Howard Webb. The English Premier League’s top official. The best referee in the country; he has just been appointed the man in charge of the FA Cup match on 30th May. A fantastic achievement for him. However – that will all be overshadowed by his performance at Old Trafford yesterday evening. Where, not only did Webb hand United the title, he gift wrapped it, and wrote ‘with love’ on the label.
For those of you who saw it, you will know exactly what I’m talking about. The penalty that was – but should never ever ever have been in a million years. Now Michael Carrick is an extremely talented footballer – but it’s worrying he seems to be taking tips of his fellow theatrical team mate, Mr Ronaldo. Carrick, through on goal after, it must be said, a sensational ball from Rooney, tried to take the ball around Gomes, who clearly got a hand to the ball to knock it away from goal. (the clue was in the obvious change of direction in the ball Mr Webb…) Excellent goalkeeping, although Carrick fell clumsily over Gomes, more out of sheer desperation rather than hopefulness it was thought. But….would you believe it (well, er yes as it’s at Old Trafford…) Webb blew his whistle and pointed to the spot.

Spurs were livid. The expression of disbelief was all too evident on the face of King, Woodgate and co. They were distraught. Their luck seems to evade them against United doesn‘t it? Especially at the east end – remember the goal that never was? If they weren’t sure that Lady Luck had snubbed them completely, they certainly knew for definite she had, after Ronaldo dispatched with penalty with ease. I text a friend who is a United supporter – ‘you were very lucky there’ I said. ’Yep, never a penalty…’ was the reply. An honest United fan, well well. Whatever next….a dodgy pen at Old Trafford…oh all right, enough of the sarcasm.

The penalty, you thought, would be the turning point in the match, and quite possibly the title race. And it was- all Spurs’ hard effort and great play in the first half, was undone with 20 minutes of melt down on their part, but quite sensational play by United on the other. Rooney was in inspired form, scoring two and setting up one. Berbatov, attempting to get the boo-boys off his back , scrambled home from close range, and who else but that boy from Portugal, completed the rout.

United were as poor as I’ve seen them this season, in the first half of yesterday’s game, and in contrast, quite sensational in the second. The turn around may yet define their season, which at times looked like slipping away from them. If it does, they will owe more than just a thank you to Howard Webb and that decision.

 

 

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