The expensive symbols of their desire to dismantle the Premier League's established order were dotted all over Anfield in a meeting with Liverpool that was custom made to measure the scale of Manchester City's threat this season.

Instead, confronted by a Liverpool team short on confidence and shorn of key personnel before and during the game, City's negativity betrayed a lack of conviction that raises serious questions about their ability to muscle in on the top four.

Hughes - having painted a decidedly rose-tinted picture of how City were the better team in an undistinguished, messy affair - railed at justified suggestions in his post-match briefing that a more positive tactical approach might have brought greater reward.

As an advert for how Liverpool and City would emerge as the main protagonists in the fight for a Champions League place, this did little more than offer encouragement to those other outsiders Aston Villa and Spurs.

It was a fair reflection on the monument to mediocrity carelessly assembled by the two sides during a dreadful first 45 minutes that the board showing six minutes of stoppage time was greeted by an audible groan around Anfield. It was that bad. Maybe even worse.

And while Liverpool could offer up some slight excuse for their lamentable display after early injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel halted momentum, there was no logical explanation for City's docile tactical approach.

Liverpool's dramatic decline, with boss Rafael Benitez undermined by a devastating list of injuries and loss of form, allied to the unpredictability of results such as Arsenal's loss at Sunderland, means City will never have a better chance to muscle in on the top four.

They will not take that opportunity unless they show greater bravery than they did here. This was actually a rare case of two teams being there for the taking - with neither good enough to cash in.

In Hughes's defence, he is managing huge expectations as well as Manchester City since the arrival of the Abu Dhabi United group's riches - but he is being compensated by one of the biggest transfer budgets in football history.

The easy bit is going on the front foot at home with an array of striking riches so lavish that Hughes left two strikers worth £43m, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, on the bench at Liverpool even in the absence of Robinho.

City have showed they are more than capable of this. The hard part is travelling to places where the full extent of their danger to the top four will be measured, Anfield for example, and showing the self-belief and desire to take on the best on their own turf. They did not do that here - too tame by far.

Liverpool may rue the loss of another two points at home, but City should feel the greater sense of disappointment after missing out on making what should have been a powerful statement of intent.

City arrived at Anfield on the back of five successive Premier League draws - and their readiness to offer nothing in the way of positive intent until Martin Skrtel opened the scoring for Liverpool suggested they would have been happy with a sixth at the outset.

If Liverpool are being portrayed as a club in a constant state of crisis these days, then City have not exactly been covering themselves in glory either.

Their expensively-assembled line-up have dropped points to sides their huge outlay suggests they should be beating, with home draws against Fulham and Burnley plus stalemates at Wigan and Birmingham being prime examples.

Hughes tried to fool the untrained eye when he announced City had got their first-half tactics "spot on." If this meant not posing a threat to Liverpool's goal while setting up a dismally unadventurous defensive strategy, then fair enough.

He added: "We were waiting for the right moment in the game to go for it. That was always going to be in the latter part of the game. The goal we conceded pushed that schedule forward."

Does that sound like a team coming to Anfield for a point then suddenly realising they needed to do something once Liverpool scored? It does to me.

The folly of City's lack of progressive thought was underlined when they scored twice inside seven minutes through Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland once Carlos Tevez was introduced and Liverpool's fragile confidence was actually closely examined.

It begged the question as to why City did not try this obvious ploy earlier. Hughes said he did not want City to "go gung-ho." Fair point - but just a little more attacking ambition from a side with such lofty aspirations surely?

City's own defensive frailty was then instantly exposed by Yossi Benayoun's equaliser for Liverpool - and if Lucas had headed in a wonderful stoppage-time chance, Hughes could have paid an even higher price for refusing to take the handbrake off a side with some wonderful attacking talent at its disposal.

Benitez would have been the happier of the two managers - but only just

Benitez borrowed the rose-tinted spectacles used by Hughes to pay tribute to the "fantastic character" of Liverpool's players, but the long periods of silence that enveloped Anfield on a murky, miserable afternoon merely emphasised the sense of disappointment and resignation surrounding their current circumstances.

Liverpool are now 13 points behind leaders Chelsea, surely an already insurmountable gap, while Fiorentina can confirm the Reds' exit from the Champions League with victory against Lyon this week. It was not meant to be like this in a season that started with so much optimism.

Optimism does still lurk, quite literally, in one corner of The Kop every week where a huge banner paying homage to Alberto Aquilani takes pride of place. It is worthy of note.

"A Hero Will Rise" it states with a typically poetic and colourful Anfield flourish. Well not yet he hasn't - not unless a swift jog along the Anfield touchline with his fellow substitutes midway through the first half counts.

In a season of frustration for Liverpool and their supporters, the continued non-appearance of the £20m Italian summer signing, on whom so much depended after the departure of Xabi Alonso, counts among the biggest.

Benitez insisted Liverpool will improve enough to claim a place in the top four - a sign of the reduced Anfield ambitions after these recent traumatic times. Hughes was equally upbeat about City's future prospects, although neither side produced anything in the way of compelling evidence to totally support these claims.

As someone who has been an avid and vociferous supporter of City's bold attempt to throw a spanner in the well-oiled works at the top of the Premier League and inject unpredictability into the top four, this was a worryingly sterile and dour display.

Hughes concluded his post-mortem by saying: "We are disappointed. We have come to Anfield, scored two goals and got a draw. In the past, City teams would have been delighted. We have got an air of disappointment - that shows how far we have come."

How much further they go will depend on how willing Hughes is to take the shackles of City.

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Everton's line-up is likely to contain Jack Rodwell, the elegant rising star who is fast-becoming the most wanted teenage talent in English football.

Rodwell's name was noted long ago by Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also a huge admirer. Now the tall 18-year-old, who signed a new five-year contract at Everton in February, has attracted attention from potential new suitors in Chelsea and Manchester City because of his rapid development under David Moyes.

But after Rodwell exchanged shirts with Rio Ferdinand following Everton's FA Cup semi-final win against United last season, speculation is mounting that he is being lined up to claim the shirt on a permanent basis at Old Trafford in the future as the England defender's eventual successor.

So how long will it be before Everton's resolve to keep one of the game's bright young stars is tested again, as it was when Wayne Rooney left for United after Euro 2004? And would it be in the best interests of Rodwell to leave with his career only in its infancy?

Everton tell me there have been no expressions of serious interest in Rodwell. This situation may change - and quickly.

Chelsea will be active in January after their transfer ban was lifted and any move from Stamford Bridge is sure to spark a reaction from Manchester United, where it is understood that Ferguson, that prime judge of pedigree football flesh, rates Rodwell as a sure-fire star of the future.

Everton have been in this position before, but there are factors at work which mean Rodwell may not automatically take the exit route out of Goodison Park at the first sign of interest.

In the desire of some outside Goodison to see Rodwell rushed out of the door at Everton, they ignore the compelling evidence that it might actually benefit the young man to stay exactly where he is.

It should be stressed at the outset that Rodwell is hardly slumming it at a club that has finished fifth in the Premier League in successive seasons, so the opportunites for serious - and instant - improvement are limited.

All the indications, and the word from inside Goodison Park, is that this is a youngster mature beyond his years.

Rodwell was brought up in the Birkdale area of Merseyside, home of the famous Royal Birkdale golf course. He is closely advised by his father Malcolm, and was scouted by Everton from the age of six.

And Everton is in the family's blood. Dad Malcolm admitted to a Merseyside journalist in Lisbon recently that the hairs still rise on the back of his neck when his boy runs out to the familiar "Z Cars" theme at Goodison Park.

Of course Everton fans (and plenty of others) remember the bitter ending to a romantic story that started with Rooney's "Once A Blue Always A Blue" T-shirt in the FA Youth Cup final against Aston Villa - but hopes are high inside Goodison Park that this tale will have a happier conclusion.

Rodwell is a more measured and low-key character than the impulsive, explosive Rooney was at the same age, and he retains an excellent relationship with Moyes. Rooney, unlike Rodwell, was bitterly at odds with his manager when the parting came.

And unlike Rooney, who could have strolled into most teams in Europe at 18, Rodwell is still a work in progress and unsure of what will eventually be his best position. Indeed, it is unlikely Rodwell would have figured in Everton's team as often this season had all their players been available.

Despite the hype, Rodwell is currently not good enough to command regular football at Manchester United and Chelsea. This is not a condemnation of his quality, simply a recognition that he is taking the first steps on a long journey and perspective is required before the hype gets out of hand.

Rodwell's standing was put into brutal context when England coach Fabio Capello reacted with barely-concealed shock when it was suggested he might make his World Cup squad.

He has played in central midfield this season after originally emerging as a central defender in the Ferdinand mould - which may provide a clue to Ferguson's reported interest.

But Everton boss Moyes has been coming around to the idea that midfield may be his eventual territory after two thunderous long-range finishes against AEK Athens in the Europa League coupled with a naturally athletic, graceful style.

He has also looked anonymous at times this term, the inevitable consequence of Everton's inability to rest Rodwell as they wrestle with a lengthy injury list and his own attempt to adapt to life as a Premier League regular.

Rodwell is rangy, but his passing still requires a cutting edge in the midfield role and his tall and slender frame may not be equipped to fight the physical battles against the best the Premier League has to offer.

