Penalty Ignorance, But United Remain Top

As Manchester United travelled to Stoke for their sixth game of the Premier League season, spirits were high. On the back of a 3 - 1 victory over Chelsea and a 3 - 0 thrashing of rivals Leeds in mid-week, United would have felt confident of taking home three valuable, table-topping points against a tough Stoke City team, even without the vital Wayne Rooney in the side due to a hamstring strain.

However, a Crouch header and two ignored blatant penalty claims meant that Sir Alex Ferguson had to settle for just the one point at the Britannia, leaving Manchester United's impressive 100% record this season to drift sorrowfully into the distance. We mourn its passing.

It was an inevitability, and was always a possibility at Stoke considering their record against the big sides at home. A fierce home crowd and extraordinary physicality of the players who get incredibly tight to the opposition, efficiently snuffing out any danger, helped Stoke to restrict United from playing free-flowing football on the floor and creating chances.

Nani's opening goal came from some very patient play on the right hand side for United, passing it well under little pressure when suddenly a burst of pace and quick thinking from Darren Fletcher and the Portuguese winger created some space to smash the ball home. It was the 24 year old's third League goal of a very promising season for him, bringing his goal tally up to 5 in all competitions.

If a penalty had been given as it surely should have been in the third minute when Hernandez was brought down by Woodgate from behind in a one-on-one with Begovic, United would have probably been two goals ahead when Nani struck in the 27th minute. The referee, Peter Walton was not feeling in a generous mood however, and didn't feel that a foul which caused the Mexican striker to limp off with an injury inside the box was a penalty.

Immediately after the United goal, Stoke's Andy Wilkinson did all Manchester United fans and David de Gea defenders a favour by forcing a stunning save from the young Spanish goalkeeper. We had been led to believe that Sir Alex Ferguson had attempted to beef up his goalkeeper throughout the week to prepare him for the physical game, but despite de Gea still resembling a skinny 12 year-old with a suspect beard, he showed every bit of quality with a great reaction save, preventing the shot from tearing the top corner of the net.

Another save was squeezed out of de Gea before half time, as he dived across his goal to push away a Jonathon Walters shot which looked destined for the far corner. But 7 minutes into the second half, United's goalkeeper had been beaten, and his clean sheet disappeared. Etherington's curling cross found Crouch, who had, in turn, lost Phil Jones to head the ball powerfully beyond de Gea, much to the delight of the Stoke fans.

Another Crouch chance straight after the goal was blazed hilariously over, before the official's added to the comedy by denying United another penalty when an Evra shot hit Ryan Shawcross' raised arm in the box.

All in all, while United may feel aggrieved about the penalty decisions which did not go their way, the Stoke chances which were missed could have so easily struck the back of the net. There were a few bum-clenching moments for United fans, so a point will not be badly received at Old Trafford, despite the rare occasion in which Manchester United have been restricted to only the one goal this season.

It wasn't a game in which many players stood out as performing brilliantly, but Sir Alex put this down to the unsettling news of injuries creeping into his players minds and the teams performances. He said:

"In terms of the attacking part we showed some good play and maybe should have scored more. We've always done well here, but all the changes we had to make today [with injuries to Evans, Hernandez and Rooney] maybe just unsettled us a bit for parts of the game."

It is one draw among five other incredibly impressive wins. It's nothing to worry about.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Extraordinary Game At Old Trafford

Manchester United's game against Chelsea was rather extraordinary. So extraordinary in fact, that Fernando Torres scored a goal. He may have evened the anomaly out later with a hilariously awful miss, but the very fact that he actually scored a goal on a football field is bizarre beyond belief. But enough of the blatant, casual abuse of poor old Fernando Torres who didn't actually have too bad a game at all, let's get down to the match.

It was a game billed as "magical" pre-match by Sky, and the first half certainly had a whiff of fantasy about it, with three goals scored by Manchester United, which on another day may never have happened. Smalling opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a powerful header thanks to a sublime cross from Ashley Young. Nani then got in on the act just as Chelsea were pressing the home side with a stunning display of individual skill and technique, while Rooney topped the half off with his ninth of the season.

Yet the first two could have easily been called for offside, and the third was incredibly lucky to fall conveniently into Wayne Rooney's path. At this point in the game, United had attempted around four shots on goal, scoring three. This compared to Chelsea's 10 or so, and you'd need to applaud United for the clinical edge they possessed against their biggest test of the season.

They may not have been at their best, but with a front three with the quality of Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Nani, all in magnificent form, it didn't matter. Chances were always going to be created with those three leading the line, and all three played a big part in at least one of the goals scored. It comes as no surprise that with those three, United have put a brilliant 21 goals past their opposition in only five games.

The central midfield pairing of Anderson and Fletcher is a very different two from that of Anderson and Cleveley, but United welcomed back their virus-struck Scot, who has always been a player for the big games. He put in a solid display as usual, while the Brazilian, who has had an impressive start to the season was able to get back on track after a shaky, sloppy start which saw him gift Chelsea the ball a number of times.

