A Tangled Webb

A quick look at the match facts and you’d have to think that Manchester United v Chelsea was a pretty placid affair, whereas Fulham v Arsenal was all out war.

Interestingly, both games were assigned to Howard Webb, who according to Jose Mourinho is one of the Premiership’s top officials (as opposed to Graham Poll for instance, who is not currently flavour of the season with the Special One).

At Old Trafford, Mr Webb was extremely reluctant to put his hand in his pocket. He issued just one yellow card to United’s Michael Carrick and three to Chelsea players, each of whom was obliged to work very hard for it. Ashley Cole’s came late in the game after several fouls, particularly on Ronaldo; Makele earned his by deliberate handball and kicking the ball away to ensure that United gained no immediate advantage from the free kick; and Drogba had to go so far as to elbow a United player to get his (though Michael Ballack had elbowed both Ronaldo and Vidic in the first few minutes and was still overlooked).

What a transformation when just a few days later the highly rated Mr Webb appeared at Craven Cottage to take charge of Fulham v Arsenal. Clearly an absolute bloodbath. Six yellows for Arsenal – Senderos top scoring with two, followed by a red (more than any Chelsea player had been able to get out of Mr Webb); and one each for Flamini, Song, Robin Van Persie and that notorious Arsenal thug, Tomas Rosicky. Four yellows for Fulham – Rosenior, Boa Morte, Helguson and the angelic, mild mannered Michael Brown (who may be described as Fulham’s answer to Michael Ballack, with extra topping).

It’s comforting to know that we have referees like Howard Webb who may be relied upon to be utterly consistent at all times. Referees who are capable of distinguishing, and punishing, real malice – without being swayed by peripheral issues, such as the approval of a particular manager, or the fact that Arsenal are bottom of the foul play league in a major Sunday newspaper because they have attracted so few cards. Or more accurately were, pre-Webb.