These are not criticisms - they are understandable facts about a young man still growing in a physical and footballing sense. At least at Everton he will be afforded the chance to grow with a reasonable expectation of first-team football.

If Rodwell went to Manchester United he could spend as much time on the bench as Sir Alex, at least in his early days, and the image of an unemployed Shaun Wright-Phillips should figure largely in his thoughts if Chelsea pursue an interest.

Former Everton striker Graeme Sharp has observed Rodwell closely and he told me: "First and foremost we are dealing with a young lad here. He has still got lots to learn and there have been times this season when I'm sure David Moyes would have pulled him out of the team if he had the players available to do so.

"People shouldn't forget that. He should not have too much pressure or expectation put on him. He has done well and has got bags of promise and his reputation is growing, but he is just 18 and it is unfair for people to expect too much because he is at a very early stage in his career.

"You hear comparisons with Wayne Rooney when he first came on the scene at Everton but you can't do that. This is totally different.

"When people first saw Wayne they had their breath taken away. As a kid he was explosive, off-the-cuff, made things happen in the final third. Jack can get the ball and keep it, but he's not someone who's going to get you 25 goals a season from midfield. And this is all understandable because he's just a boy in football terms. You have to take this into consideration.

"I think he will eventually play in midfield because I look at his physique, and I see the Ferdinand comparison with his style of play, but it would be a tough task for him against somebody like Didier Drogba. If I was looking to compare him to anyone at this stage, I would compare him to Michael Carrick.

"Don't get me wrong, Everton have got a very fine young player on their hands, but you have to keep going back to the fact that it is early days.

"If you were being over-criticial, which you can't because he is only a kid, you could say he might score more goals. He has also been playing in an Everton team that has struggled with form and injuries this season, so that situation hasn't helped him, but he is certainly a very promising young player."

The opening of the January window could provide the ultimate test for Everton and Rodwell, but Sharp believes he will not be fazed by the mounting speculation.

He said: "He is a very nice, sensible and level-headed lad. He is well brought up with a good family background. I do not see any of this affecting him. It is inevitable that when a good young talent like Jack emerges there will be speculation. It has always been there, but I think Jack has the sort of good character to deal with it."

Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, who was at Goodison Park when Rooney left for Old Trafford amid bitterness and acrimony, also subscribes to the theory that Rodwell would be better staying at the club that has nurtured his career.

He says: "While it goes without saying that Jack leaving Goodison would be a disastrous move for the Blues, I also think it would be a terrible switch in terms of the lad's development. Jack is flourishing at Everton.

"He could go to Manchester United or Chelsea and that development would be immediately hindered. I'm sure at the start of this season David Moyes earmarked Jack for a certain number of games, but instead circumstances have dictated that he has played in almost every game."

An added attraction for potential suitors such as United and Chelsea is the perception that Rodwell is "gettable." Turn up at the Emirates with an offer for Jack Wilshere or Aaron Ramsey, or at Old Trafford with an offer for Fabio da Silva or Federico Macheda, and you would be ordered off the premises.

Everton's financial situation makes them more vulnerable to an offer - but they are not an easy touch as they proved by prising £24m out of Manchester City for Joleon Lescott.

And it would send an ominous, potentially fatal, signal to their demanding support base if they swiftly fell prey again to any possible pursuers of Rodwell. These will all be considerations for chairman Bill Kenwright should an offer, as it inevitably will, be made at some point in the future.

For now, however, every ounce of common sense and logic suggests Everton should not sell. And Rodwell should not consider exchanging shirts just yet.

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Milner, in the stifling heat of Doha and in the face of Brazil's vastly superior range of talent, demonstrated the intelligence and versatility that surely convinced coach Fabio Capello of his worth next summer.

For Bent, substituted after 54 minutes of fruitless sweat and toil, this was probably his last chance to impress on Capello a talent that works well in the Premier League but has failed to make an impact at England level.

And as he trudged off disconsolately, and in the almost certain knowledge his World Cup hopes were over, it was hard not to sympathise with the Sunderland striker.

He would have hoped for just one chance to at least make Capello think he could jump the queue in England's preferred strike force that appears to be Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe and one other - probably Peter Crouch, but potentially Carlton Cole.

The shadow of Manchester United's Michael Owen will lurk over Capello's selection process, but his exclusion for this friendly suggests the Italian's mind is made up barring dramatic developments at Old Trafford.

Bent's only serious chance came when he got on the end of a first-half cross from Milner, but his effort lacked power, dropped harmlessly wide and the rest was a tale of honest industry without reward.

It was hardly a golden night for Milner, but he showed enough in an England defeat that was narrow in margin but comfortable in manner for Brazil to suggest he could be an important component in South Africa.

Milner was busy, produced the occasional probing cross and almost gave England an undeserved equaliser when he steered a volley over the top from Shaun Wright-Phillips cross in the second half.

Capello will not be panicked by this defeat. No definitive verdict can be delivered on England's World Cup prospects from a game in which they effectively sent out a shadow side against a Brazil line-up containing many of the big guns they hope will fashion another triumph in South Africa.

England were comfortably second best, but this was only to be expected considering how their team was ravaged by absentees. It does not take huge expertise to deduce that a strong Brazil line-up will usually defeat England's reserves and Capello probably knew as much.

It was effectively a chance for second-string stars to make or break their own personal World Cup aspirations as opposed to a realistic gauge of the standing of Capello's team.

Lonely Bent reflects on his England disappointment

Some fared better than others. Milner looked more suited to the task than Wright-Phillips, who saw plenty of the ball and occasionally threatened, but did not seriously exploit one obvious Brazilian weakness, where Lyon's Michel Bastos was pressed into emergency service at left-back.

Manchester City's winger did not produce anything like enough to suggest he can nose ahead of Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott if they are both fit. He is likely to spend next summer at home.

Ben Foster's potential as an England keeper has been questioned, not least of all here, but he did no harm to his prospects in Doha. He did it not so much with a show of excellence, but by at least avoiding the errors that have dogged his season. He still has work to do, but he did not set his cause back - and that is a source of comfort for Capello.

Foster's Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown produced a mixed bag and did not make a compelling World Cup case. He delivered occasional moments of defensive excellence, but he was caught out (as was Matthew Upson) by Elano's pass that created Nilmar's headed winner after 47 minutes.

And he was guilty of a poor back-pass that let Nilmar in and forced Foster to concede a penalty which Luis Fabiano skied hopelessly. Foster was fortunate to be spared a red card, but the real culprit was Brown.

For Rooney, the chance to mark his temporary appointment as captain with a landmark victory against such illustrious opposition never came. He was effort personified, but with Brazil so much more comfortable in possession, Rooney was always fighting a losing battle.

As were England in the heat of Doha - and for the unfortunate Bent he will fear this was the last chance to make his pitch for a place in South Africa. He is now almost certain to discover his own personal battle has also been lost.

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Brazil's desire to play lucrative friendlies far from home means England's players are closer to Qatar's Singing Sand Dunes than Rio's Copacabana, but incentive is not something Fabio Capello's players should have to search for.

Capello's countdown to the World Cup started the moment the final whistle sounded on an impressive qualifying campaign with victory over Belarus at Wembley.

So while the names on Capello's team-sheet to face Dunga's Brazil may not evoke memories of classic past meetings between these two superpowers, the game represents an opportunity for some to play their way on to - or maybe off - the plane to South Africa next summer.

Capello may not learn much about his established England players, but with Aston Villa's James Milner confirming that every move is noted by the Italian's eagle eye, he will be attempting to detect vital signs from those he is still pondering for inclusion next summer.

Darren Bent is one who will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to confirm the faith of his Sunderland boss Steve Bruce - and indeed Tyneside legend Alan Shearer - that he can make a strong case to Capello by simply scoring goals.

Darren Bent has scored eight goals for Sunderland so far this season

Much has been made of what Bent does not do, particularly after an unfulfilling spell at Spurs when he failed to get regular football and drew unfavourable comparisons (in a football sense of course) with Harry Redknapp's wife - from Redknapp himself.

What Bent does do, and does with regularity, is score goals and as Shearer himself says, this is how strikers are ultimately judged.

Except that they are not, at least not by a succession of England coaches. Not where Emile Heskey is concerned.

Capello is the latest to persist with the use of Heskey - missing injured in Qatar - in the more or less certain knowledge that he cannot be relied upon to score goals at the highest level.

Bent has never proved himself in his fleeting international appearances, and the odds must still be stacked against him making England's World Cup squad with Capello signalling strongly that he will only take four specialist strikers to South Africa.

They are likely to be Wayne Rooney, Heskey, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch, although the latter may face a late challenge from Carlton Cole. Bent is the outsider and will have limited opportunities to change Capello's mind - not an easy task for at any time.

If he gets a chance against Brazil, it could be Bent's "now or never" moment with England and he will be straining to get into the action.

Bent's inclusion has its place in the wider context. It can be read, with justification, as another broad hint from Capello that unless Michael Owen turns the clock back several years his England career is behind him.

Capello is nobody's fool so he will never rule out Owen, but it is clear he will have to produce something out of the ordinary at Manchester United to make England's coach blink.

This is a mistake in my opinion because, as I have said before, Owen is the man you want that vital chance to fall to as opposed to Heskey. Capello, however, does not subscribe to the Shearer theory that the mark of a striker is goals so England are locked on to the Heskey gameplan.

