League Ladders

A sea change at The Lane: When Martin Atkinson gives a debatable penalty and turns down a far more blatant one in favour of the opposition there can be only one conclusion - Spurs are 'Big Time'. In fact, throw in the continual back-slapping for Harry Redknapp across the whole of the SkySports coverage and you will be led to a similar conclusion.

Spurs held off a really accomplished away performance from Liverpool. They had the verve and quality in key areas that Liverpool did not. Jamie Carragher may lead by example and be the 'lifeblood' of the club according to Roy Hodgson, but his pace (and there was no better example than the equalising goal) was becoming a problem for Liverpool, we will see how they cope without him. Talking of pace - was that really Fernando Torres who had a ten yard start on the last defender twice in the game only to fail to get a shot away. No such problem for Aaron Lennon of course - and in turn - Spurs.

*****

* What can you say about the Berbatov show at Old Trafford. United were stunning and no doubt the worries about Wayne will have been eased considerably. The only concern now would be those empty seats for a Saturday 3pm kickoff. They greeted a champagne performance at champagne prices no doubt.

* The referees may have been on strike in Scotland and nobody should really be too critical of Lee Mason for showing solidarity. Withdrawing his labour - or whistle - at key points in the game got Mikel Arteta quite hot under the collar on a freezing day. The way West Brom kept the ball away from Everton for long periods should concern David Moyes more.

* There was a time when Chelsea would introduce Hernan Crespo to win them awkward away games - now it is Daniel Sturridge. It is easy to the absence of John Terry and Frank Lampard - but what value as a leader was Michael Ballack?

* Blackpool and Bolton played out a game that their respective stars of the past would be proud of. Attacking football with thought and invention. There must be an English manager who can learn from this...

* The sight of Jack Wilshire running the Arsenal midfield is a double boost for Arsene Wenger. Wilshire and Cesc Fabregas are great together, but more importantly, the idea of Fabregas at the Camp Nou no longer seems so scary.

* The FA Cup draw was once the domain of Graham Kelly. Then it was spruced up a little by inviting the likes of Trevor Brooking to give it 'an edge'. Having Noel Gallagher draw a Manchester United vs Liverpool tie bordered in the surreal.