Teenage striker Wayne Rooney guided Everton to a controversial 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday and dealt a hammer blow to the Tynesiders' title hopes.
Rooney, who helped England to a vital Euro 2004 qualifying win over Turkey last Wednesday, rounded of an unforgettable week for the 17-year-old by heading Everton in front after 18 minutes at Goodison Park.
French winger Laurent Robert rifled in a stunning equalizer just before halftime, but a superb solo run and pass by Rooney for Kevin Campbell led to a match-winning penalty converted by David Unsworth in the 65th minute.
However, Newcastle boss Bobby Robson was fuming after the referee ignored a knee-high tackle by Everton's Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen on Olivier Bernard before the ball even reached Rooney for his run.
"I thought it was an outrageous tackle, it's almost a red card," Robson told Sky Sports. "He already has a yellow card, so we know he has to go off. I just couldn't understand Mr. [Neale] Barry not seeing it and giving it.
"He played on for quite some time -- he must have known the player was injured and on the ground -- and then a penalty was awarded against us.
"It was a crucial decision. It's actually cost us the match ... it was a very bad decision. I think Mr. Barry will not sleep tonight."
Robson said he had not spoken to the referee after the game, adding, "I'd lose my rag [temper] with him and there's no point doing that."
Arsenal and Manchester United now look set for a thrilling two-horse race to the Premier League title after Newcastle United's loss.
Bookie's bets
Bookmakers William Hill watched the game and promptly marked Newcastle's title odds out from 9-1 to 16-1, with Arsenal still 4-7 favorites and Manchester United at 11-8.
Champions Arsenal remain the bookies' bet despite a bout of stuttering form which continued in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
Dumped out of the Champions League and with only four points from their last three games, Arsenal's dream of the Treble is now just that, while even a historic second consecutive Double is in jeopardy.
The north Londoners now have a week to re-group and prepare for four days which are likely to shape their entire season.
An FA Cup semifinal looms on Sunday against first division Sheffield United, while what looks like a winner-takes-all league clash with Manchester United follows at Highbury the next Wednesday.
Despite the pressure, manager Arsene Wenger continues to exude the kind of confidence which has so helped his players this season and so irritated his United counterpart Alex Ferguson.
Spin control
"The title is still in our hands," the Frenchman told reporters at Villa Park. "I am convinced of that. We will be up for it, have no worries about that. I don't think the momentum is especially with United."
Ferguson would probably beg to differ, having spent much of the season waiting for Arsenal drop the points which would enable his side to close in for the kill.
Arsenal have duly obliged and now face their last six games with United just behind them on goal difference, daggers drawn.
For the final battle, both clubs can point to factors in their favor.
While Arsenal have the FA Cup to contend with, United have the bigger distraction of the Champions League, with Real Madrid awaiting Ferguson's men at the Bernabeu today for their quarterfinal first leg.
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