And if Peter Crouch plays against Brazil, what an opportunity for him to answer charges that his impressive international goalscoring record is flattering because of the standard of opposition he has punished.

The argument may have merit, but there is also a rather large flaw exposed when the question is asked - how can he score against elite opponents when he rarely plays against them?

Few World Cup squads are complete without one name that almost comes from nowhere - although few have been as left field as when Sven-Goran Eriksson effectively selected Theo Walcott for a month's paid holiday in Baden-Baden in 2006.

So what are the odds on Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock being that man after Capello, who it is understood has been highly-impressed with his measured and mature performances, drafted him into his squad?

Warnock's England career amounts to eight minutes against Trinidad and Tobago almost 18 months ago, but suddenly the door is slightly ajar for him to push his way through.

How galling it must be for Liverpool that a player manager Rafael Benitez allowed to leave for Blackburn Rovers after an Anfield career curtailed by broken legs has developed into a left-back currently better than anyone he has on his books.

Stephen Warnock (left) hopes to force his way into Fabio Capello's World Cup plans

Ormskirk-born Warnock developed at Ewood Park and is now suggesting he will mature fully at 27 under the tutelage of Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa as part of a reconstructed defence.

Ashley Cole, injuries permitting, will be England's World Cup left-back, but with Wayne Bridge's form dipping desperately at Manchester City and Kieran Gibbs - a certain England star of the future - having to muscle his way past Gael Clichy at Arsenal, the opportunity to subdue Brazil's famed attacking talents provides quite a stage for Warnock if he gets his chance.

Manchester City's Joleon Lescott presents an alternative at left-back away from his natural central defensive role, but the player who looked so assured for so long at Everton is currently in a trough at Eastlands and has never truly adapted with England.

It is hard to see this being anything other than brief acquaintances with England for the returning Jermaine Jenas along with Spurs team-mate Tom Huddlestone, who has yet to make his debut.

But for Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Villa's James Milner, a fixture that has been regarded as a right royal pain in the neck by Premier League managers presents contrasting challenges.

For Carrick, it is a chance to restore some of the lustre he lost with a poor display in the defeat against Ukraine - and for Milner an opportunity to implant his ability and obvious versatility even further in the Capello psyche.

Milner has, in my opinion, every chance of making South Africa because he offers pace and crossing ability on both flanks with equal comfort and shows a maturity and composure that suggests he sits well with the pressures of international football.

Carrick may find he now has an uphill task with Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard more or less cemented into the heart of England's midfield.

The absence of David Beckham should be neither here not there, unless he would have given fresh impetus to England's 2018 World Cup bid on important voting territory in Qatar, because as I have stated previously I do not think he should be in South Africa.

Rio Ferdinand's absence may offer opportunities for Bolton's Gary Cahill and Manchester United's Wes Brown - and once again the spotlight will be on England's goalkeepers.

If Capello's potential World Cup squad has a soft underbelly this is it. Every game between now and the day he names his squad will indeed be an audition for candidates who have yet to deliver compelling evidence that they are cut out for this most vital role.

Every move will be heavily scrutinised and every error will be dissected, as it should, for weaknesses that could pull the rug out from under England's World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Capello appears to have underscored the fact that Manchester United's Ben Foster and West Ham's Robert Green will be the understudies to Portsmouth veteran David James.

He has always been keen to look at Joe Hart, but I would prefer Blackburn's Paul Robinson to be in the squad at the expense of Foster. Rest assured this debate will occupy much of England's time over coming months.

So while the result may not carry huge significance as a gauge to England's World Cup hopes, short-term battles won in front of 39,000 fans in Qatar might pave the way to long-term goals for some.

When England meet Brazil it is never without meaning - whether battle commences in Rio, Wembley or Doha.

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This gives us plenty to discuss so it is time for another Q&A session and the chance for everyone to have a debate around the title race and England's prospects.

Given my apparently controversial - and now it would seem completely incorrect - prediction that Liverpool would win the Premier League, we could have devoted one entirely to events at Anfield.

There are plenty of Liverpool questions to answer, and many others as well. I simply could not answer them all so apologies if I have not included you this time - there will be many more opportunities in future.

We will start with the club (and manager) that is creating the most debate - Liverpool and Rafael Benitez.

Paul Loveuru on Twitter, along with countless others, such as TorreSamK9 on Twitter: "Can Liverpool win the Premier League title this season?"

I clearly felt they could, and of course mathematically they still can, but it is time to be realistic and accept that it would take a monumental improvement from Liverpool to do so - and one they show no sign of actually producing.

I do not see Liverpool making up 11 points on Chelsea, so it is time to bow to the inevitable and accept that my pre-season confidence in Liverpool was badly misplaced.

It might be worth me quoting BBC Sport's Alan Hansen (might as well drag someone else into it) from a conversation I had with him last week, because my thought processes about Liverpool this season mirrored his exactly.

He said: "I tipped Liverpool to win the Premier League before the start of the season. This was not a prediction based on old Anfield loyalties - it was based on the evidence of what I had seen from Liverpool in the last three months of last season.

"Benitez, after the way Liverpool had taken Real Madrid apart in the Champions League at Anfield, looked to have discovered the way to play against teams at home - namely by going out, penning them in and battering them.

"Liverpool had enjoyed good results against the other top four sides while Manchester United were inevitably weakened by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. People talk about Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry, but Ronaldo was the biggest player ever in the Premier League, so United were never going to replace what he gave them."

Enough of blaming Alan though. Xabi Alonso's departure has hit Liverpool hard, but I am not so sure it is as big a factor as people say. There appears to be a malaise running through the whole team, with or without Alonso.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have been injured, while Liverpool's defence has not looked secure as Jamie Carragher goes through a rare period of uncertainty. The central midfield partnership of Lucas and Javier Mascherano is built to destroy rather than create, a problem in itself.

And then we come to Alberto Aquilani. He may well prove a fine signing from Roma, but there is now the real possibility he will be fit too late in the day to have any serious impact on their title aspirations. Benitez knew this and took the risk. It is a gamble that looks likely to fail.

Benitez himself has been at the centre of speculation, but my view is that he will only have a serious problem if Liverpool fail to win a trophy and do not finish this season in the top four. This is more or less unthinkable and was almost the unspoken clause in the new five-year contract he signed in March. I do not think he is in imminent danger.

So to Paul and plenty of others. No I don't think they can win the title now. Feel free to throw the rotten eggs in my direction - although you never know. Well you do actually.

Matt Walker on Facebook: "After Ngog's disgraceful dive against Birmingham, what do you think is the best way to stamp this problem out of the game? I'd suggest an automatic three-match ban if video evidence proves cheating."

Lots on this subject too, including one from Chris Gospel on Facebook - and I would go along with Matt's suggestion completely.

If we have an open and shut case, which Ngog's clearly was, then the authorities should review video evidence and then hand down a three-match ban if this is confirmed. My only caveat is that this would have to be an obvious case of diving, which can be argued all sorts of ways and could create problems.

I was actually in the minority who thought Arsenal's Eduardo did not dive against Celtic. I felt there was slight contact, but if someone has clearly dived then three matches. No problem.

Phil Akeroyd on Twitter: "Do you think the Old Firm are good enough for the Premier League?"

Yes I do. I think they are good enough for the middle of the Premier League.

Not the top or bottom but the middle. Through a strange quirk of fate I actually saw Celtic's match at Falkirk on Sunday and they were awful and their fans are very pessimistic at the moment.

So I would say Celtic and Rangers would be mid-table sides in England, although I am totally against them joining the Premier League. What would that do to the rest of Scottish football and why should other teams in England see two others just parachuted in without going through the tiers of the game?

BrickCommo23 on Twitter: "How well do you think Arsenal can do this season? We're playing brilliantly at the moment."

This was a question also posed by Jaypreet Hothi, Bolarinwa Olajide and Dees Patel on Facebook.

I agree Arsenal are playing very well and with the usual flair associated with Arsene Wenger. I certainly agree they can be in the mix for the title, given the greater unpredictability of results this season.

I've seen the two sides of Arsenal this season, so I am still unsure whether they can win the title. I saw them somehow contrive to lose at Manchester United and Manchester City, where they got themselves into positions where you would have backed them as likely winners, and then saw them sweep aside Spurs at the Emirates.

What I can say is that watching Arsenal is nearly always a pleasure and it would be a wonderful vindication of Wenger's principles if they did win a trophy this season.

I can certainly see them claiming a cup competition, but I do have areas of concern. I am not sure about the goalkeeping position, where Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone are adequate without being outstanding.

Another area was raised in a question by Matt Lewan on Facebook:"How important is Alex Song to Arsenal's Premier League title challenge and do Arsenal have adequate cover for the midfielder, or does Arsene need to buy?"

I think Song and Abou Diaby are good players, but if Wenger could just find that world-class midfield powerhouse to complement the brilliant Cesc Fabregas, then I would feel more confident about tipping Arsenal to win the title.

One thing is certain though, with players of the calibre of Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Andriy Arshavin they will be a real threat. And another thing - having attended plenty of Wenger media conferences this season he is 100% convinced they can win the title.

Ollie O'Neill on Facebook: "How do you rate Villa's chances of breaking into the top four ahead of Manchester City and Tottenham?"

