The midweek round of games saw the Chelsea feel the blues again as they again drew blank. The Manchester sides both recorded victories, opening up a gap between them and the rest. Newcastle slumped to their 4th successive defeat, for the first time since 2008-09. The battle at White Hart Lane was settled by sheer Bale force (not the Batman one), which leaves the Reds with just 3 victories in their first 14. The West Brom juggernaut also came to a halt as they succumbed to a brilliant display from Swansea.
Again, nothing worthwhile from the men upfront makes us have another week with only one up front. Three games finished goal-less as the defenders ruled the roost.The midfielders again popped up to catch the headlines with their goal-scoring.
So, here it is, the team of the week.
Jussi Jaaskelainen (West Ham)
Pulled off a number of brilliant saves in the game. Was on hand to thwart the efforts of Chicharito and Rooney. Could not do anything with the opener but did brilliantly to keep the score at 1-0.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Baines was again the driving force that he usually is on the left hand side of the Everton attack. Ever-present and an ever-willing runner producing one quality cross after another. No wonder he is leading the league in chances created, ahead of any other midfielder.
Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
The form that saw him win last year’s PFA Young Player of the Year award seems to be returning. His sheer speed came to the rescue of the home team time and again. Toiled hard against Jose Enrique. Was instrumental with a goal-line clearance from Suarez’s effort. Only mistake led Enrique to play in Henderson, who should have made the most of the chance.
Matija Nastasi? (Manchester City)
It’s second time lucky for Manchester City as their second Serbian recruit for the centre-back position finally seems to be giving Mancini an option at the back he seems to have been missing. City’s third consecutive clean sheet has helped the team to get back into their stride.
Aaron Hughes (Fulham)
The ever reliable Irishman was again on hand for his team as he helped Fulham keep a clean sheet against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Torres was never ever able wriggle free of Hughes’ tight leash on him.
Honourable Mentions : Carlos Cuellar (Sunderland), Ben Davies (Swansea)
Pablo Hernandez (Swansea)
Was seemingly unstoppable on the left flank, and instrumental in setting up all the three goals for the Swans. The Baggies had come into the match winning four on the trot but had never gained a point away to Swansea in the top flight. The tricky Spaniard’s display made sure that it remained that way for one more season at least.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Setting up Aaron Lennon for the opener and then slotting one home himself from the free kick. The game just typified what Bale is all about. Lung-bursting runs, thunderous shots wreaking havoc in the Liverpool defense. Controlled aggression personified.
Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
The Belgian marked his comeback from suspension with another scintillating performance which we are getting used to these days. The Belgian put in a commanding performance yet again as he went on to record his 7th goal of the campaign, surpassing the number of goals he had scored collectively in his three seasons prior to this at Goodison Park.
Alexander Tettey (Norwich)
Powerhouse performance at the middle of the engine room. Anchored the midfield to let Hoolahan flourish in the attacking third and kept Ramirez in check. Best player on the park and instrumental in setting up their counter-attacks.
Wayne Routledge (Swansea)
Two goals from the diminutive English midfielder earns him a rightful place in our line-up. The much-travelled winger seems to have finally found a home at Swansea, and is at the centre of Laudrup’s scheme of things.
Honourable Mentions : Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal) , Michu (Swansea), Steven Pienaar (Everton)
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
With Darren Bent firmly in the doghouse, the man leading the Villa frontline is Christian Benteke. The Belgian lad is a physical specimen, strong on the ball and adept at running the channels as well. Looked threatening throughout the game and finally found the winner with 10 minutes remaining.
Honourable Mentions : Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham)
