While only a few weeks ago Manchester United were trailing the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool by a significant margin, tonight they stand three points clear at the top of the UK premiership. A 5 – 0 thrashing of relegation threatened West Bromwich Albion not only gave them a three-point lead at the top of the table, with Liverpool second, that saw Alex Ferguson's team record a record 11th successive clean sheet.
Goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic and a double from Cristiano Ronaldo saw Manchester United take an early lead and power home their advantage as the game progressed. Interestingly, bookmakers have had United as favourites for some weeks now even though this is the first time they have actually gone clear at the top of the table. Alex Ferguson's team have an excellent record in the second half of the season, something which has not gone unnoticed by gamblers and bookmakers alike.
While it would be foolish to suggest that the Premiership title chase is now over, there is no doubt that United's superior goal difference and three-point gap at the top is more than significant at this time of the season. The pressure is now on the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa who cannot afford to slip up or drop any points as we approach the vital run-in.