No relation to Martin I take it, Ollie? I think Villa have started very impressively, as they did last season until they faded badly. They are a very strong side built in the traditional O'Neill manner, with pace and power down the flanks and up front in the shape of Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew. And of course, they still have Stewart Downing to come.

I have been hugely impressed by the way O'Neill reconstructed his defence just before the transfer deadline with the signings of Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock.

Warnock was sold by Liverpool and is currently a better left-back than anyone they have, while Collins and Dunne are in the perfect mould of O'Neill central defenders. Bodies on the line to stop goals. A simple template and one that looks highly-effective.

If I was to have a query about Villa it might be a lack of craft and guile in midfield after the departure of Gareth Barry - although this might be where Downing comes in to help Stilyan Petrov.

But with Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester City showing signs of inconsistency, O'Neill will fancy his chances of at least maintaining a challenge to the top four.

Hope this also answers the question from Adam O'Connor on Facebook.

Corkertron on Facebook: Do you think Everton will be reduced to mid-table obscurity this season and that David Moyes deserves better support from the club?

Sadly for Everton, I fear that unless some form of major investment comes into the club then fifth place in the Premier League and reaching the FA Cup Final last season may well prove the high point of David Moyes' reign at Everton.

Everton's achievement last season was remarkable given serious injuries sustained to Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Yakubu. This season we have seen the big investments from Spurs, Manchester City, Aston Villa and even Sunderland - whereas Everton effectively paid for their summer outlay via the sale of Joleon Lescott.

The previous summer Everton's record buy Marouane Fellaini was more or less funded by the sales of Andrew Johnson and James McFadden.

Moyes has been at Everton for seven seasons now, and it will be intriguing to see how he handles this. He has always been fiercely motivated, but who will continue to motivate him if he sees Everton being overtaken?

A big day awaits Everton later this month when a decision is made on their proposed new stadium at Kirkby. The club have hung a lot on this, in terms of increasing revenues and attracting investment.

If it is turned down what then? Don't make the common sense suggestion of a shared stadium between Liverpool and Everton because they won't listen. Pride comes before a fall on that one.

On the subject of support for Moyes from the board the facts are simple - they cannot give him what they haven't got.

For two seasons running, Everton have been racing around trying to sign players as the clock ticked to the transfer deadline. This is not the sign of a well-thought out and structured policy, and while Kenwright has to take his share of responsibility, Moyes as the manager cannot be absolved from blame either.

Kenwright said in September 2008 he wanted a billionaire for Everton and it was suggested deal broker Keith Harris was searching for a buyer - but it looks no more likely today than it did then.

It is tough to see how the Kenwright regime can turn things around financially without that investment and that would leave Moyes effectively settling for make-do-and-mend management.

He has worked the oracle before, but I do not see top five this season. Everton need major investment - but I'm not sure if and when it will ever arrive.

Darren Fletcher has been impressive for Manchester United this season

Arbër Salihu on Facebook: "Does Manchester United have a good player for the future in Darren Fletcher? Is he the man to be a part of the famous midfield which once comprised of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane?"

Manchester United have a good player for the present as well as the future in Darren Fletcher. He is one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted players and it was significant that United played a lot better with him in the side at Chelsea than they did without him at Liverpool.

He has a style that suits those high-tempo type of matches and is very under-rated, although not by anyone at Old Trafford.

Whether he would have got in the midfield that once housed Paul Scholes and Roy Keane at the same time is debatable, and indeed hypothetical, but those days have gone and Ferguson almost always picks Fletcher for the big games. This tells us a lot.

topheechrisp on Twitter: "With every England keeper faltering and Fabio Capello's promise to only play people who play for their clubs, why is Ben Foster in ahead of Paul Robinson?"

Good question. When I did a run down of the goalkeepers I felt England should take to the World Cup, I put Paul Robinson in ahead of Ben Foster.

I actually think Robinson is a better goalkeeper than Foster, and has rehabilitated his career well since leaving Spurs for Blackburn. I also felt he was very harshly treated for a goal that was not his fault when England lost to Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

His confidence was badly damaged by the subsequent criticism, but he has proved he is a strong character by rebuilding his career.

I've not been impressed with Foster when I have seen him this season. Not commanding enough and just looks too uncertain for me. The England goalkeeping debate is one we will be having all the way to South Africa and potentially beyond.

deovratk on Twitter: "Who do you think should cover Rio Ferdinand's absence? Matthew Upson or Gary Cahill?

This was also on the mind of Chris Smith on Twitter.

I would go for Matthew Upson ahead of Gary Cahill because he has done little wrong for England. Cahill has promise but Bolton have leaked a lot of goals recently. I interviewed Cahill with England recently and he certainly has plenty of confidence, but is modest enough to accept he has much work to do and is currently down the pecking order.

Joleon Lescott has been poor since his move from Everton to Manchester City, while it is a shame his former Goodison Park colleague Phil Jagielka is still injured because he would have given Capello a quality added option.

The question of Ferdinand's fitness and form was raised by many.

Michael Muldoon on Facebook: "Does Ferdinand go back into either Man U or England team directly? I don't mean Wes Brown for England, but still....."

I suspect if he is fit and playing well he will do both, but the issue of Ferdinand needs to be examined in a wider context. He is not a youngster any more and is increasingly troubled by injuries.

I have seen Ferdinand several times this season and it looks like his absences from the game have reduced his mental and physical sharpness - which is not to say they won't return with games, but they are currently a worry.

He was at fault for England in the Netherlands and the Ukraine, made a crass error to gift Manchester City a goal in the derby at Old Trafford and was swatted aside with ominous ease by Liverpool (and Spain!) striker Fernando Torres when he scored at Anfield recently.

A fit Ferdinand playing well will be an automatic choice in England's central defence, but he has work to do on both form and fitness.

Yusuf Bham on Facebook: "Many clubs have been linked with Valencia's David Villa. Which club do you think will suit him best in the Premier League and why?"

I think he would be the perfect fit for Manchester United, although he is a player of such outstanding quality he could join any club in the Premier League and not look out of place.

I say United because I do feel they are missing an extra, game-changing, sparkle in attack since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. They cannot rely on Wayne Rooney every time and I think someone of Villa's stature would flourish under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Jebtha Kapirial on Facebook: "Can you see Man Utd winning any trophies this year? I certainly can't!! How seriously can we take Arsenal's title challenge as they've sneaked under everyone's radar so far this year and are playing some wonderful football?"

Dealt with Arsenal earlier, so I'll concentrate on Manchester United. I can always see Manchester United winning trophies, but there is a vulnerability about them at the back this season that is worrying and of course Ronaldo cannot be replaced in attack.

Never rule them out of the Premier League, although Chelsea are starting to have a real air of authority. Do not see United having the quality to win the Champions League, but only a fool bets against any sort of silverware ending up at Old Trafford so I can certainly see them winning something.

WobyTide on Twitter: "Do you think Sunderland have what it takes to pick up a Europa League place this term?"

Not sure about that but I predict real progress for Sunderland under an excellent manager in Steve Bruce. He has been given money to spend and regular readers of my blog will know how highly I rate Darren Bent and what a great piece of business that was.

Lee Cattermole was starting to fulfill all his potential until injury, while Lorik Cana and Michael Turner are shrewd additions by a manager who really knows his way around the transfer market.

If everything went right and there were no serious injuries, they might just come into contention for the Europa League. I personally think it will be beyond them, but things are on the move at Sunderland under the stewardship of Bruce and I can see a top ten place.

This response was also in answer to Danny Williams on Facebook.

Chris Richardson on Facebook: "Will Jimmy Bullard's return reignite Hull's season and save Phil Brown?"

I think Bullard needs to play more games in succession to prove his fitness before we can make a definitive statement on that, but he certainly made a difference against Stoke. He just got on the ball, passed it, showed confidence and took responsibilty - all things some Hull players may have become reluctant to do during their struggles.

I think Phil Brown is still fighting for his future, but new chairman Adam Pearson is responsible and that last-minute win against Stoke has certainly given everyone at Hull some breathing space to regroup during the international break.

Will Owen Coyle's Burnley side survive in the Premier League?

Chris Ellis on Facebook: "What do you think to Burnley's start to life in the Premier League and do you think they will be able to stay up this season?"

I said before the start of the season that I felt they could stay up and nothing has happened to change my mind. They have got an outstanding home record, bar a blip against Wigan, and the point the collected at Manchester City will give them added self-belief.

Home form will be the key, but having been to Turf Moor this season there will be some harrowing afternoons for teams there this season let me tell you.

And who cannot be impressed by Owen Coyle, not just for his personality but also his passing beliefs? Home form more or less kept Stoke City up last season, and I can see it doing the same for Burnley.

Gregor Fink on Facebook: "What do you think about Spurs' performance this season so far and will they be able to break into the top four?"

No-one can complain about fourth place at this stage can they? Spurs have a side full of goals and deservedly won against Liverpool, but were well beaten by Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

They are progressing under Harry Redknapp, and for every team hoping to gatecrash the top four (and you would put Villa and Manchester City in that group) Liverpool's poor start will have given them renewed hope.

Consistency is all important, as ever for Spurs, but you cannot rule them out.

IN BRIEF

johal20 on Twitter: "Should referees come out and explain decisions they've made during games, if they're perceived to be controversial?"

As a member of the media I am biased here, but yes, I think they should. Why not offer an explanation of major decisions, not least of all to the fans? Not holding my breath on that one though.

