When referee Phil Dowd manages a game, you have a good idea of what you’re going to get: not a lot of start and stop, not a lot of small fouls called, and this game was true to form. The first half was played at a relentless pace and with a great display of skill, West Ham seemingly dealing with attacking pressure at least as well as Manchester United.

The game had its controversial non-calls. In the first half Rio Ferdinand, the last defender, seemed to foul Carlton Cole holding him back when he had a clear opportunity on goal, and might have earned himself a red card. In the later stages of the game Cristiano Ronaldo was taken down in the box, but was not awarded the penalty kick. “Play On” seemed to be the theme of the game.

Both sides had and missed their chances, but an old man made the difference in the end. Ryan Giggs, 35 years old and 17 years into his professional career got the ball in a switch of play, and faked out two Hammers before putting a precise low ball through a crowd into the opposite corner to give Manchester United the lead. Giggs had momentarily been left open; as it turns out you can’t double team everyone at the same time.

Most impressive in open play was Rafael Da Silva, 18, playing right back for Manchester United. Rafael used his great pace and ball skill to penetrate incessantly on the right hand side, initiating the attack and earning corners, while still getting back to nick the ball off the West Ham attackers. Rafael looks to be a rising star with a great aerobic engine.

Although West Ham did not win, they looked dangerous, in great overall form, and very tough to penetrate on defense. Carlton Cole stood out as a player Man Utd had problems with, and is surely one to watch. Fabio Capello was there and was watching: Carlton has been called up for England.  Several times Man Utd had to resort to fouling Cole to keep him from going through on goal. Carlton was enough of a problem for the Man Utd defense that with a different referee and different calls, the game might have gone the other way.

Manchester United now have 56 points and lead the league. They play Derby next Sunday in the FA Cup, and Fulham in a league game the Wednesday after that. West Ham have 33 points and lie in 8th place. They play Middlesbrough in the FA Cup next Saturday and Bolton in a league game the Saturday after that.