Another week and yet another incident allowing football fans to again see just how silly the FA operate, or in this past weekend’s case, fails to operate. Reminiscent of a clumsy, bumbling teenager attempting to un-hook his first bra strap aged 16 because of their historical callowness, the FA possess neither the ability to make an unpopular decision or the ability to re-write their own rules thus allowing common sense to prevail.

On Saturday, attempting his best George St-Pierre impersonation, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney bludgeoned Wigan’s James McCarthy proper elbow to the head style during United’s eventual 0-4 away win. The issue, even more vital than the incident itself (which was shocking and ridiculous by definition), was that referee Mark Clattenburg in fact witnessed the infraction yet deemed his actions in only awarding Wigan a free kick “appropriate”.

It’s at this point where we begin to pick up the pieces, attempt to reassemble them and form coherent thought over the whole matter. While the three parties involved – Rooney, Clattenburg and the FA – are all guilty in some shape or form, it’s the sum of the absurdity that assigns the Rooney-Clattenburg incident as one of the most laughable ever.

By Clattenburg’s own admission, the 35-year-old witnessed Rooney throw a haymaker of an elbow to the head of McCarthy yet somehow failed to deem the action violent conduct which would have witnessed the 25-year-old England striker miss massive matches the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool away this week and a third - likely a home FA Cup tie Vs. Arsenal.

Because Clattenburg blew a call that could have severely injured a Premier League player, the FA, under their very own laws, are left powerless to defy Clattenburg’s initial opinion. When viewed as a simple mathematical equation, football fans and head-scratchers the world over are left with something resembling this:

Wayne Rooney’s elbow + Mark Clattenburg’s eye = FA fail

At best and when given the benefit of the doubt, Clattenburg may have witnessed only half of the incident because of the fact that it did in truth happen off the ball which only places the proverbial ball in the court of the FA to use common sense. United fans and Rooney devotees may scoff at these sentences but when the red-shaded glasses are removed from their eyes, they’ll see an obvious infraction of rules resulting in a violent offense which should have led to a three match suspension.

Just because the referee didn’t witness the incident in its entirety doesn’t mean it failed to transpire. It’s for this very reason, and because of the power of video technology, that the FA must soon consider at minimum a tweaking of rules and at maximum an overhaul or risk even more ridicule from the world football community.

With the transfer window opening immanently speculation is already mounting on who will be on the move in January. As teams look to give their squads that bit extra in the push for trophies, promotion or the battle against relegation, January is always a busy time. Check out the players below who could have a new home post Christmas.

Carlos Tevez
With Carlos Teves making his desire to leave Manchester City public knowledge a host of teams will be trying to prize the Argentine international away from Eastlands in January. While very few will be able to afford the player Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid will certainly be keeping close tabs on the situation. Manchester City will of course be hoping for a Wayne Rooney style u-turn.

Robbie Keane and David Bentley
While Spurs have won many plaudits this season for their free flowing attacking football two men that have found themselves very much frozen out of the side are Robbie Keane and David Bentley. Both proven at this level a number of clubs will be interested in securing their signatures. Keane has been linked with a return to Wolves while Bentley could be on his way back to Blackburn.

Andy Carroll
One of the players of the season so far is without doubt Andy Carroll. While the tall forward has had his fair share of problems of the field on it he continues to deliver. A local lad, Newcastle will be hoping that they can keep their number 9 but Tottenham are reported to be very keen on landing the England forward. Peter Crouch could be used as bait along with cash to tempt the Magpies into selling.

Michael Owen
An injury disrupted start to the season has once again limited the number of games Michael Owen has played. With Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez all in front of him in the pecking order when he returns to fitness his opportunities will still be limited. Now in the latter in stages of his career Owen may now decide that he needs to play as many games as possible before hanging up his boots. Goodison Park is a possible destination.

Scott Parker
While the thought of Scott Parker leaving Upton Park is one that doesn’t bare thinking about for West Ham fans it could well happen. With the Hammers sitting bottom of the table the club may feel it makes more sense to cash in on the midfielder now rather then lose him for a cut price fee if they are relegated. There slim survival hopes will go out the door with Parker if he does leave.

