The title race continues to twist and turn but surely Manchester United must feel that it’s theirs to lose now with a five point lead over
Elsewhere, the Merseyside derby was a slightly flat affair unfortunately and
Finally, say goodbye to
Premier League Team of the Week (based on OPTA stats, Fantasypremierleague.com ratings and my own expert eye):
Keeper – David James (imperious as ever)
Defence – Andre Ooijer (commanding), Martin Skrtel (superb reading of the game and marhsalling of the Yak), Ricardo Carvalho (big in defense and cracking header for his goal)
Midfield – Matty
Up Top – Jermain Defoe (can’t stop scoring), Mauro Zarate (class from the Argentine), Wayne Rooney (frighteningly good when playing with other good players)
Weekly Awards:
Goal of the Week – Simply has to be that man Ronaldo for a finish that was audacious and almost physics-defying. Is there another player in the league that would even attempt this:
Nutmeg of the Week – I swear one week literally every award will go Ronaldo, such is the man’s irrepressible nature, but this time around he’ll have to settle for just the big two. His deft flick round the corner to set-up Rooney’s second caught Reo-Coker napping, expertly megging the out-of-position right back.
Save of the Week – Craig Gordon saved the day once again, miraculously clawing out a Carlton Cole curler which looked bound for the top corner all the way from his boot.
Skill of the Week – Kenwyne Jones bites a bit of Ronaldinho’s style by expertly controlling a long ball on his back.
Gaffe of the Week –
Miss of the Week – It’s bad enough to miss a penalty, but to then also miss the follow-up from 5 yards in pretty unforgivable. Sorry Ryan Taylor, but that was rubbish.
Attempt of the Week – Frenchman Frank Quedrue busts some acrobatics and came seriously close with a long-range bicycle kick early on at
ASBO of the Week – Diaby received a straight red for a bit of a horror challenge on Saturday, but to be honest, Carsley’s early tackle on Torres yesterday was no better.
Nearest Lampard came to Contributing…er, of the Week – Frank was excellent pulling the strings for
Broken Jinx of the Week – Arsenal finally overcame their ‘bogey team’
Sniper-on-the-roof Moment of the Week – Yakubu took one in the shoulder to shamelessly try to win a penalty late on at Anfield. Surely if it’s not a penalty then it’s a booking?
Played-for-and-got Moment of the Week –
Pinball Wizard of the Week – Fabregas’ late winner at
Controversy of the Week – Two decidedly dodgy penalties given at St Andrews, first to Benjani laying down and then inexplicably to McSheffrey for trying to shoulder-barge Sun Jihai.
Banter of the Week – Everton fans hanging a banner saying:
‘Everton FC welcomes all
Suck Up of the Week – Mike Ashley sporting ‘King Kev : 1’ on the back of his
Quote of the Week – Wayne Rooney gets it spot on when talking about the treat that is watching United when they’re on song: “The football we play is similar to
Hero of the Week – He might be a walking buffet-radar, but Andy Reid can still play better than most. His 96th minute goal is probably enough to keep
Zero of the Week – For the dignity-stripping form that seen them already relegated, the finger has to be pointed at the majority of
Personal Highlight of the Week – Paul Ince tasting his first success as a manager with MK Dons as they won the Johnsons Paint Trophy 2 – 0 against