The second half could have been so different, and United fans were worried when Torres struck just 30 seconds into the half. Not too worried however, because despite Torres scoring a very rare goal to make some believe that the magic of the game could help Chelsea's cause, Manchester United simply do not lose a three goal lead at home.

Chelsea pressed, and certainly had golden opportunities to score at least a couple more, but a mixture of fierce defending, poor finishing and sheer luck prevented any more goals hitting the back of the net. Rooney missed a penalty, Hernandez was on the end of a shocking tackle in the penalty area which could rule him out for a few weeks, and as mentioned before, Torres missed a sitter.

A thoroughly entertaining game ended with Manchester United remaining at the peak of the Premier League table, clear by two points after Manchester City drew away at Fulham leaving United the only team in the top division with a 100% record.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Arsenal Satisfied Despite Conceding Stunner

Arsene Wenger's subtle fist pump when the final whistle was blown in Germany told you all you need to know. Confined to the stands, and guarded intently by two rather large body guards due to a European touchline ban, Wenger watched over his Arsenal players from high up as they battled for the all important point, and despite being so close to the win, Wenger was satisfied by what his side got.

The atmosphere was harsh and intimidating, with over 80,000 football fans urging their side on with typical unwavering passion, and with both sides needing a kick start in their Champions League campaign inside the potentially very tricky Group F, a lot was riding on this game.

Dortmund's free-flowing play contrasted with Arsenal's inability to get the ball and keep hold of it, and then go forward in attack. There were one or two good chances for the Gunners to open the scoring, but very few were clear cut, with one Gervinho chance in particular in the first half in which he rounded the keeper only to have a weak shot cleared off the line standing out as Arsenal's best chance early on.

Dortmund were able to surge forward again and again with confidence, helped by their exuberant and talented young players, especially 19 year-old German Mario Gotze who will most certainly be a big star in the very near future. The young man's quick thinking and silky skills often left the Arsenal defence in disarray, and with better finishing and final product, Arsenal will have been punished far more.

Otherwise, Mertesacker and Koscielny held together well, battling to keep the young German clubs attack at bay despite a few worrying moments, the back two being helped a lot by the impressive Alex Song who broke up the play a number of times, relieving the considerable pressure off the defence.

Arsenal's resilience and luck paid off when the captain Robin van Persie intercepted a very poor pass in the 42nd minute from Dortmund's Sebastien Kehl. Walcott uncharacteristically played a good ball through the defence, showing a rare moment of footballing vision for van Persie to chase and finish to give Arsenal the lead.

Dortmund then realised they needed to buck up their ideas, and despite a number of chances as well as huge support from the home crowd, only an absolute stunner of a goal could win them a point. Ivan Perisic's volley from just outside the area late on few delightfully into the top corner of Sczcesny's net, met with fiercely joyful roars from the home crowd, desperate for something from the game.

All in all, it was an improved performance on Arsenal's behalf, as they seek to get back on track after a terrible start to their campaign. The Swansea win at the week-end was by no means convincing, but an away point to the German Champions will certainly lighten the mood as the Arsenal players travel back to London quietly satisfied by a result soured only by a sweet strike right at the end.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Arsenal Collapse - United Punish

When Arsene Wenger sat in the Arsenal bus on the way to Old Trafford today, he couldn't have expected much from the group of players he had sitting behind him. There they were, headphones on, training kits ready, the Arsenal badge placed firmly on their chest. Little did they know the footballing misery that was to befall them in the Theatre of Dreams.

"I believe we'll be up for it and have the quality," said the Frenchman as he stood before Geoff Shreeves. Remarkably oblivious, or simply blinded by optimism? In truth, no one will have expected such a rout from Manchester United which Arsenal became victims of - eight goals to two? Stunning.

I've said it before, and will say it again; at the moment, the two clubs are the complete antithesis of each other. In quality, in depth, in direction, in experience, in know-how, in common sense, in understanding of the game, today, they were miles apart. Yes, Arsenal had a weakened side, but conceding eight goals is incredible, and to concede eight goals when you are expected to be challenging for trophies is quite unbelievable.

Wenger cut a lonely figure on the away team bench, and as Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie came off the join the substitutions, none of them could muster the tenacity to look each other in the eye. The Arsenal team were humiliated and embarrassed by some awful defending, amateur mistakes and a huge lack of Arsene Wenger's favourite two things; "spirit" and "belief."

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson on the other hand, were full of confidence on the back of two successive Premier League victories, and had no room for sympathy. It was a day in which their biggest rivals in City had won at Spurs, scoring an impressive five goals, and United aren't ones for being second best, especially against the blue side of their City, so winning against Arsenal was the only option.

Indeed, after winning convincingly against Tottenham on Monday, United were favourites for this game, and from the off, there didn't seem to be any doubt that this would be a game to remember for this young United side.

