Give Us A Play-Off

May 11 2008

Avram Wants Shoot-Out To Settle The Title Chelsea V Bolton Today, Kick-Off 3pm Battle For The Title

AVRAM GRANT last night claimed a play-off would be the best way of deciding whether Chelsea or Manchester United are true Premier League champions.

The English superpowers go into today's final matches level on points.

But United have a better goal difference than Grant's Chelsea who know even victory at home to Bolton won't be any use if Sir Alex Ferguson's free-scoring side win at Wigan - and Grant believes that's unfair.

The Israeli reckons if teams are level on points at the end of the campaign then a one-off decider should settle the title.

Grant said: "United have played very good football but I prefer the system in Italy.

"You play a play-off if you're level and it is decided on that. I have interest now to say that but I like it anyway.

"Sometimes you score more goals against weaker teams. We've won games 6-0, 6-1, 4-0 and 3-0 this season. When you miss so many players the first target is to win games.

"But if you have the same points you're at the same level."

The Stamford Bridge gaffer smiled when it was suggested a winner-takes-all clash in Moscow combining the Champions League Final?

He said: "I think it's a good idea, can you tell the FA?"

The 17-goal gulf between Grant's side and United means they are clear second favourites ahead of the big kick-offs today.

But he feels the Blues have played some great football to push the champs all the way and he'll be proud even if skipper John Terry and his team-mates come up agonisingly short.

Grant said: "There is no doubt in the last month we have played good games.

"The best football at the right times against big teams and big managers. Whatever happens I will be proud of what we have done this season.

"Sir Alex said it was the best Manchester United side since he has been coaching. We've given them a battle.

"If they take the title - and I'm not sure they will - it will be on goal difference."

Grant also insisted his relationship with Ferguson will not be affected.

He said: "I promised him an Israeli wine and we're going to drink it before the Champions League Final. We're friends.

"I'm friends with other coaches who I've then gone out to try and beat.

"That's what happens. I wanted to beat him, even if he was angry with me afterwards."

Bolton are likely to provide a decent test for Chelsea and their gaffer Gary Megson is a huge admirer of Grant.

The pair have both had their fair share of flak and suffered image problems since taking up their positions last year.

And Megson feels their success - he has kept Bolton in the Premier League - is a welcome victory for the less celebrated bosses.

Megson said: "The fact Avram got the job and wasn't one of the big names or so-called 'glossy' managers seemed not to be the right thing to do.

"No one thought much about him but he has done brilliantly."

Megson also rubbished Kevin Keegan's claim that the Premier League is boring.

He said: "I was surprised at Kevin's comments.

"I know his sentiments and have got a lot of time for Kevin - but it's not boring at all.

"We're down to the last 90 minutes and we still don't know who has won it."