This weekend was all about tremendous goals and big rivalries taking centre stage.
Goal of the weekend
Craig Gardner‘s strike against Swansea City. The midfielder chested down Stephane Sessegnon’s swept pass and expertly looped the ball over Michel Vorm in the Swansea goal to seal the points for the home side.
Save of the weekend
Stoke City’s Thomas Sorensen denying West Bromwich Albion’s James Morrison. Before making a horrible error, Sorensen produced a brilliant save; diving to his right to tip Morrison’s fierce shot against the crossbar.
Club of the weekend
Arguably Bolton Wanderers. Having lost their main centre back Gary Cahill, Wanderers hosted a strong and inform Liverpool side. However, the Trotters brushed the Merseysiders aside, notching in three goals and recording a rare home victory.
Player of the weekend
Hat-trick hero Clint Dempsey of Fulham. The American scored his second hat-trick in a matter of weeks as his side went on to thrash Newcastle United 5-2 with all the goals being scored in the second half. After being in the right place at the right time, Dempsey went on to notch in his second before running clear and coolly slotting in the net to win the matchball.
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Miss of the weekend
Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie vs Manchester United. The goal machine was clean through following Tomas Rosicky’s ball in but the Dutchman somehow scewed wide of the target. You’d bet your house he would have scored that.
Worst decision of the weekend
Marouane Fellaini’s handball that led to Everton’s only goal. The big-haired Belgium midfielder almost punched the ball to teammate Tim Cahill to score his first goal in over a year. Despite the protest from the Blackburn Rovers’ players, the goal was given – only for Rovers to equalise later on.
What went wrong?
Clumsiness and bravery stood in the way of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Firstly, Christophe Berra gave away a cheap, cheap penalty inwhich Aston Villa scored from. And after missing a hatful of chances, Wolves then had on-loan midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong stretchered off with oxygen following a nasty facial injury. The influencial player was missed in the centre of the park and things went from bad to worse when captain Karl Henry was sent off for a stupid kick out on Villa winger Marc Albrighton.
Aaron Aquilina
@P_D_L_P