Chelsea travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday as they looked to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League and maintain a healthy lead against their northern rivals. United have a newly blended team and knew they could not afford to lose if they wanted to challenge later on in the season.
Chelsea started brightly and were duly rewarded as Drogba came back to haunt the English giants and take a 1-0 lead into the half time break. United didn't look like getting back into the match but game up with a late stoppage time goal to draw level and leave United still 10 points behind the League leaders.
Both managers were satisfied with the point, though Chelsea would be extremely disappointed after controlling the majority of the match.
Saturday's early kick off saw Champions Manchester City travel to West London as they faced West Ham at Upton Park. City knew the gap was building between Chelsea and themselves and new a win would be crucial to keep the pressure on, West Ham however had other ideas and have had their best start ever to a Premier League season.
The hammers were 4th placed before kickoff and their confidence was evident as they took on the skilful City line up. City should have gone ahead a few times in the match, hitting the cross bar and having many chances to take the lead, however the hammers took their chances and were 2-0 up before Manchester City made some changes to see if they could get back in the match.
Silver eventually pulled one back with a sensation solo effort but it was to little to late, as City slumped to another defeat and West Ham kept their amazing start to the season going and remain in the Champions League positions.
3pm Fixtures on Saturday saw Hull City travel to Anfield. Liverpool couldn't capitalise on many chances and were frustrated into a goalless draw! Southampton had yet another win, this time at the expense of visiting Stoke City. Southampton are now 2nd on the table and only 4 points behind leaders Chelsea as they continue their sensational form from last season even with a new looked team.
Arsenal continued their resurgence as they took care of business away at Sunderland. Two bad errors from Sunderland at the back gifted Arsenal 2 goals and kept the gunners 5th in the League. Sunderland had only themselves to blame as they looked to bounce back after a 8 goal thumping the week before. West Brom hosted Crystal palace at the Hawthorns only to have to come from two goals down to score a stoppage time penalty to share the points in the midlands. Leicester City struggled at home to Swansea as their promotion season sets in, the welsh heavyweights were to solid and precise as they won 2-0 away.
Everton took on Burnley away on Sunday's other early kick off, and they continued their great current form with a 3-1 win. Eto scored a brace as they look to climb the table and are now up to 9th in the table.
Spurs hosted Newcastle in London, but were condemned to another defeat leaving them 11th on the table after Newcastle were too good and also brought manager Pardew some breathing space.
Wesley Tronson is a bank manager on the Gold Coast and lived in England for seven years to 2010 in banking and soccer.
Wesley Tronson's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/wesley-tronson.html