Bolarinwa Olajide on Facebook: "Which goalkeeper has impressed most this season?"

Liverpool's Pepe Reina. Beachball incident at Sunderland aside, he is the best in the Premier League. Reliable, intelligent, consistent. He has surpassed Chelsea's Petr Cech in my opinion and is in a different league to other English goalkeepers.

Mahesh Soren on Facebook: "What if Birmingham gets relegated by one point or two? What will be FA's stance and yours?"

Obviously a reference to the David Ngog dive at Liverpool. If they got relegated by one or two points it would be very unfortunate, but my stance would be there would have been a whole season of decisions and teams tend to finish where they deserve. I do not think the Football Association would have any stance on it, to be honest, Mahesh.

Russell Irving on Facebook: "Do you think Martin O'Neill has taken Aston Villa as far as he can?"

No. He hasn't won a trophy yet at Villa Park so there is plenty of places to take them. He has good backing from owner Randy Lerner and Villa could be a good bet for a cup competition.

coastalpastor on Twitter: "Will Fellaini make it?"

Saw this one coming after I made some unflattering remarks about Everton's giant Belgian, and his choice of hairstyle recently. Sorry, do not see him being a major force in the Premier League. Decent enough, but too often games pass him by and at £15m was vastly over-priced. I make no more observations about his hairstyle.

Kush Kohli on Facebook: "Who should Chelsea go for because their ban is lifted and how much should they spend?"

I would love to see Chelsea add some quality width to their side, so my choice would be Franck Ribery - but I think he would also be a superb buy for Manchester United. I leave them to decide how much to spend but he won't come cheap.

Adam_Townsend on Twitter: "Could you imagine the scenario if Rafael Benitez was to get the sack at Liverpool and be replaced by Darren.Ferguson? Father/son rivalry would be immense."

Got to confess Adam I haven't imagined that scenario. Strangely enough I don't think it will happen - but would be quite a story though.

Thanks again for so many questions. It was impossible to answer them all but the Q&A will become a regular feature of the blog so there will many other chances.

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The source of Ferguson's excitement was the last six minutes against CSKA Moscow and United's enduring ability to fashion an unlikely escape from the tightest corners at the last possible moment with a big finish.

United's were at it again as a rare Paul Scholes header and Antonio Valencia's deflected shot clawed back CSKA's 3-1 lead in that frantic finale and stretched their unbeaten home record in the Champions League to 23 games.

Ferguson could just as easily have been talking about the luxury of being able to launch Wayne Rooney, and you could almost use the word literally for the way he went about his business on Tuesday, into action when things get rough.

Football's most famous new father may have been short on sleep just a day after the birth of his son Kai, but he woke a dozing Old Trafford from its slumbers and made sure Ferguson got the point that fulfilled his wish for early qualification for the Champions League group phase.

Even as CSKA celebrated, Ferguson ordered Rooney to warm up and the mood inside a subdued Old Trafford, perhaps lulled by the knowledge even defeat was unlikely to halt the passage into the last 16, lifted several levels.

And inevitably he was at the heart of a United revival that pressurised CSKA until they finally cracked in those closing stages after 84 minutes of defiance in defence and danger in attack.

Ferguson will now hope Rooney will be well rested between now and Sunday, because other elements of a flawed United display confirmed they will need him at his most energetic when they confront leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It is unlikely Ferguson will have regarded some of United's defending as one of the great pleasures of managing this club - because there were times when it was dreadful.

True Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were absent, but the ease with which CSKA occasionally cut through United, and the vulnerability of a static Edwin van der Sar for Alan Dzagoev's opener, provided genuine cause for concern.

Ferguson, in United's defence, rightly pointed out the number of chances created that were either missed or saved by CSKA's outstanding goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev - more of him later.

United's manager has received short shrift in recent weeks for criticism of officials, especially his attack on Alan Wiley's fitness, but he had a cast-iron case to wield the big stick here after Portuguese official Olegario Benquerenca ignored a blatant penalty when Darren Fletcher was fouled by Aleksei Berezutski.

Not only did the referee refuse the penalty, he then cautioned Fletcher for diving - a nonsense that makes Uefa's refusal to consider appeals against yellow cards a farce.

All CSKA's goals were avoidable and once again the fallability that has troubled United on occasions this season was in evidence. Ferguson went for an ultra-attacking 4-4-2 formation that occasionally left United exposed, but that still did not excuse the faults.

Up front for United, Michael Owen toiled with varying degrees of success. He missed a couple of early chances but kept hunting and was rewarded with a goal that equalised Dzagoev's first for CSKA.

It is this persistence, and a refusal to be affected by opportunities lost, that should still make him a viable contender for England coach Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. Owen was nowhere near his best on Tuesday, but he has an uncanny ability to attract chances or create openings - and the sharpness will improve with game time.

Capello admits he is "tormented" by Owen when it comes to England selection and it is easy to see why. You know he is not the player he once was, but you also know he has proved he can deliver on the big occasion. Every game he plays for United will be a proving ground for him this season and it is a dilemma that may not go away for Capello.

Another intriguing sub-plot to this entertaining encounter was Ferguson's very public praise for CSKA keeper Akinfeev, someone United have been strongly linked with in recent times.

Ferguson even flagged up his quality to United's fans via his programme notes, with an open invitation to keep an eye on this imposing figure, writing: "Watch out tonight for CSKA's goalkeeper Igor Akifeev, impressive in the first leg, too - he is a very good player."

Old Trafford had no trouble seeing him as a succession of United players lined up to test Akinfeev and found themselves beaten men as he showed himself to be physically powerful, agile, secure and willing to use all parts of his body as a barrier.

Ferguson was glowing afterwards when he was quizzed by a Russian media who clearly feared his kind words were a form of courtship and could sense a fat cheque heading CSKA Moscow's way.

He said: "The goalkeeper was fantastic. He's athletic and powerfully built. His distribution was good. He was excellent. He had a great game."

Pressed again Ferguson added: "First of all I'm not showing any interest in a goalkeeper. I'm very happy with my goalkeeping situation at the club. We won't be interested in any other goalkeeper, no matter where it is - but I have to say the goalkeeper was fantastic. He's a very good goalkeeper."

So Ferguson is happy with the strength provided by Van der Sar, Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak - but we might have a good idea where he will look if he ever gets unhappy.

Van der Sar was 39 last week and coming to the end of his career, Foster is struggling to come to terms with the transition of playing at a club of United's stature and Kuszczak will never be any more than an able deputy.

United will be wise to keep all goalkeeping options open - and if Ferguson does not want Akinfeev plenty of others will after a reference like that from United's manager.

Ferguson's open admiration for Akinfeev should not go unnoticed by Van der Sar and Foster in particular. If they fall below the standards required, then we know who Ferguson rates and Old Trafford got the chance to admire his handiwork on Tuesday.

Akinfeev stood alone against United when the siege was mounted late on, and he was only beaten when Valencia's shot took a crucial deflection off Georgy Shchennikov.

As somebody once famously said about Wayne Rooney: "Remember the name."

Old Trafford had no trouble remembering Rooney's name at the final whistle as they recognised the catalyst for this latest comeback. And he ensured Ferguson can start making his plans for another assault on the latter stages of the Champions League.

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Keane had added time to consider his ill-judged elevation of Spurs' aspirations when he was removed early from an encounter that was 42 minutes of hard-fought north London derby combat and 48 minutes of one-sided Arsenal domination.

Nothing wrong with talking up your team, but Keane learned a harsh lesson that it is always best to talk big after first backing up your words with deeds.

Spurs failed to do that and the Emirates, unsurprisingly, battered Keane over the head with all the derision at its command when he was removed after 65 minutes.

The big surprise came as Spurs boss Harry Redknapp sat in the Arsenal media theatre and refused to believe the evidence of his own eyes, announcing: "There is no gap between the clubs in my opinion."

Sorry Harry. You can make a compelling argument on most football matters, but no-one was swallowing this one.

Redknapp, in his defence, had a point when he claimed Spurs had the game under control for 42 minutes - but their pretensions at a top-four place (and consequently the argument propagated by Keane) is undermined by their tendency to then lose comfortably to the top teams.

Spurs have now conceded three goals in each of their meetings with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Hardly a cause for crisis but evidence that Redknapp's renewal of Spurs still has some way to go.

Redknapp was also right when he suggested Arsenal's fans were turning on their team at the very point Spurs conceded, or to be more precise gifted, two goals.

There was some real old chuntering sweeping around the Emirates until Spurs lightened the mood by allowing Robin van Persie to score after the small matter of failing to switch on at a throw in, failing to defend a cross from Bakary Sagna, and then watching goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes make a lame attempt at a stop.

If this was not galling enough, Spurs then proved it was no fluke within seconds as Cesc Fabregas robbed Wilson Palacios from the kick-off and was almost given a guard of honour towards the goal to complete the formalities.

Game over. Arguments about equality dead in the water. Spurs have now failed to beat Arsenal in 20 league games and Keane may be well-advised to take a vow of silence before the return.

Van Persie's second, the result of more defensive dawdling after referee Mark Clattenburg's superb utilisation of the advantage rule, merely set the stage for an Emirates gloat-fest and an opportunity for Arsenal to indulge in a few passing party pieces.

