Can the last kick of a match ruin a team's title chances? Quite possible, if it happens to be Arsenal.
A needless tackle by Emmanuel Eboue on Lucas Leiva in the 102nd minute of the game against Liverpool resulted in a penalty and the equaliser. Arsenal was thus deprived of a valuable two points, and possibly the crown too. The Gunners (63) now trail Manchester United by six points with six games remaining.
Certainly, this year has not been Arsenal's. It all started at St. James Park. Down 4-0 within half-an-hour, Newcastle staged one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history to share the honours in that fantastic encounter.
Then came the Carling Cup final. A mix-up between Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny in the final stages of the tie allowed Birmingham to score a goal and take home the cup.
Arsenal lost to a United team filled with reserves in the FA Cup quarterfinals before Nicklas Bendtner's terrible touch in the dying moments cost it the Champions League quarterfinals against Barcelona in the second leg at Camp Nou.
Arsene Wenger's men conceded further ground in the League race by drawing with Sunderland, the relegation-threatened West Brom and Blackburn on the home stretch.
Lacking conviction
The team has lacked conviction and character, and blown it away whenever it has had a chance to close the gap on the leader.
There's no doubt that the Frenchman's transfer policy and his investment in youth will be questioned yet again.
On the other hand, United looks destined to clinch the trophy. No one dare call this United squad the best that Ferguson has ever assembled, as the team has primarily cashed in on the generosity of other teams.
Though Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham threatened briefly, Arsenal remained its biggest threat. With the Gunners misfiring in recent times, the Red Devils are all poised to lay their hands on the glittering trophy again.
Tricky games
Having said that, the tricky games for United include a trip to the Emirates and a home game against Chelsea. Even if it loses both, it will finish first, thanks to its superior goal difference. (United has a match against Newcastle on Tuesday).
Meanwhile, Arsenal will travel to White Hart Lane for the north London derby on Wednesday, hoping to keep its title hopes alive for at least some more time.
