Manchester United veterans were off the pace against Spurs

Manchester United only have themselves to blame for their 2-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Alex Ferguson did not do much to change the game after playing a poor first half. He started the game with too many old legs, with the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand — at a combined age of 108 — who were just too off the pace. Gareth Bale basically walked past them, especially against Scholes and Ferdinand, and it was just embarrassing.

However, let us not take anything away from how well Tottenham played. It has been 23 years since they last took maximum points away from Old Trafford, and Andre Villas-Boas will be pleased with his team’s performance. The pressure is off for now, and he just needs to sustain it.

I personally enjoyed the Chelsea-Arsenal match; it was two very competitive sides going head to head with each other, especially in the first half. Chelsea did not have luck with them in that match. But they fought hard, took their chances and deserved their 2-1 victory — and that’s all that mattered.

Roberto Di Matteo decidedly went for legs and youth in that match, especially with Oscar starting in place of Frank Lampard. He has got to be happy with his pacey attacking trio of the Brazillian, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard all brilliant on the ball just behind Fernando Torres. His side looks very settled at the moment, especially when you have Ramires chipping in from deep.

A lot of Chelsea’s success though, comes from the back as John Terry, putting aside all his off-field drama, is still a fantastic player. He reads the game well and Chelsea would be a different side without him.

Liverpool, finally, got their win with a 5-2 thrashing of Norwich at Carrow Road. I have been saying all along that they have been playing good football so far, but just could not seem to finish well. So it is great to see Luis Suarez take his chances and put the game away early on.

I think Liverpool’s blend of energetic youngsters and experienced players was great. Liverpool have their spine, which comprises Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, so you have the defence sorted. Then going forward there is Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez supported by a whole host of young, eager players and it came off well.

Everton are looking very comfortable in that second position, and good for them as they have been playing well. It is certainly one of their best starts to a season in a long time. They have always been a good side and I like the midfield that they have with Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Marouane Fellaini pulling the strings and making things happen on both sides of the pitch. David Moyes has always focused on instilling a strong work ethic with his players. And when they have a full squad of players to choose from, Everton are a match for any team in the league.  The Toffees are certainly one of the teams to watch for this season.

—Former Liverpool and England International Steve McMahon is a football expert with ESPN