Who else do you think could be on the move in the transfer window?

First against third will take place on Monday when Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in what will be a fitting end to an exciting weekend. Arsenal lead United by the slimmest of margins, just a point, due to United missing out on league play last weekend against Blackpool because of extreme weather. Whenever two of English football’s biggest clubs meet, fireworks can be expected. Let’s face it, United and Arsenal have dominated the Premier League since its inception so Monday’s prime time match is sure to be enjoyed by millions across the world.

The interesting thing about United v Arsenal, at least this time around, is that top spot is up for grabs and both sides will look to attack with purpose while neither (in recent years) have been prone to set up defensively. Other traditional ‘big 4′ matches featuring Chelsea v Liverpool or United v Chelsea have sometimes proved to be dull, boring affairs while Arsenal v United always entertains.

All pre-match variables point to an open and attacking but tight encounter with top of the league on the line. United have yet to loose in the Premier League this year and Arsenal have the physiological advantage of actually being league leaders thanks to some sensational play in recent weeks from their emerging talisman Samir Nasri.

Before Monday’s appointment, here are three key match-ups we at EPL Talk think will make a difference in the outcome of Manchester United v Arsenal 2010-11, Pt. One.

Samir Nasri v  United’s Defense – Nasri is easily the Premier League’s form player of 2010. His contributions to an Arsenal side who have lacked a full strength Cesc Fabregas or Theo Walcott or an out and out goal scorer have seen Arsenal reach the Premier League summit while many would argue they’ve yet to play their best football. Because of Nasri’s emergence as Arsenal’s best player this season coupled with the fact that the Gunners are still without first choice defender Thomas Vermaelen, many believe Arsenal to be serious title contenders when they’re finally able to put a full-strength team together.

Nasri has been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season because of his versatility as a footballer. He’s capable in a midfield three, a good passer of the ball, pacy and has developed a healthy goal-scoring obsession in the form of eight league goals so far this season. Nasri uses his pace (second fastest on a quick Arsenal side just behind Walcott) and incredible footwork to create space and goal scoring opportunities.

Depending on how Arsene Wenger elects to use his star player will also depend on which of United’s midfielders or defenders will encounter him the most. Should Wenger place Nasri on the left side of Arsenal’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, he’ll run into Rafael the most. This could prove incredibly exciting because of how quick both players are while Nasri’s abilities won’t necessarily be used to provide Arsenal with width, but will more likely be used to create space for others by cutting in from the flanks.

Darren Fletcher in midfield is also a likely participant in the containing of Nasri. Because of his work rate and defensive midfield abilities, Fletcher, if fit and starting, will be key in slowing down the league’s best player.

Dimitar Berbatov v Sebastien Squillaci – Berbatov is the league’s leading goal scorer with 11 and will look to add to that tally by testing Arsenal’s (at times, shaky) central defensive pairing of Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal have conceded the most goals this season out of the other three title contenders-United, Manchester City and Chelsea-with 18, so it’ll be up to their center backs to keep them in the game by quieting the Bulgarian.

Berbatov has enjoyed some fine service from those around him in the form of Nani and specifically Wayne Rooney while his finishing has been equally as effective. United’s forward two of Rooney and Berbatov have begun to form quite the partnership upon Rooney’s return to first team action. Although not entirely matured as of yet, their combining in attack has produced a few moments of pure class thus far this season.

As for Arsenal’s Squillaci, the French defender has been asked to step in as cover for the injured Thomas Vermaelen more than expected this season. Although solid on many occasions, Squillaci has been error prone in recent weeks as he trudges through his first season in the Premier League. Pay special attention to his defensive positioning and look for United to attempt to test Arsenal’s back line through crosses into the box from the width that Nani will look to create on the flanks.

Alex Song v Wayne Rooney – Arsenal seem to have found the ‘hard man’ they’ve craved in recent years in the form of Alex Song. Song will sit just in front of the back four which is exactly the space that fit again Wayne Rooney likes to occupy. Playing more as a play-maker or link player than an out and out striker, the battle that Rooney and Song will encounter with each other should be a hard fought one and likely key in a tight match.

