Title Rivals Flex Their Muscles

Manchester Utd served up a timely reminder that they remain the team that all the others have to beat with an ultimately convincing 3-0 win over Spurs. The Londoners more than held their own for an hour, but after Danny Wellbeck opened the scoring Fergie’s young guns looked like they could score at will. Anderson and Rooney added their names to the scoresheets as the champions turned up the heat. Several bookies shortened the odds of the favourites for the Premier League title, but Coral still offer best value at 7/5.

Meanwhile Chelsea are closer to strengthening their credentials with another big name signing. Juan Mata is in London to undergo a medical with a fee agreed with Valencia in the region of £23.5m. The winger captained Spain to the European U21 Championship title this summer and he was also part of the 2010 World Cup winning squad. He is expected to draw comparions with Arjen Robben if he seals a switch to Stamford Bridge. With striker Romelu Lukaku recently signed for £20m from Anderlecht, Roman Abramovich shows no signs of tightening the purse strings. Chelsea are best price 3/1 for the title with Totesport.

Not to ever be outdone in the spending stakes, Manchester City appear to be closer than ever to signing Samir Nasri from Arsenal. A deal has been agreed between the two clubs, reportedly for about £25m. Mancini’s side are also 3/1 with Bet365.