21st October vs CSKA (a). 1-0.

Valencia's goal, after a great counter-attacking move, is celebrated by the players. On a night that saw us equal Ajax's long unbeaten 14 away European matches without defeat, we witnessed another convincing show from Valencia, as well as a suprisingly rare contribution from Nani, who's decent diving header in the second was only kept out from a genius save by CSKA's keeper.

Good
- 9 points in the first 3 games should hopefully see us through into the knock out stages; allowing us a fairly simple and not too strenuous route through. Terrific, terrific.
- Clean sheet...it's been a while!
- The win today was achieved with a large number of regulars either left at home or on the bench. With Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Fletcher and Rooney all left out, it not only shows our capability to compete at the top with depth and range of squad members at our disposal, it also gives us the freshest team possible for Sunday (with Ferdinand taken off for precautionary measures as well). Let's hope though that, unlike the poor old Scousers, our top players will be about to compete and not merely watching helplessly from the stands.

Topman

Valencia. Great goal which was built-up through superb, accurate passing. Another fine performance which again displayed his stunning ball control and ability to hold it. A little fin-tuning is still needed with regards to the final product, but, with time, I can see Antonio becoming a rather complete right-winger (with his tracking back and protection of the right-back also pretty accomplished).

Nani...no, really. Shockingly, he had a half decent game. Again we saw poor decision making displayed as he chose to shoot more often the pass - regardless of the ease of the pass. Still, his dribbling against the fairly strong yet docile defence was at times blistering, and he produced the odd touch of class and subtle flick that reminded us, if only briefly, that the potential may still be there. If only it were matched by his confidence.

What was that!?

G.Neville. Again off the pace of the game; constantly looking tired, out of position - drifting too often into the centre, or staying up field after an attack - and insisting on crossing the balls in even though he hasn't managed to hit decent passes from that position since 1999. Actually, in fairness, his cross for Nani's header (which surely produced one of the greatest saves of all time from Akinfeev?) was a peach. But 1 of 10 isn't enough.

O'Shea. Poor passing and ball control was Jonny's problem today. Although Mr.Versatile most of the time, I'm rather happy we have the likes of Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson and Carrick dominating the centre of our midfield.

Owen. What exactly is his role? Or his game-plan? Where can he play and what can he contribute to the team that others can't already? Big questions that Ferguson needs to ask before giving Michael a game - or even a 20 minute performance like today - as if he continues to play aimlessly instead of providing with clinical, vital accuracy like he did against City, then his position at United needs to be strongly reassessed.

Saw. The CSKA players warming-up on the bench (literally); keeping themselves toasty with what can only be described as an old tartan rug your nan knitted you when you were 7. We have the high-technology heated Audi seats, they have...

Thoughts. Comfortable, in that they never looked overly threatening - even though we clearly haven't shaken off our defensive troubles (despite the removal of our 'weak-link' Foster) as we again lacked composure at the back. How long before these errors in judgement and communication will lead to detrimental results against harder, more clinical opposition??