There were some fantastic individual performances in the United team, but it was the way that they played together which was so impressive, especially considering the expectation on their young shoulders - and yes, there was expectation. As favourites to win the big match throughout the weeks build-up, it would have been easy for the players to become complacent, and take a win for granted in front of the home crowd.

From the defence, through to the midfield and up to the two young and exceptionally talented pair of Englishmen in attack, the team was confident, assured, lucid and ready for the challenge before them. Admittedly, it didn't turn out to be too big of a challenge but it is a sign of a strong footballing side, when the players can punish the opposition whatever level they play at just like they did against the Gunners.

The Welbeck opener spelled disaster for Arsenal, as a cheeky chip from Anderson flew over the defence, and left Johan Djourou in no man's land for Welbeck to show his strength and nod the ball passed the unfortunate Sczcesny.

The Polish goalkeeper had very little defence throughout the game, with the four at the back getting drawn to the ball instead of staying with their markers too many times. Against United, you simply cannot do that.

Rooney grabbed a hat-trick, and in doing so, his 150th, 151st and 152nd goals for Manchester United, as he comes closer to cementing his place among the United legends. Ashley Young grabbed a sublime double, Nani, who was quite frustrating throughout as he complicated simple moves with often unsuccessful shows of needless extravagance, finished with a cool chip into the net, while Park came on for the Portuguese winger to score his customary goal against the Gunners.

David de Gea's penalty save while United were one goal ahead was crucial for both his confidence in himself and the fans' confidence in him, as well as for the route to victory in the game, however, he needs to better with shots like Theo Walcott's which from a tight angle, crept beneath his legs. He is improving every game, and soon the creases will be ironed out for this young talent, much like the whole United side.

While the goals were extremely well worked, creative and scored and created by some marvellous talents, Arsenal didn't pose a great challenge, and United will have to keep improving to beat the best. It just so happens that they have the best manager in the world to guide them in that fruitful, trophy winning direction.

As for Arsenal, like I've said before, Wenger's need for spirit and belief simply is not enough to realistically compete when they have a severe lack of quality players in their squad depth. It is a ferociously rocky period, and pressure is rising dramatically, but with a few signings, players back from injuries and suspensions, a manager given full support and confidence, Arsenal could be back to winning ways soon. The pivotal word in that sentence being "could." Nothing is guaranteed.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Manchester United Youngsters Shine Again

When Manchester United turn up the pace, when the players pull up their socks, and the manager fires out his orders to his team, it's scary. Scary for the opposition at least, because for the United fans, it's fantastic.

The first half had ended in stalemate, with neither side dominating too much of possession or chance, however the pace in the second half dramatically increased. Sir Alex Ferguson, beginning his 26th season as United manager had given his young players a mission, and they didn't disappoint.

The three youngsters in the back four were immense. They may not have been troubled too much, but against Tottenham, they needed to keep the likes of Rafael Van der Vaart, Gareth Bale, Arron Lennon and Jermaine Defoe quiet, and they seemed to do it with ease. Chris Smalling played on the right, while 19 year-old Phil Jones and 23 year-old Jonny Evans filled in the middle for Ferdinand and Vidic.

Smalling has already proved himself to United, with a solid season last year after joining from Fulham, but the Old Trafford crowd had seen little from their £16.5 million signing Jones, while Evans' form has been on and off.

Powerful, steady and authoritative are words which could describe their performance, with no mishaps at the back to speak of at all. All three are also very comfortable on the ball, and can pass it around between them, creating time for a clearance, or drive the ball out themselves, with a strong surge up field. It's thrilling to think that these three are the Manchester United back line of the future.

Behind them was a 20 year-old Spaniard. David de Gea - ever heard of him? His appearances in the press being labelled unbelievably as a flop will for now have been forgotten, with a much improved performance in front of his supportive fans. A piece of trickery under pressure from an incoming Van der Vaart may have given some a mini heart-attack, but when kicked to the ground, the whistle was blown and all was safe.

He had a more troublesome second half, as the Spurs players fired more frequently at the goal, hoping for a spill or blunder. A typically heavy-duty blast from Tom Huddlestone late was dropped, but recouped quickly by de Gea, who snatched it away from Defoe just in time for a nasty kick from the England striker, but nothing too serious. It's promising.

The midfield was as it was in the Community Shield. The player in that attacking six are in the early stages of creating a very encouraging bond, in which the awareness is immense, allowing the passing to be quick and probing, to allow the team to be one step ahead of the opponent.

United's starting eleven, the team of youth, filled to the rim with fiery and enthusiastic quality, had an average age of 23, and for all the money the club have and may yet spend this summer, it was a pair of free local lads who broke the deadlock.

