United Go Three points Clear, Premier League Review

Manchester united demolished West Brow 5-0 at the Hawthorns this evening to go three points clear of the Barclaycard Premiership. They also set a league record of 11 straight premier league clean sheets. The goal scorers were Berbatov (4 goals in 5), Tevez, Vidic, Ronaldo (2). West Brom were reduced to 10 men in the second half and remain bottom of the league. United have not conceded a goal since loosing 2-1 to Arsenal in November.

Aston Villa climbed to joint second in the league after a 1-0 away win at Portsmouth. Villa debutant Emile Heskey scored on his debut. Pompey were also reduced to 10 men in the second half and are hovering 3 points above the relegation zone. Tottenham moved 3 points clear of the relegation zone after beating Stoke 3-1. Tottenham were 3-0 up by half time, and Stoke remain 2nd bottom. Elsewhere Sunderland narrowly beat Fulham 1-0 with Kenwyn Jones scoring the only goal.

Manchester United Reach Carling Cup Final

Manchester United are set to compete for the first part of an unprecedented Quadruple. They want to complete a clean sweep of trophies this season, the first club to do so. They beat Derby County 4-2 on the night at Old Trafford after Derby came into the game with a 1-0 lead from pride park. Goals from Nani, O'Shea, Tevez and Ronaldo ensured that the world champions booked their place in Wembley where they're probable opponents will be Tottenham who have a 4-1 lead over giant killers Burnley. Derby County's two goals were scored by Barnes, his second a wonderful free-kick in the 90th minute to make the game 4-2 and set up a tense finale, but United saw the game out.

Kaka Deal Off, But Will City Turn To Arshavin?

Kaka's proposed £100million move to Manchester City has been called off due to the player and club terminating negotiations with City. AC Milan fans had staged a protest to keep the former world player of the year, and Milan club officials announced last night that the deal was off. This comes as a bitter blow to City, who have caused a sensational media frenzy, since publicly announcing their interest in the Brazillian.

With Kaka off the City radar, reports are surfacing that Mark Hughes will turn his attention to Arsenal target Andrei Arshavin. The Russian playmaker is said to favour a move to Manchester City, and there is no doubt that the club can meet the players transfer fee and wage demands more abundantly than Arsenal could.

Liverpool Feel Pressue As They Drop More Home Point

Liverpool failed to regain top spot in the first of two Mersyside derby's in one week. The kop are second in the league to Manchester United, who lead on goal difference as they failed to win at home again this season.

In a closely fought contest it was Everton who were asking the questions as Liverpool goalkeeper Reina saved well from Anichebe and Cahill. Fernando Torres, making his first start after a long injury lay off, should have given Liverpool the lead, but his effort was placed wide. It was Liverpool who found the breakthrough after the interval, Steven Gerrard fired in a low drive from 30 yards sparky the Anfield faithful into life. But with three minutes remaining, Youssi Benayoun gave away a needless free kick. Arteta- free kick specialist found Cahill in the penalty area who silenced the Anfield crowd. Rafa Benitez dismissed questions of his team feeling the pressure. Liverpool have picked up 2 points from 6 games since his infamous outburst at Sir Alex Ferguson.

United Head Summit- Premier League Round Up

Manchester United sit top of the league this evening after Dimitar Bebatov's late winner against Bolton. The reds still have one game in hand over their title rivals. They head Liverpool by one point, who face a tough Mersyside derby on Monday, and the pressure will be on them to win after their slip up against Stoke last week.

Chelsea laboured to victory after going behind at home against Stoke. It looked as though they would loose their third home game this season after Rory Delap put Stoke ahead. But late goals from Belletti and Lampard ensured Chelsea stay in touch with United & Liverpool. Villa kept up their good form by coming from behind and a being a man down to defeat Sunderland, and Arsenal got revenge on to Hull by beating them at the KC Stadium, 3-1.

Man City defeated Wigan (1-0), and Middlesborough continued their ascendancy by loosing to West Brom (3-0), the defeated lifted Tony Mowbrays team of the bottom of the league. Sam Allardyce's Blackburn gave his old team something to think about by beating Newcastle (3-0)

Let The Mind Games Begin

The race for the Premier League turned up a notch last Friday after Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez held his pre-match press conference. He sensationally went on a verbal attack of his title rival, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, by insisting that the United boss is immune from being punished by the Football Association after criticising referees. He also claims that Ferguson puts pressure on referees during the half time interval to swing decisions in United's favour during games. Benitez claimed that his outburst was in defence of his team, after Alex Ferguson poked a jibe at Liverpool, claiming that they would fade away in the title race.

The outburst has been well received by the press, who have done their best to amplify the comments and some have likened the rant to the infamous Kevin Keegan 'I would love it' outburst. But did Benitez' comments come at the wrong time?

Liverpool failed to capitalise on the fact that they played their game a day before their direct rivals, by drawing with Stoke. Many believe that the pre match comments from Benitez has put more pressure on his team to perform and on Saturday evening they seemed to stutter. On the other hand, Fergusons men put on a colossal display by comprehensively beating Chelsea and closing the gap at the top to 5 points with two games in hand. With United playing two games in a week they could go top of the league before Liverpool play their next game, seemingly giving United the advantage.

Ferguson is no stranger to mind games, and with Benitez new to the role of title rival, he may be playing into the United Bosses' hands. Arsene Wenger, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalgliesh, Jose Mourinho are some who have sparred with Ferguson, and while all have tasted title sucess (except for Keegan), but none have dethroned Ferguson as the leagues most successful manager.

Ronaldo Scoops Ultimate Prize

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Fifa World player of the Year Award last night beating off competition from Lionel Messi and Liverpools Fernando Torres. The vote which is cast by managers and players was a landslide victory for the Portuguese winger, who has that remarkable season scoring 42 goals in all competitions.

The award was handed to Ronaldo by football legend Pele, and the United player was clearly overwhelmed, reserving special praise for his manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo becomes the first player in the Premier League to win the coveted accolade.

Transfer Updates

The transfer window has been opened for 6 days and already there have been a few movers and shakers. Manchester United acted quickly on day one snapping up Zoran Tosic the highly rated winger. Chelsea sold left-back Wayne Bridge to Manchester City. Yesterday, Jermain Defoe moved back to Tottenham. The rest of the rumours and speculation remian rife, as all eyes wait to see if the following deals actually transpire.

Arsenal are hot on the heels of Andrei Arshavin, but a price for Zenith St Petersburgh forward has yet to be agreed. Tottenham remain persistent in their persue of Middlesborough winger Stewart Downing, and Manchester City are linked with numerous players on a daily basis, but the latest to be added to this wish list is Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz.

Any latest developments will be noted.

(Source: Sky Sports)