Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

• Given the way United set up, it seems Ferguson will be happy with the result but not with the table. To a degree, Ferguson’s cautious approach was understandable. United haven’t won at Anfield since 2007-08 and their open midfield has coughed up a lot of chances this year – among the most in the Premier League. So, today, he went for a much more closed midfield of Park, Fletcher and Jones – all harriers. And it did work. Liverpool didn’t get near the sort of dynamic display they offered in March with their only real chances coming from an Evans slip in the first half – which Suarez should have scored from – and some pinball when the game finally opened up after Hernandez’s equaliser.
• Just as well for Liverpool, then, that Steven Gerrard was back in the side. For such a fantastic player he does have his flaws – not least the domination of every single set-piece despite the fact that Adam is much more accurate. But, as he so often does, Gerrard justified his attitude with a clever free-kick that opened the scoring. It also followed a series of fine through balls and crosses from the Liverpool captain. After two years of injury trouble and poor form, he gave strong suggestions of a return to form.
• The question for Ferguson, though, is why he didn’t try a touch more dynamism. By including Rooney instead of, say, Giggs, United could have taken advantage of Liverpool’s open two-man midfield a little more. Indeed, that was exactly the case when Rooney he came on, as he dropped back and began to dictate the game. From there, United reclaimed parity. But they’ve lost top spot. In the long run, though, this is likely to look like a good result.

Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa

• A hugely impressive performance from City that did hint at a stronger mentality than usual. Knowing that top spot was up for grabs after Manchester United had only drawn at Anfield, City emphatically grabbed it with a 4-1 pummeling that turned into a procession. At one stage in the second half, City put together a 40-yard move. Even better for City, this result came without their two best players starting – Silva and Aguero. Indeed, if you want to include Tevez – which Mancini won’t – that’s three.
• Part of the problem with this game, however, was the way McLeish’s team are set up. He has admirably batted away much of the criticism that came his way on taking the job but there’s still no denying his entire game is predicated on strong defence. Once they concede, that’s pretty much it – particularly against a side like City. And the pity for Villa here is that they looked so strong in the opening exchanges and could have grabbed something from the game. Surprisingly, Stephen Ireland seemed to personify their performance. Initially looking hungry and determined, he faded once Mario Balotelli’s superb first goal went in.
• To give Balotelli credit, too, he’s shown a degree of character. It was only a month ago that he looked like an afterthought as City surged while he sulked. But that’s a couple of Premier League games now – most notably against Everton – that he’s drastically changed the course of a game.His goal was also superbly taken.

Norwich 3-1 Swansea

• So much for a tight game here. In their previous Premier League games, both of these teams had suggested that they had necessarily adapted their open styles to close up in the top division. That wasn’t the case here, though, as we saw an avalanche of goals in the opening minutes. Swansea, however, couldn’t change their away form either as they still have to pick up a point on the road.

QPR 1-1 Blackburn

• QPR should be kicking themselves after this. Blackburn put in what must be one of the worst displays of the season at Loftus Road but somehow came away with a point

Stoke 2-0 Fulham

• With an easy win, Stoke are increasingly showing that the 4-0 reverse at Sunderland was an aberration. They’re now up to seventh after another commanding performance.
• What sort of team are Fulham though. They went from magnificent against QPR to woefully meek today.
• Jon Walters, however, continues to give Trapattoni something to think about. After his impressive cameo in midweek, he kept up his influential Premier League form with another goal here.

Wigan 1-3 Bolton

• Things are looking bleak for Roberto Martinez. With both of these teams on atrocious runs of defeats, a home game against similar strugglers should have been the point at which to pick up their season. Instead, it was Bolton who alleviated some pressure with an ultimately impressive – and important – win. Coyle is back on track. Martinez is looking down.