Very random thoughts from Old Trafford.

1. The Baggies return to second-half form could be accounted for their increased tempo. But perhaps they were briefed to be more disciplined between the defence and midfield. Albion struggled with Berbatov's control of the game before the break. The Bulgarian can look half-baked on TV but study him live and you see off-the-ball movement and spatial awareness that is difficult to play against. He operated between Albion's backline and midfield, drawing players out of their natural position. His influence waned after the break thanks to Albion's tighter-knit and more organised defensive performance. Whatever was said, or done, at half-time worked. And credit to Albion's coaching staff and players.

2. Albion's game at Old Trafford was broadcast nationally and could be heard on two local radio stations. Life was a bit different when Albion won 5-3 back in 1978. The reporter covering the game for a well-known Black Country station had to give live updates every time a goal went in. Which wouldn't pose too many problems these days but back then the game was scheduled at the same time as a show specialising in female matters. And the woman presenter concerned was none-too-pleased at having to break off every few minutes to 'go back to Old Trafford for news of another goal...'. We're sure the housewives of Dudley and Cradley Heath were delighted.

3. Back to yesterday's match and one Albion player enjoyed himself more than most. Marek Cech joined Albion fans in the away end for yesterday's match. By all accounts he got into the spirit of the occasion - even joining in the Boing Boings at the end of the game. Slovak by birth, Black Country by trade.

4. Albion fans bemoaned the blank 'patch' on the back of replica home shirts over the years. This year's version has no patch, with the red numbers on the back of the stripes. Great for fans, less so for the media who are unfamiliar with Albion players. Not for the first time yesterday journalists were moaning about being unable to tell their Scharners from their Morrisons. The way Albion have started, those names should soon become more familiar...

5. Which fool decided to shut a busy motorway route in and around Manchester on the day the nation's biggest football club - with its legion of long-distance travellers - plays a match against another club who will be using the same road?

6. Sixth place is no fluke. Albion reached seventh in 2002 under Gary Megson after six games. But you knew a dip was inevitable. On Saturday Albion were without their top goalscorer, with two of their most creative midfielders on the bench. Don't be caught up in the 'United were poor' hype - Albion deserved the point and deserve to be where they are. There is no good fortune attached.

7. The only sour fall-out, from Albion's point of view, was seeing Jerome Thomas struggling late on with his calf injury. Hopefully it won't be too serious and won't prevent him facing Fulham on Saturday.