Song is a strong midfielder, good in the tackle and can get forward to support in attack when opportunities present themselves. Rooney’s desire to be involved in every movement United attempt and his thirst for the ball witnesses the England striker in more of a roaming role than a ‘high up the pitch goal poacher’. If Rooney can better Song, look for United to create more and enjoy more meaningful possession than Arsenal. Likewise though, if Song can contain Rooney in the same way Fletcher will hope to neutralize Nasri, Arsenal can use Song’s ball winning skills to spark counter attacks into United’s half.

While the predictions will be left to the punters, the match promises to live up to the hype surrounding it. Arsenal would be lying if they said they wouldn’t be pleased with a draw while three points for United would be massive heading into next weekend’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as they pocket that game in hand for January.

Today’s video features Manchester United players in an ad for a popular vodka. Poor Rio barely gets a touch though. Thanks to Off The Post for the good find.

Here’s the links:

• Ray Wilkins speaks [Vital Football]
• Everton secure young midfielder [Guardian]
• Pardew leads manager race [Soccer News]
• Mike Ashley’s Pardew checklist [Transfer Tavern]
• True form of EPL teams [Bleacher Report]
• Weekly gossip [Sinnacle]
• 10 most underwhelming managers [Telegraph]
• The Hawthorns [Stadium Journey]
• Fantasy home vs. away [Tikabooson]
• Mike Ashley comic [Three Match Ban]

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and let me know if you’d like to suggest an article, video or photo for inclusion on the Premier League Links Of The Day.

Occasionally a player will rely upon another player so much that they’re less than half the player they could be without said player who compliments them so well. If you’re confused by that word amalgam, don’t be. Just make sure you watch Manchester United’s next match on Monday at home against Arsenal and pay special attention to the brew that has become United’s forward two.

In Tuesday’s 1-1 draw v Spanish side Valencia, Berbatov had the kind of night he may wish to soon forget, but it wasn’t because of a lack of service from those around him, specifically Rooney. Although he didn’t score and United failed to win, time after time, Rooney set up his Bulgarian teammate with inch perfect balls, flicks and passes into space as United first looked to draw level and then advanced looking for the winner in their last Champions League group stage match.

None will forget Berbatov’s five-goal performance from just two weeks ago, but just how many football fans noticed how heavily Rooney was involved in the build up? It was a masterclass from Berbatov in finishing but one could argue it was equally as fine of a performance from Rooney in the skill of passing and play-making – United’s Tuesday performance was similar in fashion without producing the same number of goals.

While many United fans will say that the Red Devils are far from their best, their ability to create decent chances against quality opposition such as Valencia at least witnesses them moving in the right direction. Since Rooney’s return and his easing back into Premier League and European football, the England striker has appeared in three full matches and as a late substitute in United’s 2-0 win v Wigan.

In those appearances, Rooney has found the net only once through a penalty in the Champions League yet his service has been borderline sensational. On Tuesday, United set up 4-4-2 which played out more as a 4-4-1-1 as Rooney dropped deeper into the space behind Berbatov who was highest up the pitch. Rooney’s link play coupled with the width that Nani on the left flank and United’s two Brazilian fullbacks (brothers Rafael and Fabio) were able to provide, witnessed the home side create viable chances that eventually provided United with the result they so desired.

Credit must go to Rooney who obviously wishes to score from open play but continues to carry extra weight until United secure a better creative central midfielder than Michael Carrick. Paul Scholes is a legend but will soon retire, Anderson is more of a work-horse and Darren Fletcher is a brilliant footballer begging to be paired with a player the likes of Xabi Alonso or Wesley Sneijder.

Until a player of that caliber steps up or until United splash the kind of cash no one is even sure they have, look for Rooney to remain the linchpin of United’s attack, regardless of if he scores or not.

