IT'S NOT OVER 'TIL RAFA SINGS

Cesspool in smelling distance


I hate them I hate them I hate them. That felt good. But not as good as putting distance between the Wrong Reds and the Red Devils. One measly point. I knew (and wrote) the Souscers weren't done and dusted yet. Nor is Chelsea. The Blues slipped last weekend, but have the talent, and finally the leadership, to pull off a miracle. It hurts even to think about it.

So United have dropped points, lost the plot, and have had their defense lay down. Whatevs - we know they still have it all in spades. They just need to get their mojo back. And they can do so in a big way by destroying Villa come Sunday. Actually this is a perfect time to meet Villa. They're tired and suddenly clueless (kind of like...nah).

This race will be a photo finish. I just hope United keep their noses clean.

OURCASTLE
Newcastle 1 Man United 2

United re-established a seven point lead atop the Prem, but it was no twirl in the tulips at St James' Park.

Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov struck goals in either half to seal the points. But it was Peter Lovenkrands that started the scoring and set the pace. With Chelsea and Liverpool both winning on Tuesday, this was a potentially massive win in United's bid for a third successive Premier League title.

This on the heals of United's Carling Cup win over a Spurs side that pushed them to their limit. That and the upcoming FA Cup tie at Craven Cottage - and the small matter of Inter's OT invasion. No predictions here. Hope, but not promises.

I still think Chelsea are in the race. Liverpool, not so much. But at least the boiler-suits made it interesting for half a season. It's good to have the derby-ish dislike back in check between Merseyside and Lancashire. Now if the Moss Side boys would just go down and stay down...