EPL Title Race: 5 Key Decisions That Could Affect the Final Outcome
As we look forward to the last three games in the most entertaining football league in the world, we count a number of errors that could turn out to be the determining factors which decide who lifts the EPL title.
The past weekend saw massive decisions by referees that have tilted the title challenge just a bit...
With another highly important league meeting at the weekend, the results of the past weekend could be even more influential.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side had a six-point advantage over Chelsea, but since Saturday it has been cut down by three very important points.
Saturday afternoon saw Chelsea beat Spurs 2-1 with goals from Sandro (Spurs), Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea).
On Sunday, Arsenal faced United without their captain Cesc Fabregas, who picked up a knock in training. They managed to get a winner from Aaron Ramsey and walk away with a 1-0 victory and new sense of revival in the title race.
So as Chelsea commands second place, Arsenal will be hoping for a draw this coming weekend between the top two as they look to clinch an unlikely title at the last gasp.
But the bad decisions on the weekend won't just affect the top three. They have also almost decided fourth place...
This slideshow looks at five decisions that could change the destiny of either club.
Where Does Gomes Spill Leave Goal-Line Technology?
1 of 5With the game looking a little short of any spice, Ivorian international Didier Drogba pulled off a sensational free kick only to find the woodwork, as Heurelho Gomes made a fingertip save.
Not long thereafter Rafael van der Vaart managed to set up Brazilian Sandro, who scored a scorcher, leaving Petr Cech and Chelsea dumbfounded.
Chelsea seemed lost for a reply, and the game lost most of its momentum, but out of nowhere, Frank Lampard's long-distance shot along the ground seemed to create all the controversy as Gomes spilled the ball. While every single reply showed it didn't pass over the line completely, the linesman awarded the goal.
What caused even more anger from the Spurs players and fans was the fact that the linesman was in no position to make the call.
According to the rule, the entire circumference of the ball needs to be over the line for it to be given as a legitimate goal. In this case most but "not all" of the ball crossed the white line, which explains the argument.
Also, the linesman needs to be at least in line with the ball to make the call, and it's clear once again that he was far off from the goal line and not positioned correctly to award the goal.
This decision will once again raise the call for goal-line technology to be implemented. While I agree it was a poor decision, one that has cost Spurs a CL spot, I am not a fan of technology been involved in decision-making, especially for a sport that can be affected negatively by stops.
Linesman Faults Again, Kalou Offside
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As Spurs accepted that all they could salvage from the game was a draw following a poor linesman decision to award a goal on the line, in the last few minutes the ghost of the Premier League awarded Chelsea with a second.
This time Salomon Kalou, clearly offside, scored the winner and gave Chelsea three points—points could take them to another League title.
Spurs were once again left speechless, as Chelsea celebrated...
This leaves Spurs with almost no chance to clinch a Champions League spot and gives Manchester City fourth place unless the men from Eastlands lose all their games, which is highly unlikely.
It also gives Chelsea enough confidence as they gear up to face United in what could be the decider on Sunday with both teams leveled on goal difference.
United, on the other hand, will first look to face Schalke in the semifinals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Vidic Makes the Most Uncertain Save That Could Have Been so Costly
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Another decision goes the wrong way following Chelsea's victory to Spurs on Saturday afternoon, United were left with no choice but to beat Arsenal to stay clear of any possible chance of a Chelsea comeback.
Nevertheless, Arsenal managed to pull off a victory, leaving United just three points ahead of the champions. With the two to meet on Sunday, Chelsea could equal United and take top spot on goal difference.
But Arsenal's victory could have been even more troublesome for Sir Alex Ferguson if captain Nemanja Vidic was given a red card for his deliberate use of the hand in the box.
Vidic's handball was not seen by both the referee and linesman. The only player to really see it was Robin van Persie, but his protests were not even looked at.
Television replays confirm Vidic raised his hand and got a touch on the ball, which deflected it away from van Persie.
With United having to face Chelsea, Vidic is lucky to be available for selection.
Ramsey Handball on the Line
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While Ramsey continued to celebrate his goal that saw Arsenal victorious against Manchester United, it seemed the youngster was also part of the controversy this weekend.
A handball decision that was given as a free kick just outside the box was seen as a light punishment for the midfielder. Replays shows the player in the air but along the line of the box, which, according to the rules, implies it's part of the penalty area, and rightly so United should have been awarded a penalty.
Many Arsenal fans and the general public would say the decision equals that of Vidic's handball on the other end. While two wrongs don't make a right, it's another poor decision by the match officials in such a huge game.
Looking at the replay, many make the view that it's a very fine margin and a tough call for the referee, but when you're playing at the very top of world football, there is no discussion for fine margins, rather right or wrong.
Either way, whether you look at the Vidic handball or Ramsey's decision...both were poor calls by the officials.
Owen Calls for Penalty Rejected
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The last major bad decision for the weekend, was that of Michael Owen, who was brought down by a bad tackle in the penalty area.
Again the referee waved play, and no calls from his linesman left Owen and United fuming.
Over and over replays showed that the former Liverpool legend was stamped on his calf, which resulted in him being taken to ground.
Another decision by Chris Foy which should be questioned.
(The image also shows that the contact occurred in the box.)
So while the result could have been anything from United losing Vidic or taking a 2-0 defeat to winning in the last minutes with Owen been fouled and winning 2-1, it proves that refereeing at the highest level still lacks quality and will no doubt influence the title race.
Whether United win or lose on Sunday is irrelevant to the fact that referees need to be more accountable, and while they also need to be respected and protected, some form of intervention from top footballing bodies is required.
In terms of the title race, United will now need to win at the weekend, while a draw could give Arsenal hope. Chelsea can also put their name on the trophy with a victory over United.
If United win the game, they will take the lead back to six points and with two games following next week's encounter all but seal the title.
Who knows the outcome? What will happen? Let's wait and see.