The Premiership, probably at the moment, is the most open league for anyone to win since its introduction in 1992. The emergence of teams like Bolton and Sunderland is making them competitors worthy of testing the best in the league. The league in my mind has stretched across a different range altogether, watching a resurgent Newcastle United side under Chris Hughton and a spirited Blackpool side under Ian Holloway, who in their own way have silenced critics that wrote them off even before the season kicked off. However, the question lies, is the league getting any stronger or in contradiction, getting weaker to such an extent that even an average side on any day can take points off so-called “The Big Four”?

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have clearly dominated the Premiership; with Manchester United winning the league remarkably eleven times off the eighteen that the league has been contested. However, this season appears to be a bit different.

Let’s examine the Big Four and the other teams more closely:

Manchester United

United, though unbeaten, have looked ragged at the back and have already drawn seven games out of the fifteen that have been played. Johnny Evans, most notably, ever so brilliant looks completely out of sorts this season and has been criticized for United throwing away games at Everton and Fulham.

United though have played smart in the transfer window getting in the likes of Javier Hernandez, Bebe, Chris Smalling and Gabriel Obertan. Sir Alex has been a magician over the years in getting the best out of the youth by playing them with the experienced players, one can’t stop thinking that these players have been brought for the future and still have a lot to learn. Although, United were brilliant against Blackburn last weekend,  they still lack that touch of class that has been a feature of United’s play for years. United for sure have weakened since the departure of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo. Though United might be stronger than what they were last season but they are definitely not the Manchester United we know.

Arsenal

Arsenal, though they look stronger than the last couple of seasons, are still extremely vulnerable at the back and are horribly inconsistent to be even regarded as a serious title threat. Holding on to leads or finishing the game has simply gone out of the window since the Henry-Vieira-Pires era. Even though they play the best football in Europe alongside Barcelona but how many times have Arsenal been regarded as “bottlers who never reach their potential” and a side lacking mental toughness to challenge for top honors? The lack of experience and Arsene Wenger’s fear of handling egos has lead to Arsenal fans not seeing silverware for five years. Arsenal, though stronger than the last season, continue to have their problems and are definitely not the once called “Invincibles.”

Chelsea

Chelsea, though they played well at the start of the season, can’t seem to get over the   loss of four influential players in Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole, Deco and Michael Ballack. It is so evident seeing their recent form and vindicates the fact that it is a side that lacks depth. Chelsea also have an aging core to their side in Lampard, Drogba and John Terry with the likes of Essien, who is either injury prone or not the player he once was. They might have Malouda and have brought in Ramires but they lack a flair player like Robben, Joe Cole or a Damien Duff back in the day. Except Josh McEachran and Bruma, who are a couple of the best young players in England, they lack players who can walk in to the first team, unlike United and Arsenal.

Liverpool

As for Liverpool, I think even the Liverpool supporters wouldn’t deny that this is the weakest Liverpool team to have played in the Premiership.

Gerrard and Jaime Carragher aren’t getting any younger for the Reds. They also lack replacements for Alonso and Mascherano. Poulsen and Raul Merieles are decent players but are they Liverpool quality? It’s a puzzle in its own as to how Lucas Leiva is playing at Liverpool.

Liverpool have simply failed to replace quality with quality. Aquilani was a quality signing who failed to make an impact. He is performing exceptionally well at Juventus during his loan spell and so, there is a strong chance that Juventus, who have an option of buying Aquilani will make his loan move permanent. Kelly and Shevley are good players but you have to think that they are too young and inexperienced to make an impact at the Premiership level. I mean, just have a look at the recent transfers: Riise out, Konchesky in; Mascherano out, Poulsen in; Alonso out, Lucas in; Crouch out, N’Gog in; Bellamy out, Jovanovic in; Benayoun out, no one in. Signing average players like Konschesky and Poulsen, and a manager in Roy Hodgson seems to be turning Liverpool into Fulham than into the Liverpool of old.

Spurs and Man City

Manchester City and Spurs are the only clubs who are getting stronger every day but still don’t look to impose a serious title threat. City with the owner Sheikh Mansour making multi-million pound signings doesn’t seem to be getting the desired results and it only underlines the fact that money can’t buy trophies.

Their title aspirations were questioned when City played for a draw at home to Manchester United.

