Berba-Wonderland

Berbatov once, then twice. Brutal Liverpool. More defensive miscues. Another two-goal lead blown. Hat-trick! United 3, Liverpool 2!!

Any questions?

While there will be much rejoicing amongst the Reds and a temptation to remember the Cliff Notes version of today, it can't take away from another nervy performance by United's defense. The fan in me doesn't want to analyze the longer term trend here, as how in the world United didn't just simply maul this pathetic Liverpool side is beyond me.

Granted, it's a derby game. Granted, a single goal can change everything in football.

And yet, I completely agree with consensus that Liverpool have no width, no creativity, and no serious prospects for a title challenge this term. When you start Maxi Rodriguez and Joe Cole in wide positions against United, you're in serious trouble in my book, especially with David Ngog and Ryan Babel available. Btw, what exactly does Maxi do for Liverpool?! It's beyond me.

When I look objectively at the performance, the Red Devils were once again on thin ice against a vastly inferior team. Yes, you heard me: vastly inferior team. All you have to do is ask the Pool players themselves, as they mutter in the press about how difficult it will be for them to land in the top three.

United were within a referee's yellow-versus-red-card decision from pulling up lame and dropping points at home in the most cherished derby game of the year. The lapses in concentration which gave the penalty and free kick for the second goal are utterly shocking. And, once something goes bad, you can clearly see the players’ posture on the pitch transform.

Borrowing from last week's glass half full or half empty premise, there are three very clear outcomes from this match:

First, United cannot win the title without Rio Ferdinand. When Rio and Vidic combine in the center, it seems to have a calming influence on everyone around them both wide and directly in front of them. Calmer heads need to prevail across the backline, as Jonny Evans needs more time to mature.

Second, United clearly need more energy and cover from the midfield in latter stages in these matches, especially after watching Everton and Liverpool gain a firmer grip on possession and tempo late-on. This clearly isn't lost on Fergie nor United, but what other prospects are available? Most options are out of form or injured at the momentum, while Darren Gibson isn't the type of engine needed, as he plays a specific role moving forward, not covering for anyone.

Last and most important, of course, we should let go of our worries and savor the afterglow of an extraordinary victory. Today the bottle of bubbly goes to Player of the Match, Ditimar Berbatov, to whom Fergie noted earlier "you must have faith and we are being rewarded this season for our confidence in a player who has a touch of genius about him".

Thus, United brethren:

We're walking along, singing our song – walking in a Berba-Wonderland.

There's only onnnnnne Ditimar Berbatov!