Game of the Weekend
Sometimes games involving the top four fail to live up to the preceding hype. Manchester United’s visit to Chelsea on Sunday cannot be included in that category though. The six goal thriller at Stamford Bridge demonstrated English football at its’ passionate best. Criticism is occasionally aimed at the style of play in the Premier League in that every piece of play must contribute to a goal scoring move. In this case, it only added to what was a thrilling spectacle, if you’re not a Chelsea fan that is. For Manchester United an inspirational comeback. When fans of the Red Devils do eventually calm down, they may be frustrated that they lost ground on Manchester City though.
Player of the Weekend
It is a worrying prospect for Arsenal fans to consider their team without Robin van Persie Yet again he provided a telling contribution against a weak Blackburn side effortlessly thrashed by the imperious Gunners on Saturday. A hat trick for the Dutchman is hardly a special occasion these days but it took him to 22 goals for the season. Gooners will be hoping he can fire Arsenal into the top four places otherwise they risk losing their star forward in the summer.
Goal of the Weekend
Over the course of the season Juan Mata has proved to be a dangerous attacking force. He showed that once again with a stunning volley against Manchester United. The technique he displayed to smash the ball into the roof of the net was sublime.
However, what added to the quality of the strike was the cross supplied by Fernando Torres. He may not be having much luck in front of the goal but the Spaniard’s ball into his fellow countryman was pinpoint.
Save of the Weekend
When Bobby Zamora netted for QPR early on against Wolves, Mick McCarthy must have feared the worst. However, Djibril Cissé’s sending off changed the dynamic of the game. Having turned the match on it’s head through goals from Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle, Wolves had Wayne Hennessey to thank for making sure they took three points back to the West Midlands.
His late finger-tip save from Adel Taarabt’s rising effort proved vital. The 25-year-old Welshamn narrowly edges out David De Gea’s stop from Juan Mata’s curling free kick. The Spanish ‘keeper has received plenty of criticism but he must be applauded for ensuring United’s impressive comeback was kept intact.
Honourable Mention: David De Gea
Quote of the Weekend
Settle down children, its story time with Mick McCarthy! After Djibril Cissé’s sending off on Saturday, the Wolves boss recounts an old tale in his post match interview.
“The rules are you can’t grab anyone by the face now and push them in the throat . Was it a sending off in my day? No, was it heck.”
If you say so Mick. When men were men etc.
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