If only there were still 2 points for a win, we'd be on 59 points going into the last game of the season, and the Mancs would be on 58.

Chelsea: won 25, drawn 9 = (2 x 25) + 9 = 59 points

Man U: won 26, drawn 6 = (2 x 26 + 6) = 58 points

kin-ell Lofty - you got some time on your hands?

On the same basis would the 'fool qualify for Europe?

kin-ell Lofty - you got some time on your hands?

Naa .. it's a habit, something I've done ever since they changed the points system

On the same basis would the 'fool qualify for Europe?

I can't be bothered to work out their "if only" points, but the answer to this one is .. not if I had anything to do with it.

'if only' you did!

If only Wigan didn't score THAT goal.

If only we didn't let Spurs back from 3-1 down

If only Tim Cahill didn't score at the Bridge

If only Ballacks 92nd minute goal against Villa could have been the winner

If only Man Utd didn't have Ronaldo.

If only Jose was still here,

you could point to so many things- if cech was at his very best (and touch wood no injuries next season will see him return to that form), would we be ahead in the league and winners of the carling cup?

but I hate that kind of "if only" because it's just extremely harsh.

Plain and simple : If only Man Utd didnt exist.

Exactly, because one could just as well say that if Styles was not refereeing that first match against Liverpool and if we did not get that dodgy penalty decision to allow us to steal a point at Anfield, things might have been different (I know it is only a point, but psychologically speaking, it would have likely cost us more points down the road).

Of course. But mine is the only "if only" that takes account of all other circumstances ..

Petr Cech hasn't been at his best, we've dropped/wasted a fair few points (Wigan at home et al) that should have been 3 safe points, we did have players away at the ANC, we've had more than our fair share of injuries, major disruption caused by a change of manager, Ronaldo has obviously sold his soul to the devil ... but even with all that, if there was still 2 points for a win, with the same set of results we'd be 1 point clear at the top.

It's just a little game I play, nothing more - but don't tell me I'm the only one, because I won't believe it! - the thing is, if both teams win next Sunday, this will unless I'm very much mistaken, be the first time since the introduction if 3 points for a win that a change in the points system has actually meant that the title goes somewhere else.

mmm I guess the only thing that your "if only" misses is that if it was still 2 points for a win the attitude of every side would be different... which was the reason for the 3 point rule's introduction, right?

You're right of course. My opinion when the points system was changed was that upping the ante for a win devalues a hard faught away draw. Now of course you could argue the case either way .. clubs are surely more likely to sit back trying to defend 3 points then they ever would when only 2 points were at stake? My little scenario makes the massive assumption that both teams would have had the same results ... which I admit is unlikely, but is one to throw about if Man U don't drop points on Sunday.

well you were there when it was 2 points so I daresay you're better placed to judge- it's a bit like the away goals rule- now people say that home sides are defensive as they fear conceding the away goal, though when it was introduced the idea was to give an attacking incentive to the away side.

these kind of permutation tend to make my brain bleed.

If only Jose was still here,

He was here last season.

If only we played 442 against lesser oppositions..

"If only" Robben and Duffer weren't made of glass. We'd have 100 points a year!!!

I'm sure the Mancs have 3 pages of "if only"s too...

You think so? Maybe you're right but I don't think you'll find one of them wishing if only there were still 2 points for a win.

I'm sure the Mancs have 3 pages of "if only"s too...

we've only got 2

You'll be pleased to know that Marcotti quoted this stat on 5 live this evening whilst arguing that a play off between the two teams would be a fairer way of settling it if we finish level on points.

You'll be pleased to know that Marcotti quoted this stat on 5 live this evening whilst arguing that a play off between the two teams would be a fairer way of settling it if we finish level on points.

I agree.

Unless we had the better goal difference of course.

You'll be pleased to know that Marcotti quoted this stat on 5 live this evening whilst arguing that a play off between the two teams would be a fairer way of settling it if we finish level on points.

Proof that Marcotti visits The Shed End

"If only" Robben and Duffer weren't made of glass. We'd have 100 points a year!!!

I miss them both

You'll be pleased to know that Marcotti quoted this stat on 5 live this evening whilst arguing that a play off between the two teams would be a fairer way of settling it if we finish level on points.

I dont agree with a playoff.........or in fact play offs in general (we were the first team relegated by them)......Its our own fault for getting one goal in games and sitting on it.....Everton and Wigan(although Kirkland played well we still wasnt over convincing) come to mind!!..........Utd get one and go for more we havent done that for an awful long time