Having a manager in Harry Redknapp, Tottenham seem to be heading in the right direction. Spurs have a balanced side, with pace, experience, zeal combined with a team that plays some of the best football. But again, they majorly lack consistency. On one day, they teach the Champions of Europe a lesson; four days later, they get outclassed by Bolton 4-2 and the following week, they beat Arsenal at the Emirates 3-2. That’s Spurs’ story.

The Rest of the League

For the rest of the Premiership, Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and Owen Coyle’s Bolton have surprised a lot of people.

Though they have won only four games this season, Sunderland have their tails up and their 3-0 victory against Chelsea has set a benchmark for anyone who wants to go to the home of the champions and literally insult the champs by playing better football for periods in the game. Sunderland have bolstered their squad by making four loan signings in Nadeem Onuoha, Menshah, Elmohamady and Danny Welbeck, along with spending 13 million GBP on Asamoah Gyan. These are great signings who have performed well this season but you really have to wonder, what would have happened if these players would have performed the same way had they been playing in the league five years ago.

Same thing applies for Bolton, Fulham, Aston Villa, etc. and rest of the teams battling relegation; though saying that some of the managers like Chris Hughton and Ian Holloway have done a commendable job.

The fact of the matter is that the gap between the Big Four, or now the top six, has been reduced remarkably and it’s not because the entire league has gotten stronger. This is because, the top teams have weakened to such an extent that they are becoming challenged by the teams that would normally not stand a chance to even compete and would finish mid table. These top teams are often finding it hard to get results even against the teams that might eventually end up getting relegated. For example, Arsenal lost to West Brom 2-3 at the Emirates and United played a 2-2 draw against West Brom at Old Trafford. Chelsea recently have only picked up five points out of a possible eighteen.

The English Premier League has turned into a weird league but one that has turned into probably the most entertaining league in the world. The reason of the overall competiveness and weakening of the league is not due to the teams outside of the top four getting ever so strong, which admittedly is a slight factor, but because “The Big Four” have not been replacing “older” players and creating a new fresh cycle with the same level of quality.

The big freeze and the dismal failure of England’s 2018 World Cup bid will not stop the Premier League from rolling on. Its game week 16, time to forget the disappointment, put the heating on and enjoy another weekend of Football.

Spurs enjoyed a much needed rest midweek and will be hoping to capitalise on any signs of a Birmingham hangover following their Carling Cup exploits. Both sides are on a good run and Harry Redknapp will be desperate to keep the pressure on the teams above them. The Blues have a fantastic home record but I have a feeling Tottenham are going to leave with all three points.

Birmingham will be relieved to see that Rafael Van der Vaart is once again doubtful, but Jermain Defoe(8.6), Aaron Lennon(7.5) and Luka Modric(7.2) are looking good, and they will need to be on their game if they are to breach a Birmingham back line that boasts some impressive points tallies. Ben Foster(5.0) 71 points, Liam Ridgewell(5.8) 65 points and Roger Johnson(5.2) 56 points, are in the top five points scorers so far this season in their positions. “If you score two we will score three” seems to be Spurs attitude, so there will be chances at the other end too. Cameron Jerome(5.7) and Nikola Zigic(5.3) are the cheaper alternatives in a match that promises goals.

Man Utd have been on the receiving end of a fair amount of criticism this season, yet they are undefeated and top of the Premier League table. United are off to the seaside Saturday evening and a certain Wane Rooney(11.5) will be desperate to get back in the goals after failing to get on the score sheet during the massacre of Blackburn Rovers last week. A special mention this week for Rooney’s team mate Nani(9.3) for reaching the 100 points mark this season.

Game week 16 concludes with a slightly rejuvenated Liverpool hosting a Villa side that are on the slide. The Reds are still missing inspirational Captain Steven Gerrard but the usually ineffective Lucas has added some steel to Liverpools midfield. The Brazilian is available for a mere 4.5 million and could be a shrewd acquisition in Gerrards absence. Jamie Carragher is facing three months on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder against Tottenham. It could mean a recall for Sotirios Kyrgiakos(5.1) and the Greek will be hoping to recapture his early season form.

