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Lukas Podolski (L) celebrates with team mate Per Mertesacker (C) and Aaron Ramsey (R) after scoring during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic at Emirates Stadium on May 14, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)
Arsenal‘s 4-1 victory over Wigan has opened up the possibility of an incredible 39th game in the Premier League between Arsenal and Chelsea to decide the last automatic Champions League spot.
As things stand, Arsenal have played 37 with a record of 20-10-7 with 71 goals scored and 37 conceded. Chelsea have also played 37 with a 21-9-7 record with 73 goals scored and 38 conceded.
This means, that if Arsenal win at Newcastle 2 to 1, and Chelsea are held to a 0-0 draw by Everton, the two London teams will have an identical number of points, wins, losses, goals scored and goals conceded. According to the official Premier League handbook:
“If at the end of the season either the League Champions or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because 2 or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall playoff one or more deciding League Matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the Board.”
Thus Chelsea’s head to head record with Arsenal will not count and a neutral venue playoff will instead be held, most likely at Wembley. The winner will get the 3rd place spot, and the loser will have to settle for 4th and the annoyance of the Champions League qualifying rounds in August.
This will be hard on both squads after a long season, especially for Chelsea, given their deep runs in domestic cups and the Europa League. But for fans, it will be something unique and entertaining if it happens. Of course, it all depends on what happens on the final day, and it will be an interesting footnote to the already exciting race for third/fourth place.
