EPL-TABLE: Barclays Premier League Standings – Jan. 3

“Chicha, as we’ve known since the day he came, is a penalty-box player,” Sir Alex said on Manutd.com.

“He’s tremendous in the way he latches onto things and reacts to things brilliantly.

“Robin is a completely rounded footballer with his ability to make and take goals.

“His first goal was an absolutely magnificent bit of football, with his balance in turning defender and then, no drawback, he just side-footed it into the net. It was a really good goal.

However, the biggest headline to hit the English Premier League season thus far was QPR’s stunning 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, although they remain at the bottom of the standings with 13 points.

Defending champions Manchester City continue to be in second place with 45pts, while the race for top four places remain tight with Tottenham Hotspur occupying third on 39pts and Chelsea, with a game in hand in fourth with 38 and Everton rounding out the top five with 36.

Arsenal Gunners failed to fire at St Mary’s, and their 1-1 draw with Southampton pushed Arsene Wenger’s side down to fifth with 36 points.

Completing the top ten teams are West Bromwich Albion (33), Liverpool (31), Swansea City (29) and Stoke City (29).

And while many are continuing to back the Manchester clubs to battle out for the Premier League prize money, Wigan Athletic (18), Reading (13) and Queens Park Rangers (13) are fighting hard to keep what they currently have as they hold up the standings.