Tevez is Christmas No.1

United's Anfield match-winner Carlos Tevez is the Premier League's top performer this season, according to Actim Index, the official player ratings system of the English top flight.

The 23-year-old struck his close-range winner two minutes before the break to hand United a valuable three points against the Reds' local rivals and fellow title contenders.

Tevez has scored nine goals this season in 21 games since joining the Reds in the summer.

Seven of them have come in the league. And of 46 shots in league matches this season, the Argentina international has hit 28 on target.

But, more than his goals, his tenacity, determination and excellent link-up play with strike partner Wayne Rooney have all proved a prominent feature of United's attacking play.

Tevez is one of three United players ranked in the top 10 of the Actim Index ratings.

Defender Rio Ferdinand has made it to eighth position with his solid and commanding displays at the heart of United's defence, while Cristiano Ronaldo is currently ranked ninth.