Tom Cleverley, who had a relatively quiet first half whipped in a marvellous, pin point cross which was met by Danny Welbeck, who glanced a precise header into the far corner, past the veteran Brad Friedel. The American goalkeeper had frustrated United before, but there was nothing he could do about this wonderfully simple but crucially effective goal which began the onslaught.

The goal came on the hour mark, and for the final thirty minutes, United completely dominated. Welbeck had scored one, and created the next, with a cute back heel in the box to set up Anderson for an easy side foot which bulged the net delightfully.

Rooney, the ever present and very much needed talent of the United attack grabbed a well deserved goal, thanks to a cross from the old man in the team, Ryan Giggs. He came on in a triple substitution, which saw the return of Javier Hernandez from concussion, and Ji Sung Park, only for a cameo - but with Giggs, every performance counts.

A trademark cross hung in the air for Rooney and his brand new hair to knock in with a perfect header, topping off the win with a mix of the accomplished old with the blossoming new.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

West Brom 1 - 2 Manchester United

It wasn't a perfect start, but it was a win that means Manchester United grabbed all three points against West Brom to move into second place behind Bolton Wanderers in their first game of the new season.

Rooney's early goal for United was slick and clever. He began the move with a improvised flick, and finished it with a wholly intended, precise strike of his left foot, opening his account early in the season - a perfect time for any striker.

United controlled, as attacking players such as Nani and Young looked to cause probems down the wings as well as inside, but neither had the delivery as yet to add to the one goal already achieved.

Whilst one new signing in Ashley Young looked bright, the same could not be said for £18.5 million signing, David De Gea, in the United goal. His talents will unfortunately be called into question after another suspect performance in the net, off the back of the long range conceded goal from Edin Dzeko against City in the Community Shield.

As West Brom's new recruit from Reading, Shane Long cut inside the United area, he hit a hopeful shot from a tight angle. There was little pace in the strike, and the United defenders half turned away, with the expectation that De Gea would wrap his hands around the ball with ease.

This was not the case however, and the ball squirmed underneath his arms, as the 20 year-old failed to get down quickly enough, prompting Long and the rest of Roy Hodgson's team to wheel away in delight at their unexpected equaliser.

The goal, at 37 minutes, gave the home side a lot of confidence, and were able to get forward with more bite than before, to attempt to snatch a second goal.

Their large midfielder Somen Tchoyi used his power a number of times to hold the ball up in attacks, and got the better of the considerably smaller Fabio throughout the game, but to no avail. He came close with a swerving cross just before half time which caught De Gea slightly off guard, as he quickly corrected himself with a backwards dive to prevent another embarrassing effort fly into the top corner.

As the first half ended, all eyes were on a disappointed De Gea as he spat into his gloves and walked down the tunnel with his head down. It hadn't been the best half for him, and he will have felt responsible for the scoreline in the away dressing room during the break.

The second half saw both of Manchester United's centre half's substituted because of injuries, as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand limped off, Ferdinand with a hamstring injury. However, with United's new recruit Phil Jones, and young defender Jonny Evans, Sir Alex has no shortage of defensive options to come on and defend strongly.

Ashley Young's contribution in the game was topped off late on with a run down the left, in which a low shot come cross deflected twice to bounce awkwardly and luckily past former United keeper Ben Foster and into the net. It was the goal that proved to be the winner.

There are a lot of positive to come out of the game for United. One being the impressive performance from Ashley Young, who was awarded the man of the match award and another being the young central midfielder Tom Cleverley putting in a solid, assured shift.

Those positives may be overlooked by the De Gea display, but make no mistakes - a win, away from home, however lucky the winner may have been is a win.

  Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.

"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.

"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.

"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."

Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Nightmare Day for United as Liverpool Cruise to Victory

Watch the Match Highlights Here

What a bad game that was for Manchester United. Seeking to take advantage of an Arsenal slip up to Sunderland was not going to be easy against a rejuvenated Liverpool side, but no one would have predicted such a poor performance and miserable result for Ferguson to ponder.

After a good start from Liverpool, United got hold of possession, and started to control the game. The first goal changed it all, and after that, frustration showed, with tackles flying in from every angle, culminating in four yellow cards at the end of the first half.


Three very very avoidable goals were conceded, all falling to the fortunate but as always hard working Dutchman Dirk Kuyt - inside the six yard box every time. The first saw Luiz Suarez carve open the makeshift United defence with complete ease, passing into the path of Kuyt lurking on the line for an easy tap in. All United had to do was stop Suarez. They didn't.

Next, and Nani grabbed another assist for the season, as he temporarily forgot which side he was playing for, unhelpfully nodding the ball back into the United area rather than clearing it, for Kuyt to pounce with an easy header to finish. Nani was then rewarded by Liverpool with a knee-high challenge from Jamie Carragher which saw the winger have tears streaming down his face as he was stretchered off to boos from the Anfield crowd. Rather ungrateful seeing as he just helped you to a win, isn't it?