Villa rallied well in the second half against Arsenal but they are struggling without Marc Albrighton, skipper Stiliyan Petrov and punch-line Emile Heskey. Robert Pires(5.0) who has a wealth of experience and young Ciaran Clark(4.5) could prove to be important players for Gerard Houllier in the run up to Christmas.

That’s your lot for this week. If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300

Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov stormed to the top of the Premier League scoring charts with a stunning five-goal haul as Manchester United demolished Blackburn Rovers 7-1 at Old Trafford. They were the first goals Berbatov has scored since September and were timely reminder to everybody that on his day, he is amongst the Premier League’s very best.

Berbatov is so often criticised, and often the criticism is justified. When things don’t go well for him, his work ethic and attitude becomes a real issue. But when things are going right for him, there are very few defenders in the Premier League that can stop him.

Personally, I think Wayne Rooney’s return to the United fold has done Berbatov the world of good. Berbatov thrives on been the centre of attention and has been pushed out in to the shadows with Rooney’s recent return. The Blackburn game was the perfect opportunity for Berbatov to show everybody that he is still capable of leading the United line.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was proud of the performance of both of his strikers: “Berbatov and Rooney were a good combination today – they interchanged brilliantly today. Wayne was fantastic.”

The question now is can Berbatov continue this level of form? Ever since arriving at Old Trafford he has struggled with consistency and never really lived up to his vast price tag. But if he can’t now find them consistent performances after scoring five in a game, you have to question if he ever will.

What do you think? Is Dimitar Berbatov a purely “hit or miss” player, or will his excellent performance against Blackburn be the start of the something special for the Bulgarian at Old Trafford?

Well, I have to admit I’m perplexed by some of the performances of the Premierships traditional powerhouses this season. A month ago, most people would have been hard pressed to think anyone could trouble Chelsea for the title, now 6 points separate the top 6 sides. Suddenly, a real title race has begun at last as Chelsea suddenly developed a soft centre and ran bang out of luck. Manchester United continue to do what no-one else has ever been able to match, a continual accumulation of points, despite playing below par.

Arsenal, a week after an impressive win at Everton, decided to reverse roles with Tottenham on Saturday and capitulate when victory seemed assured. Manchester City, suddenly discovered the benefits of pushing men forward. Bolton have gatecrashed the top table with a series of powerful, football displays. It is, for once, an exciting season for more than the usual set of fans.

The old adage in England is the title is usually won by what sides do over the Easter holiday period. Yet, the Premiership fixture list has decided to send a series of mouth watering and crucial clashes before the end of 2010. Chelsea have to play Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bolton, the toughest Christmas run in in the top 6. United have Arsenal and a raft of games that could see them stretch away. Arsenal have the top two as well as tough games against Stoke and Aston Villa.

The pretenders, Tottenham and Manchester City, have games that they have to win to prove their title challenging credentials and Bolton have City and Chelsea and 3 games they could easily win as much as lose. Looking at the run in to the New Year, Chelsea will be cursing their luck that the fixture computer has decided to play this particularly nasty hand on them at this stage of the season. The performance against Birmingham had a lot of positives for the Blues, but they came away empty handed after meeting a goal keeper who played like a man possessed, Ben Foster.

The additional soap opera of the Ray Wilkins legal challenge has now added further mystery stirred today by Carlo Ancelotti’s comments and the loss of Terry, Lampard and Essien. Drogba and Alex are both struggling with illness and injury and the squad suddenly seems very light. It is an unusual situation for Chelsea to seem so threadbare on a squad level.

Bolton meanwhile, continue to improve back towards the level the showed under Sam Allardyce but with a footballing panache and verve. Continually labelled as a physical side, Wanderers have now shown that there was a footballing side that a mundane manager like Gary Megson simply couldn’t find due to his tactical ineptitude. Bringing Owen Coyle to the club is now beginning to look like Phil Gartsides best decision as Bolton Chairman. Keeping Elmander may be the next best thing he does.

