THAT Wayne Rooney goal, what it means in the title race and was it goal of the season?

After last weekend’s mammoth goal haul in the Premiership, I didn't think anything could quite compare to what every football fan up and down the country saw. Yet, Wayne Rooney took it upon himself to outdo, not only all 43 of those goals, but near enough every goal scored this season. The technique, finesse and sheer quality of the strike was enough to win, not just any old game, but a trophy itself.

Rooney hasn't been himself since the World Cup and, to be honest, I felt his place in the starting XI was completely unwarranted with the form of strike partner Dimitar Berbatov in recent weeks. The Englishman still may not be on top form but yesterdays fantastic strike may be enough to kick-start his season after more than a few below-par performances. In a fairly even game, the 78th minute Rooney wonder strike turned out to be the winner after a lucky David Silva strike cancelled out Nani's excellent opener but was yesterday's match the turning point in a season that has already proven to be one of the best on record?

Well, my answer would be a no, but with twelve games still to play, that will soon become a yes. United currently sit at the summit of the Premiership, four points ahead of nearest rivals Arsenal but now that United have been beaten, other clubs can utilise a similar game-plan that Wolves used one week ago in order to stop United. I think yesterday's result has put City out of the title race having played a game more than their Manchester rivals but the revival of Robin Van Persie has aided Arsenal in recent weeks as they aim to keep hot on the heels of their Premiership rivals. I believe Tottenham and Chelsea are too far behind United in the hunt for the title and with City losing serious ground on their rivals yesterday, this season's title challenge has gone from a three to a two team race. I still believe United will win the title but with trips to Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal still to make, it won't be an easy route to the trophy. Comparing both fixture lists, hands down, United have the harder of the two run-ins and all could change come May.

Nonetheless, Rooney's goal yesterday will definitely aid United in their run in especially as a draw yesterday would have kept City in the title race and given Arsenal only a two point gap rather than the four it is now. Yet, how would it rank in this season’s top goals so far? Gareth Bales fine early season volley against Stoke, Johan Elmander tip-toeing through the Wolves defence, David Jones free-kick at the beginning of the season, Raul Meireles excellent strike against Wolves, Dimitar Berbatovs own overhead kick against Liverpool, there are many to vote for. Using the vote down the side, I want to know your goal of the season so far. As for mine, it has to be Rooney's yesterday. The sheer brilliance of the goal, the way Rooney has been playing this season and the importance of the fixture makes it my choice for goal of the season so far and I don't think there will be many better this season.

Anyway, I have got to go eat lunch. I would love to know your thoughts on which goal wins it for you so if you make your choice on the poll down the side and leave a comment as to why, that would be fantastic. If you select, other, list which goal and why you feel deserves it (I apologise if any choice is overlooked)

Laters,

Macca