it may not even end there.

As we (hopefully) enter the final game of the season, there is a possible set of results that would lead to a playoff, that decides which of the two teams progresses straight to the group stages, and which unlucky club then has to battle through the qualifying stages of the Champions League.

Rooney – Yes or No? @AStamBridge2Far

One of the strangest rumours I’ve seen over the past week or two, is the possibility of Wayne Rooney coming across from the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

But looking into it, would it really be that bizarre? The man that has been dubbed ‘Shrek’ by fans of opposing clubs, is more than likely going to leave United in the summer, especially after David Moyes was rubber-stamped for the job.

Money Money Money. Where do we need to spend?

After our historic European win last night, Rafa Benitez has apparently said he expects us to spend up to £100m in the summer, but do we need to?

This transition stage is well and truly showing an effect now, players like Hazard, Mata, Luiz, are integral to our success now. But with De Bruyne apparently on his way before getting through the door, and Marin seemingly no closer to a start, it does seem the job isn’t complete.

Top Four. Are we in?

On the penultimate weekend of what’s sure to be a thrilling end to the 2013/2014 EPL season, as far as the top 4 contest goes, it’s still not absolutely certain who picks the 2 Champions League spots, but Chelsea’s ‘journey to the Holy Land in pursuit of the Holy Grail’ is almost over as we need just one more win to secure our spot amongst ‘the immortals’.

For Arsenal and Spurs, it’s still all nerves for them with Spurs trailing the Gunners with just 1pt and their next games will be severely crucial in deciding their fates.

Who should follow Jose from the Bernabeu to the Bridge?

With Jose Mourinho on the brink of leaving Real Madrid this summer, it seems like he is destined to arrive back at the Bridge, and finally answer the prayers of thousands of Chelsea fans.

After enduring the widely loathed Rafa Benitez for several months, it seems apt that we should be dragged out from under the carpet by the Special One, and back amongst the big boys next season.