In spite of a repeated failure to award decisions in the favour of the Red Devils, Atkinson will not be censured for his performance. However, experts speculate that his decision to play a mere 5 minutes of stoppage time may result in disciplinary action in the coming weeks should United fail to make up the lost ground.
John Terry's dramatic late winner was marred by controversy as charming Scottish midfielder Darren 'Naff Off' Fletcher was not given the customary benefit of the doubt for his aggressive tackle on (a now completely co-incidentally injured) Ashley Cole.
This poor decision was further compounded by Atkinson's failure to award a foul against Drogba during the resulting set piece. Drogba had also recently been booked for assaulting United defender Jonathan Evans' raised foot with his chest.
An FA spokesweasel said, "squeak."
After the game, BBC's Match of the Day 2 took great care to compile the single most impressive player analysis of all time, focusing on some sideways passes and some heroic 'glancing around' performed by Fletcher.
The mucky little bastard.