­Nothing puts football into perspective faster than the death of one of its finest ambassadors, particularly when he is tragically young.

Wales manager, and former midfield star, Gary Speed MBE, was found dead in his home on Sunday morning at the age of 42. Rarely injured or suspended, after making 535 Premier League appearances, winning 85 caps and captaining Wales, the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United playmaker looked set for an equally distinguished managerial career. Graeme Souness called him "a consummate professional". For this characteristic alone, he will be keenly missed.

The shocking news of Speed's death occurred midway through a weekend football program, whose results obviously paled in comparison, though could prove to have long-term consequences.

On Saturday, the biggest gainers were in-form Tottenham, who went third after coming from a goal down to win by a flattering 3-1 at battling West Brom. Emmanuel Adebayor netted his second brace in a week, as Spurs, with a game in hand, moved to within two points of an annoyed Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson fulminated after the 1-1 draw with ten-man Newcastle, in which Javier Hernandez had put United ahead, early in the second half. Yet the Magpies scooped the rare award of an Old Trafford penalty, ironically when it appeared Rio Ferdinand had won the ball from Hatem Ben Arfa. Demba Ba despatched the spot-kick and, despite Jonas Gutierrez seeing red late on, the visitors hung on for a cherished point, while United fumed over a lost two.

Arsenal fielded a top-flight team sans a Frenchman for the first time in over six years – and also stuttered in their top-four pursuit, after Belgian Thomas Vermaelen endeavored to score for both sides. The defender opened for Fulham in the second-half before swiftly making amends, but 1-1 it finished at The Emirates as the Gunners stayed seventh. Though Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas at least psychologically edged away from the managerial trapdoor by winning 3-0 at home, albeit to a struggling Wolves side.

Meanwhile at the wrong end of the table, Everton won 2-0 at ten-man Bolton to keep the tottering Trotters two points from safety. While Blackburn fans bayed for manager Steve Kean's head as Rovers lost 3-1 at Stoke to drop to the bottom.

However, Franco di Santo grabbed what could be a priceless last-gasp winner, as Wigan came back to triumph 2-1 at stumbling Sunderland, and leapfrog neighbors Blackburn. Wes Brown’s calamitous stoppage-time error gifted the Latics their first away win of the season – and added to the already hugely under pressure Steve Bruce's head-scratching woes. While at Carrow Road, Grant Holt netted the winner as Norwich beat QPR 2-1 in the battle of the promoted sides.

On Sunday, a stunned minute's silence, which turned into a spontaneous minute's applause, was held in honor of Gary Speed in his native Wales ahead of Swansea's home game with Aston Villa. In an emotionally charged atmosphere, the game finished unsurprisingly goalless. The news also overshadowed the previously much-anticipated match at Anfield, where Liverpool hosted league leaders Manchester City which, perhaps fittingly, also resulted in a draw.

Vincent Kompany opened after half an hour, as City looked for the victory that would put them seven points clear. But, within two minutes, Joleon Lescott sent his own 'keeper Joe Hart the wrong way to make it 1-1. Mario Balotelli came on to boost City's cause after 65 minutes – and went off 18 minutes later after two yellow cards. The Reds pressed, Hart was inspired, and 1-1 it stayed on a strained 47th birthday for City manager Roberto Mancini. Liverpool went sixth.

Ultimately, with the top two cancelling each other out, Tottenham and Chelsea pressing their claims, and Newcastle standing their ground, this week's results have meant that, as an exciting unpredictable tournament, the league itself had the biggest win. That's how it will seem eventually. For the time being, the Premier League, and all of football, will concentrate on mourning one of its biggest losses.

­The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT.