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From the Desk

Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United were scoring goals for fun while Liverpool and Arsenal unexpectedly dropped points again.

HEROES

CHELSEA
Wolves could have been a tricky tie for Chelsea as they were missing regulars like Didier Drogba, Jose Boswinga, Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard. But the Blues were rampant in a 4-0 win. Wolves had no chance as Chelsea recorded their 12 straight win at home in all competitions. They also scored 30 goals without reply at Stamford Bridge in all competitions since the opening day of the season. Michael Essien took up the scoring mantle with two goals while it was a bonus to see Joe Cole among the goals again.

TOTTENHAM
Forget about Manchester City, Tottenham are the team to watch out for in the race for Champions League places come May. Spurs' dismantling of Wigan was not just down to Jermain Defoe's individual efforts when he grabbed five goals. Aaron Lennon also played his part on the right flank while Niko Kranjcar is proving his class in midfield. Spurs were without Luka Modric as well as the grieving Robbie Keane. With such an array of attacking talent at his disposal, Harry Redknapp can rest easy during the January transfer window.

MANCHESTER UNITED
The value of Darren Fletcher has risen yet again after his blockbuster goal against an insipid Everton side to help Manchester United keep pace with leaders Chelsea. It was not just Fletcher who impressed. Wayne Rooney who did not get on the score-sheet was omnipresent for United while Michael Carrick capped a polished display with a well-taken goal.

SUNDERLAND
Sunderland showed their win over Liverpool and the draw with Manchester United were no fluke by beating Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Darren Bent enhanced his international credentials with another predatory goal to grab all three points against the Gunners at the Stadium of Light. This club is going places with Steve Bruce in charge.

ZEROES

ARSENAL
For the first time in a long time, Arsene Wenger looked visibly disappointed after Arsenal limped to a deserved 1-0 defeat to giant-killers Sunderland. Although the Gunners were missing several regulars, they should have been able to overcome a stubborn Sunderland side. Perhaps Wenger was not pleased with the way Arsenal defended the corner that led to Darren Bent's only goal or the way Arsenal seemed to run out of ideas whenever teams pack the midfield. With Chelsea and Manchester United both winning, this defeat became even more costly. To sum it up, Arsenal's loss of form was due to the dreaded curse of November. Watch the Gunners continue their descent in the coming weeks.

LIVERPOOL
Liverpool must be pretty desperate to rely on a half-fit Steven Gerrard and sending their crocked players to see a renowned Serbian 'health therapist' who uses horse placenta to treat hamstring injuries. But Liverpool still can't win and they still can't defend. Drawing 2-2 with draw specialist Manchester City saw another two points dropped at Anfield and now Liverpool are in danger of missing out of qualifying for the Champion League next season. Signing Ruud van Nistelrooy is not really the answer.

WIGAN
Is this the same team that beat Chelsea and Aston Villa? Roberto Martinez's first managerial stint in the Premier League has been memorable so far to say the least. Wigan's capitulation at White Hart Lane was so embarassing that the club will refund Latics fans who traveled to watch that fateful game. I suggest the players should forfeit a month's pay as well for not turning up for that match.

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