Open thread for this top of the table game where Chelsea will want to ensure they keep a lead against Utd and Arsenal will want a win to restore confidence that they can win the title. 

Man Utd won the Manchester derby 1-0 as they powered further up the table in the early game. They will now sit back and hope that either Arsenal can win against Chelsea or perhaps even better the game finishes in a draw. It is interesting that Utd, despite their indifferent start are moving steadily up the table - their depth of squad will be crucial over the winter months in particular. City will learn and get better - particularly after the Jan window. I wonder what the Chelsea brain trust will take away from this game?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/30/manchester-city-united-live-football

0-0  in this one

Decent amount of action on both sides

ROONEY!!

43rd min ish

1-0 to the CHAMPIONS

Half Time

Citeh want one bad!

80th min - time ticking down.

Our former midfield string puller discusses his Dad's approach to player recruitment and makes this observation:

Jamie Redknapp:

When my dad is researching a recommended new signing, the first question he will ask his scouts is: 'How quick is the lad?'

If the target is a defender, he’ll be looking for that destructive recovery speed that will give him a chance of coping with the dynamic pace of an attacker. For a forward, it’s that goal-creating acceleration that will panic a defence, create chances and win you a game.

I can certainly appreciate the sentiment. Pace is an increasingly crucial attribute in the modern game. Certainly we are building a side with pace a plenty, from Bent to Lennon to JJ and Zok as well as Bale and King. 

A big question is emerging for Super Harry. Does he try and play Bentley and Lennon in the same side? The reason for this is that with Lennon's return to form recently, he has started to show a little better on the right v the left. Unfortunately, I think Bentley clearly is a better player on the right than the left. SO the question for Harry is - do you play them both in the side, with Lennon on the left or rotate based on form on the right or play them both and get them to keep switching wings?

Here is what Lee had to say on this matter:

He also switched over to the left which gave him the option of coming back inside on his right foot. I thought a couple of seasons ago that that was his position but on Sunday he proved that he is a threat down the right and provided some great crosses.

The other advantage Lennon has is having Tom Huddlestone inside him, who can hit long passes to the wings.

As a right-sided player, if the ball is on the left-hand side of the pitch, you tend to tuck in a bit and then break forward when the ball comes over to your side. But Huddlestone has the ability to switch it earlier than most players so you can afford to stay wider which then gives the full-back a really big decision to make.

I have been monitoring Liverpool with some interest this season and feel that they are close to getting a group together that is ready to challenge for the title. If I was advising Rafa I would suggest that he try and add Upson and Neil from West Ham. The Neil signing would require Rafa to forgive the Aussie for choosing West Ham over Pool recently but would be worth it. Additionally, would Rafa be willing to overlook the way Owen left Liverpool and bring him back in Jan? These three players would not post a lot in fees but would add to the wage bill, however - they could also blend in well and get Liverpool the title they so badly want. Here is what Hansen says about the side:

The spine of their team was in place last season, with Pepe Reina an excellent goalkeeper, Jamie Carragher outstanding at the heart of defence, Javier Mascherano providing perfect insurance in midfield - and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres providing genuine world class.

Liverpool have been able to improve around the edges of that this season, which has given them the appearance of a team that can make a real impact in the Premier League title chase.

Xabi Alonso, who could have left in the summer if Benitez had signed Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, has had his best season since he arrived at the club in 2004.

Dirk Kuyt was a player who always worked tirelessly but left you asking what other major contribution he made. This season he has looked a much better player and has also scored vital goals.

Fab Cap is rightly happy with the 2-1 win over Germany last night. In particular he will have taken a lot of pleasure from the performance up front from Gabi and Defoe. Carrick and Barry also controlled midfield in the absence of Lampard and Gerrard.

"Gabriel did very well. He used space and his movement was excellent. He gave us balance when we went forward and when we defended. But I don't like to speak about one player because the whole performance was so good. All of them played well, and it's the spirit we have now which is very important. I am very happy for these [selection] problems. We have plenty of time to decide upon the next squad. It shows the strength in depth of the squad, which is vital. You're not always going to have everyone available."

England are starting to have some interesting options and Cap's last comment was interesting, was it a throw away comment or a subtle message to a missing Liverpool midfielder?