Geovanni's goal settles Manchester derby

Sir Alex Ferguson has lost his winning touch as Manchester United's early season problems got worse without a win in 3 matches. That should qualify as the worst start in the Premiere League's history for a defending champion.

Geovanni's first half goal settled the derby in favour of Sven Goran Eriksson and left Ferguson without a win in their opening three league games. The victory sent City to the head of the Premiership table with a maximum nine points from their opening three games as Eriksson's dream start at Eastlands continued.

Defeat especially to Sven must have been frustrating enough for Ferguson as both are not on good terms since rumors of Sven being Alex's successor surfaced in 2002. But more importantly, the United manager was left to contemplate a title defence that has brought just two points and one goal from three frustrating outings.

With Wayne Rooney out for two months after breaking a foot, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer also injured and Cristiano Ronaldo starting a three-match ban, United's latest misfiring display will understandably give cause for concern.

As it is, Ferguson had little option but to ask Carlos Tevez to operate as a lone striker. But with Nani, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all quick to offer support to the Argentine, there initially seemed little doubt United would have more than enough firepower to overcome a stuttering City.

With Owen Hargreaves bolstering the United midfield with an impressive Premiership debut performance, Ferguson's side completely dominated the opening period.

Were it not for a succession of outstanding blocks, tackles and clearances by Richards, United would have been well on their way to a first win of the season long before City finally sprang into life.

In a rare moment of fluent attacking play after 30 minutes, Didi Hamann linked with Elano who picked out his fellow Brazilian Geovanni in space 30 yards out.

And having been given time to set his sights by a flat-footed United back-four, the former Barcelona man drilled an inch-perfect strike beyond Edwin van der Sar.

The goal prompted a predictable response from United who, after a brief spell of control by City, laid siege to the home side's goal for the whole of the second period without properly testing Schmeichel.

It is hard to believe that United cannot muster a win after spending so much money, Soccer Pundit wonders if it is due to the curse of the Charity Shield?

Chelsea is doing no better in terms of injuries but at least they have 7 points in the pocket right now and right in contention for the league title. Unless United gets things back on track, Soccer Pundit believes Chelsea have more than a fair chance of usurping them this season.