The cherry was placed firmly onto the Reds delicious (for them) cake, when a Luiz Suarez free kick was parried away by van der sar only to the feet of - guess who - Dirk Kuyt. His first ever Liverpool hat trick, and a hat trick that had come at the worst possible time for Manchester United, as they now had to climb a momentous mountain to come back from three goals down.

The consolation came late on, and was a matter of way too little, way too late. Take nothing away from the classy finish from the excellent Javier Hernandez whose header was placed perfectly into the corner after a difficult and massively frustrating day at the office, this little guy will see a lot more goals in this fixture in the future. No doubt.

It was a terrible display from United, who do not move six points clear of Arsenal, but instead stay just the three points ahead, knowing that Arsenal have a vital game in hand.

A goal for United early in the first half would have changed everything. A breakthrough would have lifted the team, and given some belief to work with. As it was however, the team looked noticeably uninspired all game, and could muster nothing to respond to the three goals that meant anything in terms of the game. The Hernandez goal may prove valuable in the long run in relation to goal difference, but it won't lighten my spirits too much.

No creativity - again a phrase banded around here, but it is true. I am quietly pleased that once again the midfield failed to grab hold of the game by the scruff of the neck, as it may open Ferguson's eyes to the obvious need of some creative midfielders and a holding player. United really will fall behind the pack next season if this isn't sorted.

Arseal will be delighted with this result, and will have breathed a sigh of relief after their goalless draw yesterday. The Gunners will now be able to see that as one point gained rather than two lost, and give them the confidence to push on and overtake the wavering United, who have now lost two on the bounce.

That Arsenal - Manchester United game is looking more and more pivotal in this title race, and after this result may well decide which way this title swings. Hopefully United will have sorted themselves out by then.

WATCH: Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham Carling Cup Final

Match Report Here

Arsenal 0 - 1 Birmingham [Zigic]



Arsenal 1 - 1 Birmingham [van Persie]



Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham [Martins]

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona: Brilliant Comeback Does Gunners Proud

When Arsenal went behind to a David Villa goal, it looked as if some impressive Arsenal play would count for absolutely nothing as Barcelona looked to keep possession and settle, as they capably do, with the 0 - 1 result. They may not have expected then, that Arsenal, in front of their brilliantly supportive fans who stayed on their side all night would bravely fight back for a memorable win at the Emirates - their first ever win against Barcelona.

It is hard to pick out an Arsenal player who had a bad game. Every one of them did themselves proud, with the young Jack Wilshere doing particularly magnificently among some of the greatest central midfielders on the planet. He was brilliant at knocking the ball around as well as getting out of some tricky and tight situations, portraying a footballing age years beyond his own 19.

The Arsenal defence, often questioned and exposed as their main weakness, was resilient and made very few mistakes - only falling asleep a couple of times, with only one of those instances being punished. Koscielny was very good at the back and coped with the explosive attack of Barca very well.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, and it did fly by, with the football from both sides being typically technically wonderful, and at times was end to end football. The entertaining game was constantly competitive, with Arsenal being spurred on by their excellent fans who played a very big part in the comeback, giving the players the belief that they needed to pick themselves up after some rocky spells.

A blasted Van Persie shot from an impossible angle caught Victor Valdes on his near post as he occupied himself with the prospect of a flashed cross. The Dutch striker caught everyone out with the shot, and it took a moment to sink in for the fans that the back of the net was bulging.

Five minutes later, and the breathtaking comeback was complete with an Andrei Arshavin winner. He popped off the bench late on and in a counter attack which saw the surprise starter Samir Nasri (after injury) roll it back almost in slow motion, the little Russian stroked the ball past Valdes for a second time. He wheeled away to the delight of the Arsenal fans who mustn't have believed the astonishing sight, as Barcelona players held their heads in their hands.

Arsenal should enjoy it while they can. Yes, they have beaten one of the best teams in the world for the first time in Barcelona. Yes, they showed excellent character to come back from behind. Yes they take a lead into the second leg. But, the second leg will be far higher task for them to complete. The atmosphere will be hostile, the players will be up for it, and Arsenal will be desperate to cling on to their win.

It would be absolutely fantastic for English football and Arsenal if they could pull off an aggregate win over Barcelona at Camp Nou. But it will be, as they undoubtedly know, a very tough task. Even if they do not, they can take great solace in the fact that they have improved from last year and shown great character to come from behind and win. They should use this as a spring board for better things, and finally come of age.

The Unbeaten Run Is Over, But United are Still Top

The unbeaten record has been destroyed, and by the most unlikely of opponents. Wolves, who lie bottom of the Premier League table were expected to have been rolled over by Manchester United, especially after the title challengers scored an early goal through Nani. But this was another case of away day trouble for United, who have struggled all year on the road, and the Red Devils simply ran out of ideas at the time they needed them the most. The resistance of Wolves was too much for United to crack as they desperately attempted to keep their unbeaten record in tact but Wolves kept hold of their fragile lead, and by the end, Wolves players walked off, battered and bruised, with bloodied noses and exhausted legs after their biggest win of the season.