The empty spaces in the visitors' section of the Emirates as the seconds ticked away told the tale of an afternoon that put the current state of Spurs in its true context. Moving forward, but steady on the hype - especially from their own players.

The strength of Spurs' squad in comparison to Arsenal was central to Keane's claims, but they could not cope without the pace afforded by Aaron Lennon, the suspended Jermain Defoe and the craft of Luka Modric. The trio would have made a serious difference to an attacking game plan that appeared to involve little more subtlety than utilising the height of Peter Crouch.

And the players introduced when Redknapp tried to make changes did not present a glowing advert for their strength on the margins, with Roman Pavlyuchenko and Gareth Bale contributing little.

It was a tough afternoon for David Bentley, restored to the side against his former club and exposed to the taunts of Arsenal's fans.

Cesc Fabregas scores Arsenal's second goal against Tottenham

He was by no means Spurs' worst performer, although he opened as if his shorts had caught fire on the way out of the tunnel, starting with a madcap deliberate handball, a wild tackle on Thomas Vermaelen and an ill-fated attempt to recreate his spectacular goal at Arsenal last season.

There remains a good player in there trying to get out. Whether this version of Bentley emerges at Spurs remains to be seen.

Tottenham are improving under Redknapp. They are perhaps not improving as fast as they think they are. Don't get me wrong - Spurs have a real chance of making the top five and Redknapp will no doubt make additions in January, but they are not as good a team as Arsenal and there is no shame in them admitting it.

Better times lie ahead for Spurs under Redknapp. At this stage of the redevelopment, though, they are not better than Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger was in buoyant mood, revelling in Arsenal's "serious" side and as proud of a clean sheet as he was about the goals.

Not all was well in Wenger's world, however, when his jacket went flying even with the reassurance of a 3-0 lead, explaining: "I couldn't communicate with the team because of the noise of the stadium. I'm not used to that."

Was that a lighthearted swipe at the inhabitants of the old Highbury "library"? Surely not.

Arsenal were not fluent, but Wenger is right to insist they can have genuine title ambitions in what is fast becoming a maverick Premier League season when it comes to results. Chelsea and Manchester United hold sway, but Arsenal are in the mix - make no mistake.

Wenger was also missing some gifted attacking talent such as Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and with Samir Nasri on the bench as he makes his way back to full fitness.

And the jewel in Arsenal's crown is Fabregas, the grand manipulator of football matches, a master dictator of tempo and the man that makes it all happen.

Asked if there were many who could make matches march to his own beat like Fabregas, a smiling Wenger said: "No. That's why he plays for Arsenal. The first time we saw him play at 16 he had those certain things you cannot teach players."

Fabregas still has "those certain things" - and has added much more besides.

I asked Wenger whether the words from the Spurs camp provided an added incentive, but he said: "The good thing is football is about performance not opinion. Everybody can have an opinion, but what is important is what happens on the pitch.

"Robbie Keane cannot say they are worse than us because it's part of the preparation of the team, but it is about performance not opinion."

And the satisfied Wenger then departed, delighted that Arsenal's performance spoke more eloquently than any other opinion.

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Just 24 hours after coach Fabio Capello revealed he would never like to see England win a match courtesy of a dive, Wolves manager McCarthy found himself navigating his way through the minefield of football's morals.

As Wolves fans filed away from Molineux past the Billy Wright statue, satisfied with a point against Aston Villa, McCarthy was perched high above them struggling to get to grips with the concept of being penalised for honesty.

The ethical dilemma was the result of Doyle's "refusal" to hit the deck while being manhandled - "he had his wallet, shirt and everything off him didn't he?" complained Mick - by Villa defender Richard Dunne.

Doyle stayed on his feet despite Dunne's close attention, perhaps persuading referee Peter Walton not to point to the spot. It all happened in the opening minutes and may have put a different shape on a game that too often matched the dreary Molineux weather.

McCarthy had a point when he insisted a player should not have to be grounded to win a penalty. A penalty is a penalty is a penalty goes the argument - whenever it happens and irrespective of whether the offended party makes contact with the turf.

Wolves gained a measure of justice later when Walton did point to the spot (he had no alternative) after Steve Sidwell crashed into Michael Kightly, allowing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to apply heavyweight frustration to a spot-kick that might still be on its way up the M6 had the net not intervened.

It gave Wolves a deserved point after Gabriel Agbonlahor threatened to earn Villa a win their lifeless display did not merit, but it was easy to understand McCarthy's frustration which was, it should be stressed, conveyed in respectful terms.

Wolves' season, and perhaps their Premier League survival, may be fashioned by fine details, so marginal decisions such as this - and indeed the ludicrous sending off of Stefan Maierhofer at Everton - could have ominous long-term consequences.

A visit to Molineux is to take a trip into a football heartland, a club with a crowd, stadium and history that is a natural fit for the Premier League. And on the evidence of this draw against a Villa side with pretensions at a more elevated level, there is every chance there will be three teams lower than Wolves when the season finishes.

This was no classic, in fact it was anything but, but the warm reception afforded to Wolves at the final whistle was a reflection of the satisfaction felt inside Molineux about the way McCarthy's side acquitted themselves.

The honesty shown by Doyle in declining to take a tumble is mirrored by the entire Wolves team - but they must uncover a cutting edge if the survival which would represent success this season is to be achieved.

Wolves have already paid the price of missed chances at Molineux this season, and it took a penalty to earn their just reward here after more generosity in front of goal threatened to end in a damaging defeat.

Ebanks-Blake's penalty was his first Premier League goal after recovering from injury, and he will be a key figure in the months ahead. McCarthy is convinced this burly figure can carry his goal threat from the Championship to the Premier League - and he may need to if the endeavour and spirit shown in other areas is not to falter on a lack of end product.

McCarthy believes Wolves are growing into the Premier League on a weekly basis but honesty will only take them so far. They will need more, and men like Ebanks-Blake and Doyle must provide it.

For Villa, this was the sort of display that adds conviction to the feeling that a more realistic target for Martin O'Neill's side may be top five or six as opposed to the riches offered in the top four.

Mick McCarthy and Martin O'Neill have very different hopes for their teams this season

Villa have made an excellent start to the season, but O'Neill's constant references to consistency hit the mark when trying to take an accurate measure of their ambitions.

They have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea and drawn with Manchester City - but lost to Wigan and Blackburn and drawn with Wolves. Erratic behaviour for a team with Champions League aspirations.

O'Neill was spot on when he declared his disappointment: "We just didn't get to grips with the game early enough."

It was a charge that could still be levelled at Villa even when Wolves ran out of ideas. There was a lack of wit from the visitors that would have made them undeserved winners.

What O'Neill has done is assemble a no-frills framework in defence, based on his new and unashamedly no-nonsense central pairing of Dunne and James Collins, while having the pace, width and power of Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and John Carew as an attacking weapon.

It is the classic O'Neill template. He has wisely strengthened his squad to guard against the fade-out that characterised last season, but you suspect he may just need a little bit more craft in midfield to make the leap into the elite pack.

For Wolves, the sights are set at a lower level and honesty is a quality they will need to ensure they stay in the Premier League.

McCarthy will just hope they are not too honest for their own good.

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The Spirit of Shankly protest group are plotting a march to emphasise, as if it were needed, the strength of feeling against Liverpool's American hierarchy while - in a faintly surreal development - United supporters will be searched for beach balls after Rafael Benitez's men were undone by this unlikely piece of club merchandise at Sunderland.

Distractions and sideshows are never required when Liverpool and Manchester United meet and the current criticism, much justified but some downright hysterical, surrounding Rafael Benitez makes them even less important this Sunday.

Benitez's circumstances are clear enough. He needs to end Liverpool's worst run since 1987 swiftly, and while a meeting with Manchester United provides danger it also provides opportunity and the best possible chance to blow away the clouds of crisis.

And yet, in among the politics and behind-the-scenes pantomime that has replaced what used to be called "The Liverpool Way", it should not be ignored that the champions have not always been convincing themselves this season.

But even seasoned and partisan Old Trafford observers would have to agree there has been an uncharacteristic vulnerability in defence, a fault that can be attributed to the uncertain goalkeeping of Ben Foster and the lack of match fitness and sharpness of Rio Ferdinand.

United needed to call on their time-honoured knack of escapology to fashion a draw from an awful display against Sunderland and it was sobering to witness the panic stations as they held on for victory against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford last Saturday.

The Champions League win against CSKA Moscow in Russia, sealed by the rapidly improving Antonio Valencia, had a reassuring "job done" air from a reshaped team and will have provided huge satisfaction for Ferguson.

Sunday's meeting between Man Utd and Liverpool will be instructive on many levels

It was inevitable that United would take time to grow accustomed to the flair and brilliance that travelled with Cristiano Ronaldo when he left for Real Madrid, and there has been a workmanlike, pragmatic approach to their work this season.

But with Wayne Rooney in full cry, and Ryan Giggs again extending a wonderful Indian Summer to his career, they have managed to compensate to lead the pack once more.

Sunday provides a pivotal moment, even though we are talking about a season in its infancy and the glint in Ferguson's eye as he pondered this trip to enemy territory proved the point.

If United can go to Liverpool and win, revenge for two defeats last season will be a small matter when placed against the wider context. Ferguson is unlikely to have forgotten the way Liverpool - and in particular Fernando Torres - made short work of a defence that had made Premier League history in a 4-1 thrashing at Old Trafford, but a win at Anfield would soothe those painful memories.

