Source: Daily_Mail
Man Utd 5 Spurs 2: The moment that Webb handed the title to United
There was a sense of inevitability about Manchester United's victory once Sir Alex Ferguson's team reduced Tottenham's 2-0 half-time advantage with a goal early in the second half.[LNB]Rather like Tiger Woods on the back nine of a major, United are a powerful and destructive force once momentum has swung their way. For the Barclays Premier League champions, it matters not what has gone before in situations like this, only the possibility of what may lie ahead.[LNB] You blew it, ref: Gomes foils Carrick butWebb still saw a foul[LNB] Haven't they done this before? After their win against Spurs, we remember some other famous Manchester United comebacksIt's all over: League is ours to lose after storming fightback - RooneyJamie Redknapp's weekend watch: Tevez must stay, Bent the ace finisher and Robinho IS worth the money Five goals in 22 incredible second-half minutes not only won Ferguson's impressive team the game against a disorientated Tottenham, but - in all likelihood - also won them a third successive domestic title.[LNB]However, when a combination of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs (United seem to have so many captains these days) lift the trophy in the weeks to come, one wonders if the club will hand a medal to referee Howard Webb.[LNB]In awarding United a penalty 12 minutes into the second half, he offered them a lifeline on a day when they had hitherto performed miserably and so transformed the game. And what a wretched decision it was, too. One of the worst. [LNB]Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes clearly touched the ball away from Michael Carrick as he ran on to Wayne Rooney's superb through pass. Webb, however, saw an infringement. But how could he? He was 35 yards away, behind play. Carrick had his back to him. He simply could not see clearly. So he guessed. And he guessed in favour of the home team.[LNB]The penalty, converted by Cristiano Ronaldo, gave United the adrenaline shot they needed. [LNB]Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas said: 'That was a prime example of areferee crumbling under pressure at Old Trafford. It would have been acompletely different game if they had not got that first goal. It'sjust the way football is sometimes and pressure gets to people. [LNB]'The atmosphere, the occasion, the importance of the match, a lot of factors take their toll when making decisions.[LNB]'One thing which struck me about it was that he didn't even think.It was like he'd already made his mind up when he came out for thesecond half that he was going to give something.[LNB] Crushing victory: Ronaldo is swamped by team-mates after firing United into the lead[LNB]'He's a good ref and I like Howard Webb, but I think he will definitely sit down and admit he got that one wrong. It was a very important moment in the season in terms of the title, but more often than not these decisions go this way. This is a team whose season was nearly in ruins, really. But that changed everything.'[LNB]Two down at half-time to goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric, United were drifting until that 57th-minute spot-kick. Then they looked a different team and two goals from Rooney, one from Dimitar Berbatov and another from Ronaldo came and went in a flash. United are a stunning team to watch when they have their tails up and they demonstrated that here. [LNB]Nevertheless, there was encouragement for Arsenal scout Stewart Houston ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford. United's defending was ragged again at times and Arsenal's Theo Walcott will have noticed how Aaron Lennon unbalanced and outwitted Patric Evra - as he did in the Carling Cup final.[LNB]Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: 'I've always rated Evra as the best left back in the league along with Ashley Cole. But he has had problems recently and has had them with Aaron.[LNB]'I fancied us, I really did. I thought we could come here and win and at half-time I thought we would get more goals.' [LNB]The contribution of Rooney and substitute Carlos Tevez to United's recovery should not be overlooked. Both were superb in the second half. But this was a story of a referee who Ferguson once declared to be his favourite official. After this, is it any wonder?[LNB] Haven't they done this before? After their win against Spurs, we remember some other famous Manchester United comebacksIt's all over: League is ours to lose after storming fightback - RooneyJamie Redknapp's weekend watch: Tevez must stay, Bent the ace finisher and Robinho IS worth the money [LNB] [LNB]
