United Wildens Gap On Top

Manchester United 2 - Everton 0
Scorers
Manchester United: Giggs (12), Van Persie (45)

Team: De Gea, Vidic, Evans (Smalling 81), Rafael, Evra, Cleverley, Jones (Carrick 56), Giggs, Valencia, Rooney, Van Persie

We took advantage of Shitty's slip up and pushed the gap at the top to 12 points at the top. While I'm quitely optimistic of the title, I constantly remind myself that a mere 10 months ago, we let an 8 point gap slip with 6 games to go. Nothing can be taken for granted and until it is a proven mathematical impossibility for Shitty to catch up, then can the real celebrations start.

After the painful lessons of last season, the lads were taking nothing for granted and produced a fine first half of clinical finishing and a finer second half of steel and determination to keep a rare clean sheet. Not even a mouthwatering game in midweek against one of Europe's most decorated clubs, Real Madrid, could distract the lads from doing what was the immediate task ahead.

Giggs took first blood and maintained his record of scoring in every single Premier League season with a precision strike that came off the post after good work from Van Persie. Everton rarely mounted a decisive attack in the half and were further punished what Rafael set Van Persie loose to run the keeper and score.

What United showed in attacking class in the first half was replicated with equally hard steel in defence in the second. Knowing that Everton is built with the same determined never-say-die attitude, United stifled the midfield and reduced the Toffees attacking verve. Bodies were thrown in the way and balls were cleared with increased frequency. Carrick, who came on in place of Jones in the second half, was possibly one of the better performers. It was one of the rare times Carrick actually put on his Superman suit and excelled.

Eventually we put out the Everton fire and desire and cruised to a 2-0 victory, at the same time tightening the noose on Shitty's title challenge.