Premier League, Week 13: Chelsea and City bore us to tears

After half-time, there was little change in proceedings, with Gareth Bale continuing to light up the ground on the base of Tottenham’s domination. After going close with a free-kick from 35 yards out, with Jaaskelainen beaten, and testing the keeper further with another fierce effort from range, he managed to double Spurs’ lead. Clint Dempsey, finally looking the player he did last season, rattled the bar for a second time before flicking a pass over the static West Ham backline for Gareth Bale to collect and slide into the net.

Shortly afterwards, Tottenham made sure with another goal from Jermain Defoe, Clint Dempsey again involved to play Aaron Lennon into the danger zone before the winger coolly squared the ball to leave Defoe with a simple finish.

Chelsea are winless in their last four games, while City have won their last two in a row, and they’re yet to be beaten in the Premier League.

Chelsea injuries and suspensions

Redknapp’s work is certainly cut out for him, but he may have seen that his new club have enough about them to keep themselves up if basic errors can be ironed out. United once again ran the risk of showing what happens to a club that seem to lack identity or direction, but once again showed they have the reserves to dig themselves out of a hole when they need to. Today proved two things we already know - that they are a deeply flawed side, and that they will be right in the title picture at the end of the season.

Aston Villa injuries and suspensions

Arsenal injuries and suspensions

New manager Harry Redknapp will watch the game from the stands, but is likely to go home empty-handed as Manchester United are heavy favourites. The Red Devils have struggled with injury problems this season, but have an almost fully-fit squad as the Premier League approaches the crucial Christmas period.

Manchester United injuries and suspensions