From ESPNsoccernet:
Avram Grant insists the only way to separate Chelsea and Manchester United would be a play-off to decide the Premier League title.
The two clubs are level on points going into the final day of the season with Grant's Chelsea closing the gap in the last month but trailing on goal difference. United's freescoring style has given them the edge despite Grant targeting more attractive football since taking over from Jose Mourinho. Grant said: 'We've won games 6-0, 6-1, 4-0 and 3-0 this season. When you miss so many players, the first target is to win games, especially in the beginning. 'I must admit that United have played very good football. They think this is the best season since Sir Alex Ferguson came. 'But I prefer the system in Italy. You play a play-off if you're level and it is decided on that. 'I have interest now to say that. But I like it anyway. Sometimes, you score more goals against weaker teams. 'If you have the same points, you are at the same level.' Perhaps a winner-takes-all clash in Moscow combining the Champions League final? Grant joked: 'I think it's a good idea, can you tell the FA?' Instead of a mouth-watering play-off, the title will be decided tomorrow if United win at Wigan, which would mean Chelsea's result against Bolton would not matter. If it ends in disappointment for Chelsea, Grant may point to his first game in charge, at Old Trafford, when he felt the referee denied him a result. There have also been dropped points recently against Wigan and Tottenham. But the gulf in goal difference may be the ultimate factor. 'You can't push a button and change things immediately,' Grant said. 'We've won many games playing attractive football. We can change it with the players we have here.' United's goal difference stands at 56, compared to Chelsea's 39, but Grant feels his side have been playing the better football recently. 'There is no doubt about this, in the last month we have played very good games,' Grant said. 'The best football at the right times against big teams and big managers. 'Whatever happens on Sunday I will be very proud of what we have done this season. 'Alex said a few months ago it was the best Manchester United side since he's been coaching. We've given a battle. 'If they take the title, and I'm not sure they will, it will be on goal difference.' Regardless of the outcome, Grant feels his relationship with Ferguson will not be affected. 'I promised him an Israeli wine and we're going to drink it before the Champions League final,' Grant said. 'We're friends. I'm friends with other coaches who I've then gone out to try and beat. That's what happens. I wanted to beat him, even if he was angry with me afterwards.'
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Manchester United are Champions of England again, but if both clubs were level on points at the end of the season, would a playoff be necessary?
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Comments (11)
I like the idea. They have a playoff format in other leagues, like in Mexico.
MH7KiNG | 05/11/08, 01:03 PM
Report Offensive CommentIt seems a good idea but it's not likely to happen, due to the fact that the teams that would be involved are usually also still in contention for other silverware (for example, this year it's the Champions' League; last year, it was the F.A. Cup).
The "English football" system seems averse to playoffs to decide champions. The "promotion" playoffs in which teams in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier compete to move up does not involve the champions or even runners-up in those tiers, but the teams finishing 3rd-6th (and in one case, 4th-7th).
The tiebreaker used to be goal average, but it was changed to goal difference some time ago, and unless there is consensus to change it among teams at all levels, the Premier League, the Football League, and the F.A., it's likely to remain goal difference.
It's notable that goal difference also played a part in which teams were relegated from the Premier League this year; Fulham and Reading finished level on points, but Fulham had a better goal difference, so Reading was relegated.
KansasToonami | 05/11/08, 01:34 PM
Report Offensive CommentIt seems a good idea, but that argument is not for this season because Man U has superior points.
D'A | 05/11/08, 01:57 PM
Report Offensive CommentI think the best tie-breaker in a league is the head-to-head
Big Chaco | 05/11/08, 03:03 PM
Report Offensive CommentNo playoff. 38 games is enough to settle this thing.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN'S OWN | 05/11/08, 03:40 PM
Report Offensive CommentWhy even have a league if you are going to do that. If works in other countries because the fans relate to it and it's tradition. The league should be decided in 38 matches, not a playoff. Not a very good idea in my opinion.
Keeper | 05/11/08, 03:41 PM
Report Offensive CommentYeah, i personally despise it. The amount of goals scored and conceded determines the quality of your victories, which United pip every club in.
jeevs BS | 05/11/08, 04:45 PM
Report Offensive CommentWell said jeevs. I assumed that you thought it was a good idea, but it's awful.
Keeper | 05/11/08, 07:53 PM
Report Offensive CommentNo, Chelsea had its chances during the regular season, the Premier Title is the most storied League title in soccer, why muddy it with even a one game tiebreak and make the last part of the season less exciting?
thebasketballguru | 05/11/08, 08:16 PM
Report Offensive CommentHead-to-head as a tie-breaker. 38 games is enough
Big Chaco | 05/11/08, 11:40 PM
Report Offensive CommentNo playoff. This is just Grant embracing the Chelski way: whine, whine, whine. United scored buckets more goals than Chelski and wouldn't won the tiebreaker based on that. The rules are well established, Mr. Grant. Play a more attacking style to take advantage of them.
naxself | 05/14/08, 10:40 PM
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