Manchester United started off the season slowly with a very difficult set of first half fixtures, and constantly have had one or two games in hand.  Last week they had finally pulled themselves to the top of the table, and this week would be a chance to pull 5 points clear at the top.  It certainly would not be an easy task, with Everton coming to Old Trafford, having twice recently held Liverpool to a draw.

Everton can be a very difficult team to break down; especially when they set out with a defensive mindset, such as on this occasion.  The Toffees appeared to be content to allow United the lions share of possession.   United are only too familiar with having to break teams down at home, and went about their work diligently, probing for a weakness in the Everton defense.

Carrick's long, pinpoint, passes were particularly affective when combined with Ronaldo and Tevez ability to run at defenders and get off a shot.  Everton defender Tony Hibbert appear to be a designated weakness, with Ronaldo, Ji-Sung Park and John O'Shea often teaming up to put pressure on the right back.  A number of times Everton keeper, Tim Howard, had to tip a well struck shot over his crossbar.  And once Ronaldo hit the inside of the post with a long range toe-poke.

Despite sitting back Everton were not affraid to go foward and try to get something at the other end.  Many times Leighton Baines got foward, and went past Gary Neville, only to put a disappointing ball into the box, predominately picked off by the first defender.

United looked far more likely to be the first to break the deadlock and three minutes from half time Carrick made a tricky run into the box only to be tripped by Mikel Arteta.  Although Carrick tried to stay on his feet he finally went down and a penalty was awarded.  Ronaldo stepped up and it wasn't much of a surprise when the ball hit the back of the net.

In the second half Everton didn't seem to have an answer for United's first half goal, and appeared comfortable to maintain the status-quo.  With United continuing to come forward, a litte more guardedly, and Everton attempting to catch them on the break.

United looked far more likely to grab a second, or third than Everton to score once, and the game finished up 1-0 to United; with them now sitting 5 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.