Ferguson: Goal Difference Worth an Extra Point

• Guardian, Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:45 PM

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that goal difference could be crucial in determining the fate of the EPL title. Good thing the Red Devils thumped Newcastle 5-1 this weekend, a result that moved them four goals ahead of league leader Arsenal on goal differential.

"We're scoring a lot of goals and, you never know, it could be an issue. We just want to make sure that, if it goes to goal difference, our own tally is good," Ferguson said. "I've always said that having a superior goal difference is worth an extra point. It could be vital this season with the championship being so close." If the Premier League race finishes level on points, the team with the higher goal differential would win.

The last time England's top flight was decided on goal difference was in 1989, when Arsenal squeaked by Liverpool with a dramatic last-gasp winner at Anfield to bring the title back to North London. Only four times in history has goal difference decided the title.

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