Two incidents`- both of which could have a significant bearing on the title race are the main talking points this week.

By Abhishek Mehrotra

The game against West Ham started encouragingly - with young Denilson rifling one in beautifully from distance.

Things were nicely set up for a typical Arsenal carnage, the type best enjoyed with beer and a dreamy smile. We failed to build on it however - seemingly content with a one goal lead going into the break.

That's when it happened. Thomas Vermaelen did some strange Belgian Jiu-jitsu trying to defend a long ball in the 44th minute and Franco went down as if he'd been hit by a raging bull.

The ref, perfectly placed to not see that whatever had happened had actually happened outside the box, promptly pointed to the spot and showed Vermaelen a red card to boot.

Almnia saved superbly from the ensuing penalty and Arsenal went on to win the game thanks to another penalty, this time in our favour (no doubts about this one) - but we might yet pay for the ridiculous sending off. More on that later though.

The second incident occurred in the game between Manchester United and Liverpool.

Antonio Valencia moved towards the Reds' penalty area, Daniel Agger virtually applauded him as he roared past and Javier Mascherano's slight tug sent the Ecuadorian tumbling into the box.

Now, I think that Valencia can only be brought down with a heavy crowbar applied carefully to the back of the head. But that's just me.

Again - the "foul" occurred outside the box. Again the ref deemed it fit to award a spot-kick.

Even if it was an infringement - the most it merited was a free-kick that Wayne Rooney-the-best-player-in-the-world (gimme a break) would likely have blazed over or smashed into someone's nether regions.

As it was, Rooney took the penalty, Reina saved but with lady luck smiling on his bald pate - the ball bounced right back to the striker - who bundled it in.

United then went on to win the game that most likely would have ended in a turgid draw which would have seen us level on points at the top.

Don't get me wrong. I'm chuffed at the performance we put in despite being reduced to 10 men. It was a perfect example of how much this team has toughened over the past couple of years.

But with the run-in well and truly on, other results matter too - which is why the two points (at least) that United should have dropped could yet prove to be vital. Oh well  - at least Chelsea dropped two points at Blackburn.

Looking to the future - Vermaelen is out for a game. He has been one of our most consistent performers this season. In fact, I would put him right up there with Fabregas and Song as the Top Gunners in 2009/10.

His absence means that Mikel Silvestre will probably come in alongside Sol Campbell. Of course, it is entirely possible that Wenger will put Song at the back with Denilson in a holding role - but I would prefer the former.

Silvestre, even though his best days are far behind, should be able to stand his own against Birmingham and Song has become a dominating presence in midfield.

I just hope Campbell and Silvestre manage to gel quickly and well.

Although this game should bring another three points - there is hardly any place for complacency.

We beat them comfortably 3-1 at the Grove back in October - but Alex Mcleish's men have surprised all with their showing this season. James McFadden and Lee Bowyer are the men to watch out for.

Early goals from us - lots of them preferably - will certainly help in settling nerves.

And then of course, there's the small matter of the Champions League match against Barcelona. What a spectacle that promises to be! Two of the most aesthetic teams in Europe going head to head.

There is also the return of Thierry Henry to look forward to, although his comments in midweek might force Pep Guardiola to leave him on the bench.

The good news is that William Gallas might be back for the first leg. We certainly need all hands on deck against the champions, especially with Lionel Messi making professional defenders look like wheelchair confined geriatrics on a weekly basis.

 The first leg is crucial and we certainly need to take a lead to the Nou Camp to make it past Barcelona.

There'll be plenty of talk, rumours and news before a ball is actually kicked on March 31. For now though - it's time to concentrate on Birmingham and get the three points.

And as always, do pray that United and Chelsea both lose by humongous margins.