C

helsea's win over Manchester United has added more spice to the title race.

According to the press in England, the whole thing is becoming rather difficult for Manchester United. Chelsea have looked strong this season and now lead the Premier League by five points.

While there is a degree of truth in that, United are still in a decent position - they have still got to play Chelsea at home and there is still a long, long way to go.

United have bags of experience in their side and they will continue to put pressure on Chelsea, but I really think it's Chelsea's title to lose now.

In Asia, the media are saying that the African Cup of Nations in January might be a period when Chelsea might slip up. Maybe, but when you look at the fixtures, Chelsea have got reasonably comfortable matches during that period. I don't think they will be affected - their squad, as I have always believed, is one of the strongest in the league.

And for another weekend, referees have dominated the headlines again. Every time you pick up a paper, it's about referees. And there were more controversies after Liverpool's game against Birmingham. But more on that later.

But I think it's just one of those things. There was no controversy at Stamford Bridge. I don't think there were any hints of offsides or fouls in Chelsea's buildup to their goal. Didier Drogba was certainly not offside, that's for sure. There was a little bit of tussling between Drogba and Wes Brown and that was it. This happens all the time. In the end, I just thought Chelsea deserved to win. They just looked stronger and more threatening.

I really think United are going to splash the cash in January. United also need another striker, I also think they are missing a couple of midfielders. Cristiano Ronaldo's absence is causing more problems than previously thought. In this sort of tight game, a world-class player like Ronaldo would have made a difference. Antonio Valencia is a good player, but is he world class? They need quality players - someone who can create and someone who can be a match winner for them. But players like that will be hard to come by during the January transfer window. Everybody will want to get that kind of player.

Whereas for Chelsea, the suspension of their transfer ban was not a shock to me. We all knew that was going to happen. Why was everyone shocked? At the end of the day, the player has every right to decide which club he wants to go to.

In January, Chelsea will buy as well. Although I think Chelsea are strong in every area, they will be looking for players who can help cover for those who are leaving for the African Cup of Nations, someone who can fit into Carlo Ancelotti's system. Meanwhile, Liverpool need new players, but they will need to sell first before buying.

Against Birmingham, they should have won the game based on shots on goal. They had lots of possession but it didn't matter as they were not really hurting the Birmingham defense. Birmingham only had two shots on goal, and they scored both.

The penalty shouldn't have been a penalty. I have to admit it was a clear dive by David Ngog. Although some might say they were lucky to draw, I think Liverpool were unlucky not to win. But things are not going well for them. They do miss Fernando Torres. Liverpool are also finding it hard to stop conceding goals. If they continue to do that, it's going to be a problem.

And the last word on Arsenal. The question is not whether Arsenal are good enough, rather whether they can go the distance. Arsenal are playing fantastic football, they always have done and they always will do under Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal are the best footballing side in the league without a shadow of a doubt. But again questions will be asked when they reach the latter stages of the season and their strength in depth will be tested. Will they be strong enough to compete with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea? In terms of quality, they have a fantastic team. I don't think they have that strength in depth at the moment. If they have Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin or Robin van Persie injured, I don't see anyone good enough to step into their shoes.