Yet the Manchester United winger's aberration was really just a sideshow.

This was the Sunday which confirmed three things.

First, wealthy Manchester City are light years away from challenging United for supremacy in the north-west of England, even though they lost to their neighbours only by a lone Wayne Rooney goal.

Second, Arsenal, despite the upheaval of the past month, are still the most eye-catching team in England and could still have a say in the outcome of the title race after beating Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Third, come May Manchester United are still the team to beat if you want to be champions.

Oh, yes, one more thing. Premier League football might be plagued by falling attendances but at its best it remains the most controversial, most compelling and most entertaining sporting action on the planet.

It was a sumptuous London derby. A match which ebbed and flowed wonderfully with a Johan Djourou own goal giving Chelsea the lead and two expert finishes from Robin van Persie confirming Arsenal's superior enterprise.

Confirming, too, that there is backbone and character in Arsene Wenger's side after the troubled times of the past month.

The worry for Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is obvious. After disappointing results in Europe and a goalless draw against Newcastle there is a lack of thrust in this Chelsea side in the absence of the suspended Didier Drogba.

Chelsea have lost the way to goal at Stamford Bridge. They are struggling to make clear-cut chances and when they do struggling to put them away.

The truth is they dominated the first hour of the match. Looked powerful and committed. Looked comfortable while Arsenal appeared timid.

Yet goals change games and when Van Persie lashed Arsenal's first one home the entire mood changed. Chelsea, who have now dropped 12 points at home this season, are not at their best forcing games, Arsenal are at their best playing their counter-attacking style.

It means Chelsea lead Arsenal by just seven points. It means the Gunners are back in the title race.

By contrast, the Manchester derby only served to highlight the gulf between United and City.

United controlled the match. They dominated possession. They played with rhythm and tempo and tireless industry. They carried a constant goal threat, even when Ronaldo had been banished to the changing room.

In short, they bore the hallmark of champions, while City looked exactly what they are, a disparate bunch of individuals who are struggling for consistency under manager Mark Hughes.

Hughes could have £100m to spend in the January transfer window but he would not be able to assemble the cohesion and conviction present at Old Trafford.

Such qualities depend on a blend of investment and time, plus the ability of a club's tradition to attract the best players.

For all the wealth of City's Abu Dhabi owners that still has to be tested at Eastlands, despite the capture of Robinho.

One thing, however, is certain. The current Premier League is the tightest and most exciting for years.