Victory would be an emphatic assertion of authority by United. It would put them 10 points of clear of Liverpool and make pre-season predictions of a return of the title to Anfield (who was it who made those bold claims?) an even more distant prospect.

Ferguson will give Rooney every chance of recovering from a calf injury because he will be the main thrust of their game plan against an uncertain Liverpool defence. Darren Fletcher falls into the same category because he is implictly trusted to exert influence amid the midfield mayhem of such encounters.

If Rooney comes up short, what price the intriguing inclusion of Michael Owen in Manchester United's line-up against Liverpool at Anfield? The once unthinkable prospect.

Owen admits he is braced for a hostile reception given his perceived treachery in crossing this barrier of hostility - but how about some respect from The Kop for a magnificent servant to Liverpool?

It is not too great an exaggeration to say Owen won the FA Cup for Liverpool on his own against Arsenal in 2001. Is it too much to ask that this should be an abiding memory, not acrimony based on a perfectly logical career decision to join United after it became clear Liverpool boss Benitez did not want him back at Anfield?

Owen was not disloyal to Liverpool. He took a chance he could barely believe when Ferguson came calling.

United will start as favourites, particularly given Liverpool's run of four successive defeats. Benitez has escaped from turmoil before with big results, and with Fernando Torres expected to return, no-one should bet against him doing it again.

This is a big moment for Benitez, however, because the current discontent is different from previous turbulence. A major change was criticism aimed directly at the manager when he replaced Yossi Benayoun with Andriy Voronin in the loss to Lyon.

If not exactly untouchable, Benitez has been shielded by the antipathy towards Hicks and Gillett and a reservoir of goodwill built on the back of the 2005 Champions League win and other good works in Europe.

He also formed an adhesive bond with supporters who saw him as a fellow struggler in the fight against Hicks and Gillett, especially when it was revealed they had approached Jurgen Klinsmann behind his back to succeed him as manager. This cannot, however, last forever.

There is now the increasingly obvious realisation that Benitez has not been successful in building an undercard to the main protagonists at Anfield. If Ferguson can be pleased with the strength of his squad, Benitez cannot and it is all his own handiwork.

If a cornered Liverpool can come out with a win, Benitez will be the hero once more. If they do not, then the belief that he has reached a critical point in his tenure will be reinforced.

I do not believe that Benitez will lose his job if Liverpool lose on Sunday. Only a defeat of catastrophic proportions would raise a doubt and that is still unlikely in front of an Anfield gallery that will be at fever pitch because of the current difficulties.

The potential failure to reach the last 16 of the Champions League will be more damaging, along with any distance opening up between Liverpool and the Premier League's top four. Liverpool's place in that quartet is almost a non-negotiable, albeit unspoken, part of the lucrative contract Benitez signed a few months ago.

To bring some measure and perspective to the speculation swirling around Benitez, a win on Sunday would leave them only four points behind United and qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League is still on the agenda. This alone emphasises the potential for a sea change in Liverpool's season should they win on Sunday.

Owner Gillett, who has been in town to sample the speculation for himself this week, has delivered a vote of confidence that was strident in tone, perhaps helped by the potential of having to pay Benitez around £20m should he and Hicks decide to dispense with the manager's services.

And Liverpool ambassador Kenny Dalglish has insisted he knows all the Anfield top brass are steadfast in their support for the manager.

A Liverpool victory would bring calm to the troubles and a United win would inflict potentially fatal damage on a club Ferguson still sees as huge rivals.

So forget the brickbats and the beachballs. The big events will take place on the Anfield turf.

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Benitez, even in his times of greatest turbulence, has always been able to call on the unswerving support of the majority of Liverpool's fans, with many even prepared to take to the streets in a show of loyalty when life got tough.

So it was a moment of some significance and a sign of the times when Benitez was the target for Anfield's anger during the Champions League defeat against Lyon, a reverse that threatens their long-term ambitions in the tournament and capped their worst sequence of results since April 1987.

When Benitez inexplicably removed Liverpool's most dangerous performer, goalscorer Yossi Benayoun, and sent on Andriy Voronin with five minutes remaining and the game poised at 1-1, Anfield reverberated to the sound of patience snapping as jeers rang out.

Lyon punished this flawed logic as Cesar Delgado rounded off a depressing evening by sliding in a stoppage-time winner - to leave Benitez facing the biggest test of his five-year Liverpool reign.

Benitez cut a sombre, unsettled figure as he conducted his post-match briefing, looking as downcast as he has at any time during his Anfield tenure. Off the pace in the Premier League and struggling in the Champions League, the voices of discontent will only get louder unless the slide is arrested quickly.

He is not accustomed to the sort of noisy public dressing down he received from Liverpool's fans, explaining that Benayoun was tired and he wanted "fresh legs and quality" - not attributes immediately obvious in the journeyman Voronin.

It was a baffling move and while Liverpool's followers are notoriously slow to voice displeasure against any manager, this time it was understandable - the first serious sign of dissent Benitez has faced and an obvious indicator that all is not well at Anfield.

Benitez has made a habit of pulling off results when his back has been pushed firmly against the wall - and how he needs Liverpool to do it again for him on Sunday when Manchester United come calling at Anfield.

Victory, and Liverpool must now draw on memories of their double over United last season, and suddenly Benitez's status would be repaired. All at Anfield would feel better about the season and themselves.

Defeat, which would open up a 10-point gap between the clubs, would have those of us who tipped Liverpool for the title sticking our heads in the stocks awaiting the arrival of the rotten tomatoes. It would also leave Benitez in the uncomfortable and unforgiving environment of having to attempt crisis management.

Benitez has taken Liverpool to the Champions League precipice before and pulled back, but this defeat lands them in desperate trouble and the consequences of failure to reach the last 16, both in a football and financial context, are almost too dire to contemplate.

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett was in town on Tuesday and he will not need to be told that his chances of successfully wooing new investors will be damaged considerably by a drop into the Europa League.

Benitez can offer up some mitigating circumstances and it would do him a personal injustice not to list them.

Liverpool were already without Fernando Torres even before Glen Johnson pulled out before kick-off with a groin injury and after 25 minutes of ambling around looking patently unfit, captain and major hope of salvation Steven Gerrard limped off with a recurrence of his groin injury.

Johnson's youthful replacement Martin Kelly was excellent, although it is a sad fact that he will inevitably be shunted back to Anfield's margins when the England defender is fit.

And the spirit an under-strength Liverpool showed for much of the evening was commendable. It was not a shortage of effort that undermined Benitez's side.

But Liverpool's resolve waned ominously once Maxime Gonalons levelled Benayoun's opener and the lack of top quality when you scratch beneath the surface of Benitez's main players became painfully obvious.

Lyon grew in confidence and self-belief as Liverpool's drained away visibly. It was not simply a lack of quality, it was a lack of confidence. The pain of defeat, and of this wretched run, was etched grimly on Jamie Carragher's face as he made his way around the Anfield pitch an hour after the final whistle.

This was the season when Liverpool set their sights on ending Manchester United's supremacy after a magnificent end to the last campaign - there is still time but every performance raises fresh doubts.

The cynics who accuse Benitez of spending five years assembling a two-man team are harsh, but no-one can escape the huge reliance on Torres and Gerrard. It is a misfortune on the scale of seeing a beach ball tuck away the opposition's winning goal that they are both struggling again with injury at the same time.

And while it is fashionable to sling mud in the direction of Gillett and co-owner Tom Hicks when looking to locate Liverpool's ills, they should not be used as a permanent shield to protect Benitez from criticism.

Injuries aside, it was hard to justify Benitez's decision to play David Ngog against Lyon. He is a promising youngster who looks short of top class - so why not use experienced international Dirk Kuyt up front or even Ryan Babel, who could not get a look in from the bench?

Has Babel's star fallen so far since his arrival as an £11m player of rich promise? It would appear so.

And when a change was being considered, surely the removal of Ngog would have made more sense than the unpopular withdrawal of Benayoun? This is not an attack on Ngog, simply a belief that Benitez had better options to explore and failed to do so.

It also emphasised Liverpool's lack of attacking quality behind Torres.

Michael Owen will spend Sunday lunchtime being accused of gross treachery and disloyalty at Anfield for joining the sworn enemy Manchester United. Nonsense of course. Owen would have happily joined Liverpool had they wanted him but they did not -and on a free transfer he looks a better bet for goals than Voronin and Ngog.

Alberto Aquilani may get a reserve team outing against Sunderland on Wednesday, but Benitez now faces the unpalatable prospect of finally being able to call on his biggest summer signing, the replacement for the lamented Xabi Alonso, only after serious damage has been inflicted on their prospects of success at home and abroad.

Benitez's predecessor Gerard Houllier was in attendance at Anfield on Tuesday watching two former clubs, looking in good health and being warmly received by supporters.

Houllier knows only too well the weight of Anfield expectation, his past successes meant nothing when he was sacked in 2004 after only finishing fourth in the Premier League.

There is no suggestion Benitez's job is under threat - nor should it be with the season only in its infancy and having been handed a new five-year contract just months ago.

And his escapologist's knack of conjuring up exactly what is required to manouevre his way out of hazardous situations means it would be folly to underestimate him.

