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In the second week of the season, Manchester United scored three second half goals to defeat Tottenham Hotspur, 3-0.  That game was played in August 2011.  Fast forward to now.  Both sides reside within the table’s comfort zone, which is the only criteria for inclusion into the Champions League club. Their contest kicks off this week’s recap from the Barclay’s Premier League.  Let’s kick-start this thing.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR-MANCHESTER UNITED.....Spurs have to be asking themselves where did it all go wrong ? Despite enjoying the bulk of possession and scoring chances, it was Man U who proved most opportunistic.  A goal at the stroke of halftime by Wayne Rooney and a pair of second-half strikes by Ashley Young keeps the Devils red hot. Spurs

Like millions of others around the planet I have a deep and passionate love affair with the beautiful game. The latest object of my affection is midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi. While on vacation last week, I witnessed the Napoli midfielder reduce Chelsea to crumbs in their first-leg Champions League match. The Argentine would score twice and set up another as the napolitani downed the blues, 3-1. I want Lavezzi to play in the league's top league. Fans of the premiership can only hope that the feeling is mutual. Let's kick start this thing.

MANCHESTER CITY-BLACKBURN ROVERS
This match had Harlem Globetrotters vs Washington Generals written all over it and it played out that way. Goals from Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero, and substitute Edin Dzeko made for an easy afternoon for

Rivalries. How we sports fans adore them. The Lakers and Celtics feuded on the pro hardwood,  Duke and North Carolina renewed acquaintances on the college floor, and if your favorite sport is played on blades, then Saturday night's Canadiens/Maple Leafs tilt was for you. Of course, the Democrats and Republicans made noise. Something about contraceptives and religious organizations; I tried like heck to avoid the argument. While I avoid politics, I'm attracted to the premiership. On Saturday, it served up a special rivalry when Manchester United played host to Liverpool. Let's kick-start this thing.

MANCHESTER UNITED-LIVERPOOL

The quality of the first half was especially dull and tasteless. Liverpool's finishing in the final third of the field was particularly sour. Man U wasn't

From the “ I wish I would have said that department;” I don’t know where I first saw it, but last Monday’s Manchester City/Chelsea game was referred to as “El Cashico.” Two days earlier Spain’s Barcelona and Real Madrid had their most recent  installment of “El Classico.” The respective owners of Man City and Chelsea, Sheikh Mansour and Roman Abramovich not only can make it rain, they can make their paper descend in a downpour. Floyd Mayweather has to be "green" with envy. This observer strives for originality and creativity in reporting on the beautiful game, but on this occasion I lost out to a better rival. I pledge to up my game. Let’s kick start this thing.

WIGAN-CHELSEA
Holiday

This was not a good week for the Manchester brothers. Both United and little sibling City were kicked to the Champion’s League curb. Man U’s defeat came against neighborhood nerd FC Basel, while City didn’t receive any first aid from Villareal. The two premiership teams are on fire domestically, but flamed out within the continent. Let’s kick start this thing.

MANCHESTER UNITED-WOLVERHAMPTON
I don't know what Sir Alex Ferguson told his club on the flight back from Switzerland, but it had the desired effect.  The Red Devils came out on fire and poor Wolverhampton could only beg for mercy.  With Chicarito Hernandez on the shelf with an ankle injury Wayne Rooney shouldered the offensive load and fired home two goals. This was Man U's best offensive performance

Robin Van Persie is the true caped crusader. Arsenal’s Dunkin’ Dutchman has scored 13 goals in 12 games to lead the entire premiership in scoring. RVP’s appetite for the back of the onion bag is the biggest reason why the gunners, described a month ago as dead men running by several “expert” soccer observers, are climbing to the top of the premiership charts.

With six goals in his last three games, Rockin’ Robin is hotter than a bikini-clad Megan Fox. Would the good times continue to roll? Let’s kick start this thing.

ARSENAL-FULHAM
Me thinks that Arsenal spent too much time at the Thanksgiving dinner table. How else can one explain their slow, lethargic approach to the game? Fulham was more than willing to take their foot off the gas and adopt