Yet, as I enter my 19th Premiership season as a fan, the nagging feeling that the old order will return to the top 3 places continues to niggle away at me. Despite the euphoria that having a title race so close at this stage can offer the fans of clubs outside of the usual title suspects, history continues to point to the challengers falling away. It would be lovely it was to be a 6 or 7 horse race, but by New Years Eve, the league table will point to where the title may end up come May.

In arguably the weekend’s marquee match, undefeated Manchester United traveled to Birmingham to take on undefeated at home Aston Villa to open Premier League play on Saturday. The match itself placed 10th against 2nd in the league while it saw United coming off one of their best team performances of the season, Wednesday’s Manchester derby.

Aston Villa are in the midst of an injury crisis which witnessed the Villans without the services of John Carew, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell, among others. For all their absentees, Villa were by far the better team in what ended up a scoreless first half. Numerous balls into the box, both from Marc Albrighton on the right and Stewart Downing on the left, were flown into United’s penalty area yet Villa lacked the height and attacking gusto needed to head home.

Manchester United failed to really test Brad Friedel in the first half through a two-man strike force of Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez. The game’s second half witnessed a resurgent Villa and a United side that continued to lack any real spark in attack, until late on.

For the neutral, the match would have been an entertaining and open contest that ended with both sides sharing a point. Villa hit both the crossbar and the post in the second half before finally finding the breakthrough when Ashley Young converted a well deserved penalty.

Villa’s second of the day was the result of a spot on counter attack when Marc Albrighton deservedly finished after playing well throughout the match. While Villa continued to boss the match, United remained lackluster until Sir Alex Ferguson elected to pull his two starting strikers in favor of Federico Macheda and Gabriel Obertan who both provided the spark United needed to take control of the match late on.

Without further ado, here are five observations from what ended up a great Premier League match.

• Aston Villa have more than a few incredibly promising young players. Villa looked most dangerous in the match when the ball was at the feet of Marc Albrighton on the right side of midfield. Time after time Villa utilized the crossing abilities of Albrighton to provide service that was only lacking a target man such as John Carew or Emile Heskey to head home Albrighton’s crosses. For Villa, young Scot Barry Bannan was impressive in the center of midfield with his accurate passing and vision. Although not dominant, Bannan produced a few moments of quality that lends a lot of belief to his potential.
• United’s Nani is the epitome of a player who drifts in and out of form. When United lack the services of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, they desperately need Nani to be at his creative best. On Saturday, he wasn’t. In fact, he was far from the Nani who so brilliantly uses his pace both down the right flank and cutting into the center of the pitch to create the space he needs to shoot, pass or cross to United’s strikers. Going forward, it was painfully obvious that United were without a few of their key attacking players as time after time their attacks would break down in the final third.
• When Manchester United fail to create width, they struggle. I suppose this could be said about most clubs on most days, but whether it’s Nani on the right, Giggs on the left or Evra overlapping United’s left sided midfielder, United need to create width on the flanks as opposed to forcing play so narrowly down the center of the pitch. It’s far too easy for clubs to clog the middle, sit back and defend. While it could easily be said that United missed Scholes, Giggs and Rooney, creative players the likes of Nani and Dimitar Berbatov are good enough to provide such a spark, they just weren’t on the day.
• Stewart Downing had quite the game for Aston Villa. The former England winger gave Wes Brown fits all day long bombing down the left side of midfield. He produced a cross to marvel at midway through the second half that Marc Albrighton should have headed home. Downing’s pace and inventiveness will appear in the nightmares of Wes Brown who had a difficult time dealing with Downing’s creativity.
• Sir Alex Ferguson still knows how to effectively implement his substitutes. In a move not seen that often, Ferguson pulled both of his starting forwards at the same time in the 73rd minute and replaced them with Federico Macheda and Gabriel Obertan. The move turned out to be the much needed change United needed as they ran riot over Villa for the final 15 minutes. Macheda scored United’s opener with a blistering strike and Obertan attacked with pace and purpose and could have easily won the game for United if it wasn’t for Brad Friedel’s face saving Obertan’s late shot.

As exciting as the game was for the neutral, both sets of supporters will likely feel slightly disappointed. Villa thought the three points belonged to them while United fans will view the draw as yet another two points dropped.