Another fascinating round of the English Premier league left more questions than answers for the millions of fans all over the world. A lot of managers must be feeling the heat as fans aspirations and owners demand hang on their heads like a sword of Damocles. League leaders Man Utd continued their unbelievable unbeaten run with a hard fought victory over Tony Pulis’s Stoke at the Theatre of Dreams. The stalemate at the Emirates would have thrilled Sir Alex Ferguson to the bits as both the challengers Arsenal and Man City lost further ground on the Red Devils. More drama was in stole for Carlo Ancelotti’s men as they came up short against lowly Wolves at the Molineux. Roy Hodgson is most definitely a dead man walking after his Liverpool side faced another away day defeat at Ewood Park; this was Liverpool’s third loss in four games. Harry Redknapp’s Spurs side failed to capitalize on the failings of their London rivals as they too succumbed to a narrow defeat at Goodison Park. However, the most empathic display of the week was provided by Alan Pardew’s Newcastle as they absolutely battered a sorry West Ham side with a five goal drubbing. In other games Sunderland continued their surge for a European place as they defeated Aston Villa and thereby heaped further pressure on Gerrard Houiler.
Star of the Week: Leon Best against West Ham
So Newcastle are more than a one man team apparently, Leon Best stole some of Andy Caroll’s thunder as he scored three past the hapless Hammers. A hattrick in his first start for the club, that’s the kind of stuff dreams are made of. Alan Pardew would have a hard time dropping Best for the next game as Caroll makes his imminent return.
Vincent Kompany deserves an honorable mention as he produced yet another brilliant defensive display to keep the Gunners at bay at their own turf.
Match of the Week: Everton 2-1 Spurs
The two Entertainers of the league produced another absorbing contest which kept swinging either way but was eventually settled by a late Seamus Coleman winner. Everton got off to a brilliant start as Louis Saha ended his goal drought via superb strike from 25 yards. However, Spurs replied without wasting any time, with their golden boy Van der Vart scoring yet again from a Crouch knock down. The game continued to ebb and flow, and with less than fifteen minutes of regulation time left Saha cut inside and although Gomes parried his long-range piledriver, Coleman finished it off with a diving header. A hard fought victory for Moyes’s men puts them above their hated neighbors in the league table.
Goal of the Week: Louis Saha against Tottenham
The Frenchmen’s first league goal in 11 months was a cracker and deservedly put Everton ahead. A fabulous shot from more than 20 yards out and that too from his weaker right foot was too good for Gomes. Where would David Moyes’s Everton be with a fit and firing Saha in their side? Certainly in the upper reaches of the Premier league where they truly belong.
Flops of the Week: Team Chelsea and Team Liverpool
How the mighty have fallen! Liverpool’s sorry plight got worse as they succumbed to another defeat away from home at Ewood Park. Uninspired, woeful and completely devoid of motivation, Roy Hodgson’s men have surely hit rock bottom. Jeers of the Blackburn fans would have pierced the hearts of the Anfield faithful as taunts like “Are you Burnley in disguise” and “Can we play you every week” could be heard echoing around Ewood. Hodgson looks completely out of his depth and that’s like sugar coating the bitter truth.
The title’s all but gone for Ancelotti’s Blue army, however with displays like the one last night becoming a regularity Champions league football looks ominously endangered. John Terry’s claims that they are still the best team in the country look hollow and horribly off the mark. Something’s got to give at the Bridge, can King Carlo survive this horrendous run?
The Race for the Golden Boot:
- Dimitar Berbatov – 14
- Carlos Tevez – 12
- Andy Carroll – 11
- Tim Cahill – 9
- Samir Nasri – 9
- Johan Elmander – 9
Save of the Week: Joe Hart against Arsenal
The Manchester City Keeper kept Le’ Arse at bay all night long, however his athletic save off Robin Van Persie’s fierce long range strike takes the cake. The ball seemed destined to end up in the City goal as soon as RVP struck it, however Hart literally flew to tip the ball over the post. A great save that earned Man City a valuable point at the Emirates.
Team of the Week:
The Team of the Week comprises of top performers of the week from all the teams to have played over the weekend. The following players picked themselves with superb performances for their respective teams.
Entire League Results
Man Utd 2-1 Stoke City
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Everton 2-1 Tottenham
Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland
Newcastle 5-0 West Ham
Bolton 1-1 Wigan
Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham