Red sunset as blue moon rises

IT has been more of a restive than a festive season in the Premier League and, unless you’re a devotee of one of the big four or five, all the more welcome for that.

Manchester United encapsulated the madness, following up a brace of five-nil wins either side of Christmas Day — against Fulham and Wigan — with that shock 3-2 loss to struggling Blackburn at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day and last Wednesday’s altogether more ominous capitulation against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

But United weren’t the only giants left with red faces as Sunderland nicked all three points against Manchester City at the Stadium of Light, Aston Villa put three past Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Fulham popped Arsenal’s bubble at Craven Cottage and even Spurs did their best not to take advantage by being held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea.