On any given season, lying second to United at this stage would be more than respectable, but for Arsenal, the most convincing of challengers over the last few seasons, this season is different. Not only are they 16 points and reeling from an Old Trafford humiliation, the gap looks more likely to widen than diminish.

Heading into December, they were the team most likely. After a run of 14 unbeaten, the wheels began to come off. Vieira, whilst remaining amongst the best midfielders in the Premiership, has begun to struggle in carrying a midfield sadly missing the poise and experience of Petit and shorn of its natural width in the form of Overmars. Neither has been adequately replaced. Cameroon’s Lauren has disappointed, while Pires has only shown flashes of his ability. However, the problems may run deeper and may get worse before it gets better.

The Gunners’ problems lie in the gradual erosion of their double winning side of two years ago. Arsenal are in transition. Sadly for them, the effects are hitting them midseason. It will take a little more time for new signings to comfortably replace the old. Pires et al will come good in time. However, Wenger is finding it more and more difficult to plug the gaps created by a number of stars who are on the wane. When the Frenchman took charge, a solid foundation for a championship challenge was already in place. Bergkamp was at the height of his powers. Most importantly, however, Adams, Keown, Dixon, and Winterburn were still primed to see off all-comers. Now without Petit to help Vieira protect the defence, Adams missing more games than he plays, and Winterburn gone to pastures new, Wenger is facing a major crisis. A rebuild is required. The brilliance of Henry and Viera can no longer cover the cracks. Arsenal are still equipped well enough to qualify for the Champions League, but this may be the extent of their ambitions.

In the meantime, Wenger will have his work cut out to relay the foundations of his team.

At the start of the season, Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool were tipped by some as possible champions. However, inconsistency has again dogged the Mersey men. Like Arsenal, they have struggled on their travels. Points dropped when in commanding positions at Southampton, West Ham and Leeds have cost them dearly. But there are reasons to be positive. Greater defensive solidity has seen Liverpool has seen them consolidate their league position, taking the scalps of Arsenal and United in impressive fashion. Houllier has gradually begun to eradicate the defensive frailties of early season. Moreover, he has successfully strengthened the squad with the addition of the combative Biscan and the elusive Litmanen. Time may also be on their side. Liverpool’s squad has an average age of 24, the youngest of the potential challengers to United.

Nevertheless, they are unlikely to catch United this time. A challenge in the Premiership is more likely to come next season. A successful challenge would be more likely if the Reds could find some width. Despite the embarrassment of riches in midfield and up front, too much of their play is channelled down the middle and in front of defences. When this problem is solved, United’s dominance may come under threat. Nevertheless, the Mersey men are playing with growing authority and confidence. Winning is at last becoming a habit.

After an impressive debut in the Champions League and success in the FA Cup, Chelsea fans had every reason to be optimistic in August. The signing of Hasselbaink, thought by many to be the final piece of the jigsaw, reinforced the mood. Five games into the season and manager Vialli was gone. Rumour had it that he had lost the support of senior squad members. Chelsea have since lost their way. Vialli should have been given the opportunity to turn things around. Ultimately, despite assembling a talented squad, age caught up on many of its key figures by the end of a long season as Chelsea fell away in the league. Perhaps Vialli should have begun a cull in the summer. Either way, Chairman Bates should have given him more time. The Chelsea supremo is desperate for success, and consequently, failure will not be tolerated for long.

Coach Ranieri is now picking up the pieces of the Vialli debacle. Chelsea remain formidable at home. Away from home, where they have failed to register a single win, they are powder puff. However, as their main rivals are faring little better, Chelsea are within striking distance of a champions league spot. Sadly for Chelsea fans, the club chairman has tried to grab glory too quickly. He would be better to look at the attitude of some of his playing staff before looking for his manager’s head. A big clearout that could see the likes of Desailly, Lebouef, Zola and Wise heading for the exit is now overdue. It may be a season or two before Chelsea come again.

David O’Leary’s Leeds revolution is in danger of coming off the rails. Fans and critics alike were prepared to overlook an indifferent start to their campaign what with many key players appearing more regularly on the physio’s couch than the playing field. Unexpected success in the Champion’s League also helped quieten detractors.

In recent weeks, the injury crisis has abated. Moreover, O’Leary has moved to bolster his squad, brashly shelling out a record fee for the promise of Ferdinand and cleverly picking up Robbie Keane until the end of the season. Now, the pressure is on. Whilst slowly closing the gap, Leeds are still adrift of rivals Liverpool and Arsenal and as the games run out, its becoming increasingly likely that Leeds will have to win the Champions League to qualify for its riches next year.

Like Chelsea last season, Leeds are being stretched by the arduous domestic campaign and the pressures of Europe. In their favour, the Yorkshiremen now have a strong, vibrant squad to choose from. Leeds are likely to be a major threat domestically for some time to come. The question is whether David O’Leary will be at the helm. Much will depend on whether he can find the right formula to create a convincing team from the talent available. To date, he has been rather indecisive in his use of his latest recruits. As Gerard Houllier is finding with his front men at Liverpool, too much of a good thing can bring problems of its own. Having secured the services of Ferdinand and Keane, the Irishman is still to figure out how best to use them.

So, for this season at least, Alex Ferguson can look down upon his rivals with some degree of comfort. All need time to sort out their internal problems before turning their attention on Old Trafford. That said, by the beginning of next season, Leeds and Liverpool at least, should be better able to mount a challenge. Both squads are young and hungry. Both clubs have the ability to attract the best talent. Perhaps United will prevail again in Sir Alex’s last season, but when he’s gone, will his successor have the desire and the nous to fight off the competition? Whoever takes the Red Devil’s hot seat will no longer have the services of Teddy Sheringham, will have Roy Keane and Andrew Cole in their thirties, and a David Beckham no longer in fear and awe of his manager. This is the greatest hope for Manchester United’s rivals.