Manchester United will be a test for Benitez but also an opportunity - he will know a win on Sunday could spark life into Liverpool's season.

But the outbreak of unrest at Anfield against Lyon, almost unheard of in the Benitez era, must also tell the manager that Liverpool's campaign has already reached a critical point.

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Capello, with a World Cup place safely secured, held court at Arsenal's London Colney training headquarters before England's final qualifier against Belarus at Wembley and explained how flexibility will be a crucial factor in South Africa.

Heady days indeed for seasoned England observers who would have struggled to detect "Style A" under previous regimes, even with the benefit of a high-intensity microscope, and a small insight into Capello's meticulous methods.

Capello gets the chance to implement one of his alternative strategies against Belarus - but it is one he will never want to use again in competitive combat, especially if England harbour serious hopes of winning the World Cup next summer.

Namely, it is the plan that forces Capello to make allowances for the absence of an injured Wayne Rooney. No Rooney for an experimental qualifier is one thing. No Rooney for a World Cup game is another.

If Rooney is fit and in form England are contenders to win the World Cup. If he is not they are not - it is as stark as that.

Rooney listens to Capello during Saturday's game in Ukraine

England's attacking partnership against Belarus looks certain to be Peter Crouch and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Crouch and Agbonlahor are both fine Premier League performers, indeed the Spurs forward has a more presentable international scoring rate than the seemingly untouchable Emile Heskey, but they do not possess the fear factor Rooney strikes into world-class defenders.

They are part of a supporting cast that will audition over the next few months in the hope of booking a seat on the plane to South Africa, with the possibility of a bit more besides if Heskey does not perform.

Capello, like other fine football minds such as former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, is in thrall to what Heskey offers, namely a physical presence, a willingness to carry out orders to the letter and a selflessness that can benefit the more stellar talents such as Rooney and, in the past, Michael Owen.

Heskey admits he may have to leave Aston Villa to stop his World Cup ambitions being wrecked by a lack of action. Martin O'Neill will not make sacrifices to satisfy Heskey's international hopes, and it may mean a step down for the striker because he will not be a target for the top four.

He has been linked with former club Liverpool, but he is hardly more likely to oust Fernando Torres than he is John Carew. And even Capello may be forced to take a view on Heskey if he adds a lack of games to his other Achilles heel, a lack of goals.

Carlton Cole and Darren Bent, a hugely effective Premier League striker, have not presented compelling evidence that they are international class strikers. And while Jermain Defoe will be in the squad, he is seen as an impact player as opposed to a partner for Rooney.

And then we come to Michael Owen. Owen reminded us why England should select him when he poached Manchester United's winner against Manchester City - then reminded us why they should not when he limped off early against Wolfsburg in the Champions League.

If Owen is fit and scoring goals he must go the World Cup. Note the "if" here is a very large one.

This lack of an obvious second striker makes Capello's determination to devise a series of tactical approaches even more wise. Every one, however, will have Rooney firmly at its epicentre. Every one would be weakened by his absence.

Rooney has the self-confidence, and more importantly the ability, to believe that the World Cup is his natural environment. England cannot do without that sort of attitude.

After passing a fitness test on a foot injury before the World Cup in 2006, Rooney arrived back at England's base at the Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe in Baden-Baden with the words: "The big man's back in town."

Sadly for England the big man was not fit and his tournament fizzled out well before he was sent off for stamping on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho in the quarter-finals.

England captain John Terry did not play down how vital Rooney is to the cause when he admitted in his post-match briefing at London Colney: "It is a chance for us to play without him, and a chance for the manager to try one or two more players up front, but he will be sorely missed.

"We have seen him mature as a player in the last two years. He has grown up and taken a lot of responsibility."

Rooney has the pace, power and goalscoring ability to spearhead England's World Cup bid. He has the intelligence to link all parts of the team - no-one else at Capello's disposal has these qualities.

He is also, despite his relatively tender years, a huge dressing room influence. The noisy, exuberant Scouser has a self-confidence that is infectious and inspires even more experienced team-mates.

Rooney also has the incentive, after a string of superlative performances as an England fledgling in Euro 2004 were cut short when he broke his foot against Portugal in another quarter-final and injury reduced his effectiveness in Germany two years later.

He will not want disappointment at a major tournament again and England should be the beneficiaries.

Capello's own inner belief would not be shaken should anything deprive him of Rooney - but he is shrewd enough to know how integral he is to plan A, B, C or any other he conjures up.

The Italian was in buoyant mood ahead of the conclusion of an excellent qualifying campaign - but once again he declared England have achieved "nothing" and revealed he had spoken to defender Rio Ferdinand about his latest high-profile error, against the Ukraine.

Capello did not sound like had delivered the hard word - he is too big an admirer of Ferdinand to do that just yet - but, like the Don making you the offer you cannot refuse, the message was clear. No repeats.

He will get the opportunity to show Capello's words have hit home when he partners John Terry in central defence against Belarus.

For Rooney, it is a night off and a role as an interested spectator. For England it is a glimpse into a world they will not want to contemplate when the serious action gets under way next summer.

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Ferdinand's concerns centred on fitness as opposed to form - as befits a player who was starting only his third England game in 12 months and had played just 14 of the last 40 competitive games for his country and Manchester United before this international.

Form and fitness go hand in hand at the highest level, however, and Capello's iron glare will be fixed even more firmly on Ferdinand after he was once again caught short as England's 100% record in World Cup qualifying ended in the hostile surroundings of Dnipropetrovsk.

Ferdinand's actual exclusion from England's squad is the unlikeliest of prospects unless he is struck down by injury again, but the pressure is mounting on a player for so long regarded as untouchable in the first-choice line-up.

He had more consoling words for Ferdinand after his latest aberration, but as the World Cup draws closer Capello will become increasingly unforgiving of mistakes that could wreck all his stated ambitions in South Africa.

Ferdinand was the man at fault when Robert Green claimed an unwanted place in history by becoming the first England goalkeeper to be sent off when he fouled Artem Milevskiy. The Ukrainian had escaped the attentions of Ferdinand, who was initially slow to react then unable to recover as he outstripped him to run into the area.

The unfortunate Green, playing for high stakes himself as the battle to be England's World Cup goalkeeper continues, took the rap but the villain of the piece was the dawdling Ferdinand.

The error was not punished as Andriy Shevchenko missed the resulting spot kick, but the wider context is significant and Ferdinand needs to up his game or face paying the price in a regime, unlike others before it, that does not play favourites or is shaped by reputations.

If Ferdinand is not exactly in a comfort zone, no-one ever is under Capello, then he is at least being cut some slack because of a lack of close contenders for his place. Matthew Upson appears to be his biggest threat, but as yet has not mounted a compelling case to oust Ferdinand.

Ferdinand's regular absences may just have taken a crucial edge off his mental and physical sharpness. He reduced Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to a hair-clenching, leaping figure of fury when an arrogantly misplaced flick gifted a late goal to Craig Bellamy in the recent Manchester derby.

Michael Owen's late winner allowed Ferdinand to wriggle off the hook, but there may be no escape at a World Cup, so it would be a major surprise if Capello does not make his point with force.

If Ferdinand demonstrates his true quality and maintains fitness, then he will form the cornerstone of England's defensive plans alongside captain John Terry. On this, and more recent evidence, he has ground to make up in both departments.

Rio Ferdinand's error cost Robert Green dear

He was part of a sloppy England defensive performance that served as a timely reminder that work remains to be done before all the inevitable optimism that will accompany Capello's side on the plane to South Africa can be fully justified.

Allowances must be made. England had swept through their previous eight qualifying games with a perfect return - their job is done and they were confronted by a team with much still to fight for.

And it showed in the environment that greeted them, with the game twice being held up as flares were thrown on to the pitch, causing a hold up after only two minutes. Further interruptions forced referee Damir Skomina to threaten an abandonment and the Football Association to prepare an official complaint.

But there is still no place for the slackness on show defensively, particularly from Ferdinand, irrespective of England's successful campaign so far.

England captain Terry, and the outstanding Wayne Rooney were the two star performers, with even Ashley Cole dipping below the sky-high standards he has maintained for Chelsea.

For Green, the fall-guy for Ferdinand's failings, his prospects of starting in the World Cup were undermined by his failure to last the first 15 minutes, but there must be a measure of sympathy for the West Ham United keeper.

He was placed in an impossible position by Ferdinand and Capello will not let the red card count against him - but he saw rival David James take advantage of his misfortune.

James, seemingly Capello's preferred choice for South Africa, distinguished himself with fine saves from Yaroslev Rakytskyy and Andriy Yarmolenko and drew praise from the England coach.

England's fluency was affected by their numerical disadvantage and the early sacrifice of the pace and width of Aaron Lennon to compensate for Green's departure. Steven Gerrard's groin injury, which resulted in his substitution at half-time, did not help matters either.

Capello, however, will draw consolation from the way England dug in and survived long enough to have the home crowd anxious that a crucial win might be cast aside in the closing stages.

Rooney - how Capello must pray no misfortune befalls him - set a magnificent example with his tireless running and probing throughout, and if he had levelled affairs with a late show that flew inches wide, no-one but the Ukrainians would have begrudged him.

England's superb efforts in qualifying ensured there could be no serious harm done against Ukraine - but Ferdinand was given a sharp reminder of the cost of carelessness and the potentially prophetic nature of his words before the game.

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