Southampton's Steven Davis (L) is challenged by Manchester United's Daley Blind during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England January 11, 2015.
Southampton's Steven Davis (L) is challenged by Manchester United's Daley Blind during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England January 11, 2015. REUTERS/Darren Staples

The battle of the two new Dutch masters at the Premier League ended in stalemates after Southampton and Manchester United swaped league places after the former defeated the latter yesterday. Last month it was Louis van Gaal's Manchester United who went to St Mary's and got all three points against Ronald Koeman's Southampton. Looks like one will have to wait for the next season to declare a winner.

"You analyse your opponents, you know they have difficulty building up with three centre-backs. We have had good organisation all season", beamed Koeman after his side shut out United. Manchester United failed to get a single shot on goal during the whole match. The saints have real belief and aspirations to finish in a European spot come the end of the season. Now that other teams have understood the level of threat Southampton possess it will be interesting to see how their opponents plan against them in matches to come. Things will get considerably tricky for them this year.

United striker Robin van Persie was forced to withdraw in the 61st minute of the match because of an ankle injury. He will undergo a scan today to access the level of damage done to his ankle. As a result he will miss the Ballon d'Or ceremony where he was nominated for the goal of the year award. He is competing with James Rodriguez of Colombia and Stephanie Roche of Ireland to win the Puskas Award, given to the most beautiful goal scored in the preceding season of football.

In news emerging from the blue half of Manchester, it seems that Swansea City and Manchester City have agreed to a deal in the region of £28M to secure the services of prolific Ivory Coast striker Wilfred Bony. The pay is £25M upfront with a further £3M linked to performance related bonuses. Manchester City have struggled to have a fit striker play for them in recent times. Unfortunately with Bony participating in the Africa Cup of Nations it seems that Manchester City will have to wait for a few more days until they have him starting a match for them.

To contact the author of the article, email a.biswas@IBTimes.com.au

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