Boxing Day saw Manchester United ride the Bulgarian wave against Wigan to finally catch Manchester City, who could only manage a draw against Roy Hodgson’s well-organized West Brom outfit . None of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal – all embroiled in a fight for a top four finish – Ai??could capitalize on the mistakes of their rivals, with each of them playing out 1-1 draws.
Newcastle came out of a recent slump by registering a win over Bolton, while Gareth Bale powered Spurs to a 2-0 victory over Norwich, away from home. Howard Webb couldn’t help but draw attention towards himself at the Stadium of Light.
Here’s a look at the best and the worst from the last round of Premier League.
Player of the Round: Dimitar Berbatov (Man United) The Bulgarian hitman has been on the fringes for most of the season; however, his ability has never been in doubt. After taking his chance beautifully in the lastAi??gameAi??at the Cottage, Berbatov finally got a start again Fulham. He didn’t disappoint and went to score a brilliant hattrick – a hattrick which had nonchalance written all over it, much like the man himself.Ai??Will Ferguson start with the Bulgarian in the next game remains to be seen but surely Berba has given his manager some food for thought.
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Goal of the round was the second goal scored by Berbatov, where he received the ball, turned effortlessly, maintained controls and fired past the goalkeeper to give United a 3-0 lead.
Goalkeepers of the Round: Wayne Hennessey (Wolves) and Mark Bunn (Blackburn) One was facing a striker in the form of his life, while the other was up against a man under heavy criticism. However, irrespective of the nature of striker in front of them, both Hennessey and Bunn literally flew around, swatting anything that was thrown their way.
Despite Arsenal and Liverpool desperate for a win, these two men stood firm and salvaged a point for their respective teams.
Controversy of the Round: Phil Dowd at Old Trafford Conor Sammon was given his marching orders after his raised arm made contact with Michael Carrick’s face. Everyone inside the stadium expected a caution for the Wigan player, but to the bewilderment of one and all, Phil Dowd opted for the red card. Phil Dowd had a shocker all day long, turning down two penalty calls for the Red Devils while the one he did give seemed just outside the box.
Blunder of the Round: Howard Webb at Stadium of Light If Dowd had a shocker at Old Trafford, Howard Webb went one better or rather worse at the Stadium of Light. Leon Osman miskicked under pressure from a clutch of defenders and tumbled to the turf, prompting Mr. Webb to point to the spot after a moment’s deliberation. It was anAi??appallingAi??decision by all means and one which had a direct impact on the outcome of the game.
Team of the Round Wayne Hennessey; Nickey Shorey, Roger Johnson, Christopher Samba, Antonio Valencia; Gareth Bale, Moussa Dembele, Luka Modric, Clint Dempsey; Dimitar Berbatov, Demba Ba
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