Tottenahm vs. Chelsea
I do agree that the second 'goal' was not a goal. Goal-line technology should be in next season. I thought Spurs were the better side in the first half for large periods, but Chelsea weathered it and scored a great goal, so fair play to them. I believe Chelsea started the second half better, and while people are saying goals change the momentum of the game, I think the way in which Chelsea's second goal was awarded actually made Spurs play better. They made it 1-2 and it was very much game on.
The decision to not send Cech off was correct. The 'last man' rule is a myth. It's denying a clear goal scoring opportunity, which Cech did not do. Bale scored the tap in and that is simply how the rules work. The only other possibility was to give Cech a yellow card, but yellow card worthy challenges are often six of one and half a dozen of the other. So say what you will about that, but it would have made no difference other than upping the disciplinary of a game. I'm sure we all want to see less cards handed out, especially for genuine attempts to win the ball.
The key changing point of the game was Harry Redknapp bringing Defoe on. He showed a bit of naivety, thinking he could go and boss Chelsea via giving up the midfield, as he believed Spurs were on top after their goal. It instantly backfired and they got dominated in the middle for the rest of the game. This is probably the more likely reason why Chelsea won the match. If that 'goal' wasn't given, I woudl have fancied Chelsea to score next anyway, but we'll never know that now.
Arsenal vs. Wigan
Well.. Wigan really have hit some form. They always perform better when they're fighting relegation. They probably should have gone down about five times in their Premier League career by now, but they always find something extra. I think Wenger was a bit bitter in his post-match interview. They were beaten by the better side, just like Man Utd were. I bet if Wigan had been in a comfy position in the league with about 35 points with 10 games to go, they'd suddenly hit dire form instead and go down. But when their backs are up against it, they manage to pull out big wins. They'll get at least one win from their remaining games, but right now I'd fancy them to finish above Aston Villa.
Diving
All I'm going to say is watch Monday Night Football more often if you don't. Gary Neville's analysis is top notch. He's 100% honest, no bias towards anyone, and nearly always extremely accurate. He is the best football pundit in my life-time of watching football already. I did like Andy Gray as a pundit, but Neville is already even better. Quality stuff, if you're actually interested in the tactics of the game, teams, managers etc you'll really appreciate what he has to say. His piece on diving was spot on. A general overall wording is probably:
Nearly every player will do what Young does. Messi dived at the end of a 2-2 draw and got booked not so long ago in La Liga. Why are you not calling Messi a cheat? Neville brought up instances of Gerrard, Beckham, and other top players doing the same. And no, they've not done it just once either. He has the choice of feeling contact, no matter how minimal, and going down. When the results matter so much, he's basically going to face a wrath from his team mates or manager if he stays on his feet and gets nothing, or a bashing from fans and media if he goes down. Most players would do what they feel is best for their team in that split second decision.
He brought up Rosicky going down in the Arsenal vs Wigan match straight after. He felt a stray arm touch him on the back, and when he realised he was running straight into two more Wigan players, he took the tumble. Diving? Yes. Cheating? I'm not so sure I'd like to use such a strong word, but each to their own. What if Arteta scored the free kick and Wigan lost 1-0, then get relegated by a point? This is how decisions like that can effect the game.
Tevez was booked for diving against Norwich when it was a clear penalty. Every game has many decisions like this, but it seems only when players of the big teams do it for penalties that it's brought up. Young shouldn't be branded a cheat for this, but I do agree he's going down softly. However, the current rules of the game mean he can feel that contact of a stray leg and go down. Swings and roundabouts. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
It's just that simple.