United could have gone seven points clear at the top after Arsenal threw away a four goal lead to draw at Newcastle, but the advantage was not taken, and the Arsenal draw all of a sudden looks a much better result for Gunners' fans.

3 minutes in, and United looked to be on their way to setting a new club record of 30 games unbeaten in the league when Nani added to his impressive goalscoring tally as he cut inside on the right to fire a shot past the Wayne Hennessey.

Only seven minutes later, the massive George Elokobi headed past a helpless van der sar in the United goal after a wonderful cross from Matt Jarvis. Wolves were not going down without a fight - that much was clear. Elokobi (or Doyle) scored for Wolves as they both met a Milijas free-kick to score from six yards out. This was certainly not the first time United had been behind in a game - but it was the first time they have been so and not been able to claw themselves back into it.

In truth, United have been lucky to keep their unbeaten going this long, and their inconsistency has been exposed against Wolves. Ferguson's side were not good enough today, they didn't have enough creativity in the midfield and could therefore not provide for the strikers with Berbatov, United's top scorer being nothing more than a passenger. The defence, without Rio Ferdinand who was injured in the warm up fell asleep for the first goal, something that has been too common an appearance this season.

Excuses can be made for the not so smooth playing surface and strong winds but this was really just a poor performance from a team that didn't turn up and didn't perform. It was just unfortunate that they were against a side that although lacking in millions of pounds of quality, made up in passion and resilience to defy all the odds and overcome the League leaders. The better side won, and United can get used to this sort of result if they continue to play as bad as that.

In terms of League position, nothing changes - United stay top and Wolves stay bottom, however this won't be much of a consolation to the poor United, who were outdone in most areas of the pitch against the bottom side. But it does gives Wolves some well needed momentum as they come to the back end of what looks to be a fierce relegtion battle.

Manchester United 5 - 0 Birmingham

Ben Foster suffered a miserable return to Old Trafford, conceding five goals to the ever potent attack of Dimitar Berbatov with his third hat-tick of the season, Ryan Giggs with a wonder goal and a Nani strike that is becoming a familiar feature at Old Trafford. 

The Premier League's top scorer opened the scoring in the second minute. Some supporters may have been just settling into their seats, preparing for a tough game against resilient opposition, but no sooner had they sat, they were back on their feat celebrating Dimitar Berbatov heading in from a yard out thanks to a Ryan Giggs corner which was headed on from O'Shea at the near post to the Bulgarians awaiting forehead.

Less than thirty minutes later, and Berbatov had grabbed another goal, but this time with his feet. An attacked stared from the middle of the park and red shirts bursted forward in numbers, but only Rooney and his strike partner were needed. Rooney was given the ball, ran and passed it to Berbatov on the edge of the box, and after getting it out of his feet, struck it passed the helpless Foster.

The third goal Sir Alex Ferguson called "very, very exciting". In a reversal of roles, Berbatov tackled a Birmingham defender in the final third, and fed it to Rooney. Rooney then clipped it back to the Bulgarian, and ran down the right wing and waited for the return ball. He got it, and smashed it across the face of the goal for the waiting Ryan Giggs on the corner of the six yard box to blast into the roof of the Birmingham net.

United were on the attack again and again, but there was no goal for Rooney. He missed a golden opportunity too, as a Nani cross flew into the box, and as Rooney did so many times last year, he made his deadly run to smash it into the net. Unfortunately for him and United, the ball didn't quite make contact, and another chance for Rooney was gone. He was, and has been throughout the season, a creator of goals and not the scorer, and is still hugely valuable to United in this sense, but a few more goals would be welcome.

The fourth began from veteran keeper van der sar in the United goal. He hoofed it up field, and waiting on the left wing was Rooney to bring it down beautifully, and slot it through to Giggs in the box. The Welsh winger then hit it into the box for the brilliant hat-trick to be completed.

There was a little mix up in the United defence, a rare Nemanja Vidic mistake, as he was unable to get a cross out of his feet. The ball was taken off of him in the box, and it was crossed into flashing right past Edwin van der sar in the goal, only for it to be missed by Keith Fahey at the far post. It was an open goal, and all that was needed was a simple tap in, but the pace of the ball was too much to control from a yard or so out. Maybe this was what Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger meant when he said United were "a bit" lucky to still be unbeaten.

The final goal came from Nani; his eighth of the season, and he did it somewhat familiar fashion. On the right, he cut inside, and from outside the box, cut inside on his left and smashed it into the bottom left corner to seal the win for United, and cap a miserable day for Birmingham and Foster in goal.

When asked about the Bulgarian's display, who took his tally for the season to 17 in the Premier League, he admitted:

 "It was marvellous.

"He could have scored more and we were a bit wasteful at times with our finishing, but you can't complain at that performance.

