Good Night Dampened by Trademark United Comeback

The search for silverware might soon be over, but the the Premiership title still looks a lofty goal.

Alex Ferguson's Manchester United have an aura and a character that transcends the limitations of the players who wear their shirt. You were not surprised that Blackpool could take a 2-0 lead against a team featuring players like Darron Gibson. Nor were you surprised at the comeback, because that team is Manchester United.

Blackpool outplayed the league leaders for one half, but lost to the aura in the second. By the end they were frazzled and ragged. They lack the cynicism of more experienced Premiership sides who would accept 2-2 and sit back; United's winner, though scored as late as the 88th minute, was the result of a simple, though well-executed, through ball from Scholes, that found Berbatov completely unattended. Though the Bulgarian's lumbering stride gave the covering defender a chance, he accelerated through and bashed in a massive goal with his left foot. United's celebrations were suitably raucous.

Surely if Berbatov continues in this fashion, he must join the likes of Nasri and Nani in the running for Player of the Year.

A first defeat of the season for the Red Devils would have given hope not only to Arsenal, but to Man City and Chelsea aswell. Instead, United struck a psychological blow. A routine United win would not have been too devastating for the chasing pack. But a win after trailing by two goals is always symbolic. When it is achieved by Manchester United, at this time of year, it's ominous. It will inflate their belief and deflate that of their rivals.

Arsenal appear to be gathering momentum (although momentum is a fragile thing) and should not be too disheartened. United showed their vulnerability yet again. If Aston Villa and Blackpool can build two goal leads against them, chances are that sooner or later, a better team will do so, and will not so easily crumble.

After such a dramatic win, some in the United camp must be considering the possibility of an unbeaten league campaign, but there remain five particularly difficult looking games. Two of those are against Chelsea, who can only improve on their mid-season form. Kenny Dalglish would relish the chance to dent United's title hopes when they visit Anfield. A league trophy for United this year and they surpass Liverpool's total. Arsenal will hope to avenge recent embarrassments against Ferguson's team at the Emirates. And the Manchester derby will not be straightforward, although Roberto Mancini probably lacks the adventure to set his team out to win at Old Trafford.

Whatever the fate of their attempt at an unbeaten season, it is hard to imagine any team other than United lifting England's premier prize in May.

Arsenal 6-0 Blackpool but...

in the words of The Wolf in Pulp Fiction, "let's not start suckin' each other's dicks just yet".

THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE DIABY
Walcott and Rosicky both performed as well as they've ever done for Arsenal. In both cases, there has to be caution. Walcott's best display last campaign was at home to BURNLEY, so he is flirting a little with the "flat track bully" tag; then again, this time out it wasn't just raw pace and some tidy finishing that stood out, but some intelligent decision-making, leading the manager to suggest that he's become "more mature". He scored three and but for the profligacy of others might have made as many.

Remember, too, that Walcott's hat trick for England against Croatia in the Autumn of 2008 was a prelude to his best (fleeting) run of form, before injuries derailed his progress. Maybe the chastening snub from Capello in the Summer will indeed prove the kick up the backside that he needed. Can he develop a semblance of a football brain? Or is that simply something inherent to a player, something that can't be learned? Don't get me wrong, I'm still skeptical. But a little more optimistic now. I reserve the right to make these U-turns. Expect another one next time Theo runs into a competent left back...

As I've been saying, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky and Arshavin would all probably prefer to play in the same position- off the frontmen. Fabregas had his most productive season from there last time out. Nasri's best performances invariably come when he plays there. And it's no coincidence that Rosicky produced his best display in years when he was finally unleashed in the central creative role. He was at the heart of a lot of the best play on Saturday. I hope he stays fit for the season, but it is sad in a way that he will probably be shunted out wide or into cameo roles when Fabregas is ready to play regularly again. Could they both play centrally, with Song doing the donkey work? Maybe, but a team with a defence as suspect as Arsenal's can't really afford to compromise solidity much more. Then again, Fabregas is more a classic midfield player than he is a half forward, and frankly, Diaby and Denilson often don't look to be working hard enough to shield the defence anyway. So why not Fabregas, Song and Rosicky/ Nasri across the middle, in home games at least?? Something to ponder.

In the final analysis, it was a handsome win, though aided by Blackpool's concession of a dubious penalty and loss of a man at 1-0. Before that, they had exposed Arsenal's defensive frailty at times. It was the right fixture after the difficulties at Liverpool, and this Arsenal team has to prove that they can perform in the big games that define seasons (although, to be fair, the anaemic showing at Anfield was, it could be argued, largely due to rustiness and ill-preparation). Blackburn next week will be a lot more telling.

Scorers: Walcott 3, Arshavin pen, Diaby, Chamakh.