United seal clean sheet record with Baggies rout

Manchester United opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League thanks to a thumping 4-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. The harsh first-half dismissal of Paul Robinson proved costly as goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Nemanja Vidic plus two from Cristiano Ronaldo secured a comfortable three points for the world champions.

Kick-off was delayed by thirty minutes for this one due to the infamous Midlands traffic. Over 26,000, one of the biggest West Brom gates of the season, packed into the Hawthorns but it was only the vocal away following that went home happy as United claimed a superb win.

The Red Devils also secured an 11th consecutive clean sheet - claiming a new Premier League record despite being victim to something of an injury crisis in recent weeks, forcing Fergie to field a series of makeshift defensive quartets.

United, who included Rio Ferdinand in the starting XI, burst out of the traps and looked very dangerous in the opening exchanges. It took twenty-two minutes for the deadlock to be broken as Berbatov continued his rich vein of form. The Bulgarian exchanged passes with Michael Carrick before firing an effortless finish beyond Scott Carson.

The Baggies were defending desperately as they tried to keep themselves in the game - and the home fans were relieved to see Tevez narrow inches wide, before Ronaldo squandered a good opportunity.

However, the task facing West Brom became even more difficult shortly before half-time as Robinson saw red in harsh circumstances. The Baggies captain was dismissed for bringing down Ji-Sung Park as the two men battled for a 50/50 ball. It was a crazy decision.

United seemingly sealed the win on the stroke of half-time following a blunder from Carson. The West Brom keeper dropped a Giggs cross, spilling the ball to Tevez who was on hand to poke home.

The Baggies briefly threatened an unlikely comeback after the break as Chris Brunt fired a free-kick over the bar before Ryan Donk smashed a powerful drive against Edwin van der Sar's left-hand post. However, United continued to hold firm and extended their lead soon afterwards as Vidic powered home a header from a Giggs corner.

United extended their lead six minutes later with the impressive Giggs once again involved in the build-up. The Welshman picked up a skilful pass from Tevez and squared for Ronaldo, with the Portuguese star making no mistake from close-range.

The rout was completed on 70 minutes, though Berbatov looked offside in the build-up to the goal. He collected a long-range pass before slotting a pass through to Ronaldo who secured his brace with a fine finish.

United had chances for a sixth, but with an emphatic win secured much of the travelling support, at this stage, was more concerned with the clean sheet record. Edwin van der Sar punched the air in delight as West Brom squandered a couple of late opportunities as United secure a crucial three points and become the first team in Premier League history to seal eleven consecutive clean sheets. Fantastic.

Full Time - West Bromwich Albion 0-5 Manchester United
Attendance - 26,105