"I think it helps when you score an early goal. When we scored they had to open up and I think we capitalised on that.

"It was a good scoreline at half-time, I was able to take Patrice Evra off to give him a break and bring young Fabio on. And then I was able to take Ryan off because we've got a big game on Tuesday."

I say it week after week, but I have no choice: United remain unbeaten. Some performances this season have been poor, and the Red Devils have come out very lucky to still have that unbeaten record, but this performance was certainly not one of them. Birmingham were totally outplayed and United sit proudly at the top of the table.

Arsenal beat Wigan convincingly too, and now sit second, 2 points behind United, while Manchester City lost to Aston Villa which sees them drop to third. It was certainly a good day for United, despite the Arsenal win. Maybe now United can sort out their away form and cruise to a Premier League unbeaten season with an improved away record.

Tottenham 0 - 0 Man Utd: 9 men & Vidic Keep out Spurs

Tottenham huffed and puffed against Manchester United, but were unable to blow the mighty Vidic's defence down as the Red Devils just about made sure that their unbeaten run continues for another week. It was defence against attack as the midfield of Tottenham really controlled most of the play with Luka Modric spraying the ball around to his team mates in search of the killer pass, but it was just out of reach, largely due to the magnificent defence of United.

The two wide players for Tottenham, Bale and Lennon, who were expected to be the difference between the two sides didn't have the best of games, and were unable to make much of an impact. Only a couple of their crosses managed to find a Tottenham players waiting head, but no finish could be found. That was the problem for Tottenham really, they had most of the offensive possession, but just couldn't slice open the organised solidity of the defence, even when United went a man down.

Rafael da Silva was sent off in the 74th minute for a second "bookable" offence. I say "bookable" in inverted commas because the decision to give him that second yellow was, although seemingly inevitable, questionable. When the Brazilian defender picked up his first yellow card early on, I had a strong feeling that with his passion, commitment and refusal to back out of any tackle, the likely possibility was that he would get another. He did, but it wasn't from a malicious, dangerous or cynical tackle - it was a clip on the back of Assou-Ekkoto's heel as hey both ran for the ball. It was obvious that it was an accident - even the sometimes naive Rafael wouldn't have been stupid enough to purposely trip the opponent on a yellow card - but the referee, Mike Dean was his usual, unsympathetic or understanding self and harshly brandished the red.

As it happened, Bale wasn't able to exploit the left wing in the absence of Rafael, and the game ended with United on the attack - despite being under pressure from Tottenham ever since the dismissal.

Overall, United's play was pretty poor. It was clear they wanted to win, and definitely could have won, but the passing was bad. The final ball was disappointing. The attacking was almost non existent apart from a couple of good attacks which led to a few chances, but not as much as United would have liked. Perhaps the only real positive to be taken was the outstanding performance from the defenders, ad come to think of it, the togetherness of the team when they went a man down.

While earlier in the season United may have conceded a clumsy goal late on, they were resilient tonight, as the best centre back partnership in the League, Ferdinand and Vidic proved their worth to the United team with some invaluable tackles, headers away and clearance.

Manchester United go back to top spot, ahead of Manchester rivals City on goal difference while Tottenham move to within a point of fourth place Chelsea. It was, in the end, another clash of two strong teams that was, although entertaining, over hyped.

Quantity of Points - Not Quality of Performances that Matter For United

Manchester United may have dominated the most part of the game against Stoke City, but the Potters made it hard for United on a night which saw the Red Devils move three points clear at the top of the table after a 2 - 1 win at Old Trafford.

Javier Hernandez opened the scoring with a wonderful finish in the 26th minute thanks to a low cross from the returning Nani to the near post and back-heeled (or something clever) by the "Little Pea". A little man with big talents, and certainly a future of celebrating in front of the Old Trafford faithful is guaranteed for this exciting Mexican. This particular celebration however, lasted only until early in the second half, when Stoke equalised through Dean Whitehead. A cross from Tuncay saw the Stoke midfielder jump above the United defenders and nod home a ball which seemed to bounce in slow motion past Tomaz Kuszczak who stumbled across his goal line to no avail.

This had happened before. It will also happen again this season. Something else that will happen again is United coming back from the blow, and after a brief spell of the "Oh. Its happened again" atmosphere running through the stadium, Nani came up with a spectacular 20 yard shot with his left foot which glided beautifully into the top corner of the Stoke net. Despite just returning from a hip injury, the Portuguese isn't showing any signs that his good form is about to stop.

Stoke didn't offer too much in the attacking third after that, which United fans will be very thankful for, after seeing their side concede far too many late goals which cost them games. It may not have been the best performance - but the three points have been won - and a very valuable three points at that, with the 2nd and 3rd place teams, Manchester City and Arsenal playing tomorrow.

That fact still remains too - Manchester United are unbeaten this season in the League, proving that you don't have to play well to win games - although I suspect United fans would rather the team did play well while winning games. Well, you can't have everything.

