Eugene YS Han was surprised by Manchester City's attacking tenacity against Chelsea to reopen the Premier League title race.

HEROES

MANCHESTER CITY
Is this the game that will define Manchester City's season? After suffering eight consecutive defeats to Chelsea, City finally ended their Chelsea hoodoo by defeating the title favourites 2-1. Although one might argue that they were fortunate to claim three points in the end especially after Shay Given brilliantly saved Frank Lampard's well-taken penalty, City did enough in the right areas to hurt the Carlo Ancelotti's side. And how many times have we mentioned Given's name already this season? New signing Carlos Tevez played his best game for City while Kolo Toure kept his fellow Ivory Coast teammate Didier Drogba in his pocket all game - and that's no mean feat. While Man City boss Mark Hughes may have been left a little sore after he was refused a handshake mid-week, there was no shortage of that after this massive victory.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Injury crisis or no injury crisis, the momentum is surely with Manchester United now. No matter who lines up for the Red Devils, every United player has been instilled with a single will to win. Player-of-the-moment Darron Gibson, who impressed again with his all-round play, epitomises the very value that Sir Alex Ferguson wants from his players. That is why whenever Ferguson tinkers, the team still maintains its shape and style. Every player knows how to do their job and what is expected from them. This could be Ferguson's strongest squad yet.

PORTSMOUTH
Having weathered Burnley's early attacks, Portsmouth eventually found their confidence and collected only their third win of the season and Avram Grant's first as Portsmouth gaffer. Pompey notched a much-needed win thanks to the efforts of Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane. The 29-year-old, who is on-loan from French side Lens, was a one-man whirlwind in attack and made amends by scoring the second goal after missing a first-half penalty. Kevin Prince-Boateng caught the eye with his free role for Pompey. But it was also thanks to the old-guard of Hermann Hreidarsson and Kanu who helped to create the opening goal. Their fitness could be crucial in Pompey's fight for survival.

ARSENAL
Arsenal needed to pick themselves up after two consecutive 3-0 domestic defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. And Stoke presented a potential banana skin but Arsenal managed to tiptoe around the plucky Potters to win 2-0. Andrey Arshavin was the Gunners' star man after he was selected to spearhead Arsenal's attack in the absence of Robin van Persie. The Russian, who was dwarfed by Stoke's defenders, was quality exemplified. Based on this display, Arsene Wenger must play him there more often.

ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa comfortably dispatched Hull 3-0 but it was the manner of their win that was even more impressive especially the way they scored their goals. Richard Dunne, a defender, lashed home Villa's first like a veteran striker while their second goal was a magnificent team effort. Steve Sidwell (warming up on the touchlines), Ashley Young and James Milner combined to kill off Hull. This must be the move of the week.


ZEROES
CHELSEA
Was it because of overconfidence that led to Chelsea's downfall at Manchester City? Or was it due to the alarming drop in form of goalkeeper Petr Cech? Questions and more questions will be asked after the Blues' five point advantage was reduced to two after a surprise 2-1 loss at the City of Manchester. Cech can't be blamed for City's first goal but the Czech international should have done better with Carlos Tevez's free-kick. There were also nervy moments for Cech whenever City launched aerial attacks into his penalty box. Didier Drogba, after his impressive outing against Arsenal, forgot to put his shooting boots on while Michael Essien was strangely subdued in midfield. To give City credit, they managed to frustrate Chelsea and in the end the London side finished the game with six bookings and no points.

LIVERPOOL
It was another draw and another blunt performance from Liverpool at Blackburn. One would have felt Liverpool have got to go on the full offensive to climb to the top four in the league. But they were too overcautious and disjointed at Ewood Park. Alberto Aquilani was again left sitting on the bench as Liverpool sacrificed attack for defence. Not the right method if the Reds want to re-start their season.

EMMANUEL EBOUE
Emmanuel Eboue is a player who can do no right. He comically denied Cesc Fabregas a certain goal after he blocked his captain's goal-bound shot on the line - for Stoke!

THE CURSE OF THE MONTHLY AWARDS
Carlo Ancelotti was awarded the Barclays Manager of the Month award for November and Chelsea proceeded to lose 2-1 at Manchester City. Jimmy Bullard was given a similar award and his team lost 3-0 at Aston Villa and he's out till January. Coincidence?