Chelsea face up to third-place play-off against Arsenal The Premier League did not have that luxury and, as in 1996 when Manchester United and Newcastle threatened to finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored in the title race, began making plans for a similar eventuality. The Football Association, Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham were all canvassed in an attempt to keep any play-off in London but Wembley was unable to stage an event before the Champions League final or Championship play-off final and the three club venues were ruled out for various reasons. Manchester City did not respond to requests for comment on the consequences of Chelsea pulling out of their two matches in St Louis and New York on May 23 and May 25. It was unclear who would foot the bill in the event of any cancellation, but it seemed unthinkable Chelsea could attempt to fulfil either fixtures with a crop of youngsters. Speaking before the Premier League announcement, Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benítez said of a play-off: "If we have to do it, the rules are the rules. I don't think that it's ideal. For it to happen, Chelsea must draw at home to Everton, with Arsenal winning by one goal at Newcastle but also scoring two more than Chelsea. The most likely combination of scores - still at very long odds - is 0-0 and 2-1. Reflecting on his time in charge, Benítez declared he had improved as a manager and had also improved Chelsea's players, who he felt could regain the Premier League title next season. He refused to be drawn on whether he would brave a lap of honour at Stamford Bridge for his final home match but claimed he could walk away regardless with his head held high. He insisted he would take away "a lot of good memories" and that it had been a good decision to take the job, adding: "The people will realise that we were waiting for an opportunity like this to manage a top side and we thought we could do it well." But while he might have no regrets, would he do it all over again? Yeah, why not?