Braga 2 - 0 Arsenal - Watch Goals - Fabregas & Eboue Injured

Watch the goals on the links below.

Braga First Goal

Braga Second Goal

Tempers were running high after the game, with Arsenal furious with the referees decision not to give a penalty to Arsenal, which could have changed the game in Arsenals favour. Carlos Vela was booked for a dive when he was clearly brought down, but this cannot mask the poor perfomance from the London side.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was brought off in the 69th minute and Wenger said:

"Fabregas has a hamstring injury so it's difficult to predict how long he will be out for. But he will definitely be out for the weekend."

While Emmanuel Eboue was also added to the injury list after a nasty challenge on him from behind. Wenger said:

"Eboue will be out for a few weeks because he took a very bad tackle, unpunished. It is a medial knee ligament injury."

Wenger wasn't finished there however. He went on to claim his team are in an unlucky period of their season which will pass while he critisized UEFA's additional officials and branded the system "useless".

"We are going through a period where we have bad luck, we had Eboue kicked off the park without any punishment and we also had the penalty turned down.

"What was the fifth official doing? We have another proof that it is absolutely useless, this system.

"Then when we were 10 against 11, we made a mistake at the back, there was a minimum of communication and that's where we were punished."

"[Not having qualfied yet] is a concern, but we'll make it."

Defender Johan Djourou added:

"It's very hard to take."

The two goals came late on in the game - both in counter attacks from Braga in which Arsenal were left short at the back. Clinical finishing played a big part as you can see above, but Arsenal really should have been looking for a simple win against the Portugese club.

There will be calls again for Wengers reign to be over at Arsenal; extremist views, but views which are becoming more understandable as the dissapointing results keep coming in. It is hard to take for the patient Arsenal fans everywhere, but Wenger knows this. The bad results may be a wake-up call - a call that will alert Wenger to the need for improvements to his squad; a new goalkeeper? Stronger defenders? Or maybe it is simply a physcological problem.

Arsenal have good quality players, and they have a manager widely regarded as a football genius. It is odd then that they have so many weaknesses, or rather such a large single weakness.

Arsenal 2 - 3 Tottenham - Redknapp: We can win the Title

Arsene Wenger watched his team throw away a two goal lead against arch rivals Tottenham at the Emirates, and was it is fair to say he was absolutely furious - Pat Rice next to him must have been fearing for his own safety as Wenger threw a bottle to the floor in a passionate show of rage.

Arsenal dominated the first half with an early nine minute goal from Nasri as he went round Gomes and from a tight angle slipped the ball in the net. Chamakh then doubled the lead with his ninth goal of the season after a cute cross from Arshavin on the left.

Harry Redknapp sent on Jermain Defoe on at half time in the hope that the game would swing on its head. It did.

A long ball played forward was met with Jermaine Defoe - beating an Arsenal defender in the air, with van der vaart running on to it. Bale made a run down the middle just to the right of van der vaart, and there was no doubt that the Dutchman would find him. Bale duly and expertly slotted the ball passed a diving Fabianski to set up the Tottenham comeback.

A free kick was awarded to Tottenham just passed he 65th minute, and as van der vaart struck the ball, two players in the wall raised their arms above their heads. These players were both Fabregas and Chamakh, and thought that protecting their faces took priority over the risk of giving away a penalty. Phil Dowd the referee had no choice but to point to the penalty spot, and who else but the trusty Dutchman van der vaart coolly sent Faianski the wrong way to slot the ball home for the equaliser.

It was all level, and Tottenham were in the ascendancy. Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny then had the opportunity to knock Totenham down from their high with a glorious chance to score from a great cross. He wasn't stretching for the ball, he was unmarked, and he was about 5 yards out with virtually the whole goal the aim for. But he is a defender. And he headed over.

In the 84th minute, Gareth Bale - the man who never seems to stop running, bursted down the right, and as the ball was fed to him, he was inevitably brought down by Koscielny. Van der vaart took the subsequent free kick, and Younes Kaboul got a minimal touch as it bounced passed Fabianski to win the game for Tottenham.

As the 4th official raised the board in the 90th minute to show five minuets of added time, the Arsenal fans, with no real belief on their faces, weakly encouraged the players to fight for an equaliser. The fans belief seemed to be mirrored by the players - mounting no real chances again, and trudged off at the end of the match knowing that they had blown the chance to go top.

Harry Redknapp said at the end of the game:

"We can beat anybody and this win today has put us right back in the race again. It is wide open.

"We can achieve anything. We have to believe. It is not impossible to win the title. Let's see how we go."

If Tottenham continue to play with this resilience and fight, not forgetting their obvious quality, this kind of result will become far more common.

Before handing the man of the match award to Bale van der vaart said:

"It's a great day for the club."

This is something that Tottenham fans will get used to hearing.