TEAM: EVERTON
Roberto Martinez’ men are in the form of their lives and in the showdown for fourth place signaled their intent by being the latest team to steam roll Arsenal at home. This was their sixth win in a row, though every victory is vital, this was obviously their biggest game of the season and they definitely played like it meant everything. Well done also to Man Utd, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
GOALKEEPER: BEN FOSTER (West Bromwich Albion)
Just when WBA, who are tittering dangerously above the relegation zone needed a big performance, Foster stepped up to provide one. He wasn’t bombarded with loads of shots but certainly had to earn his money when called upon, to help his team to a vital clean sheet and three points, against one of their bottom of the table rivals. Shout out also to Man Utd’s Lindegaard, Everton’s Howard, Norwich’s Ruddy and West Ham’s Adrian.
DEFENDER: DAMIEN DELANEY (Crystal Palace)
The centre back has been in fine form lately. Palace have not been conceding much since the turn of the year and have two clean sheets in a row now. Delaney has been a huge factor in that and against Cardiff, who do score goals at home and had a few quick, skillful players, he gave them no joy at all. Well done also to his team-mate Dann, Liverpool duo Skrtel and Sakho, Hull’s Davies, Chelsea duo Cahill and Ivanovic also Everton’s Distin who was close to winning this.
MIDFIELDER: JUAN MATA (Man Utd)
He’s finally showing the Man Utd fans exactly what all that money was for with two outstanding pieces of individual brilliance to set his team on their way. The first was an exquisite free kick. The second, a beautiful piece of close control skill in the box to coolly finish. Also topped it off with an assist. Shout out also to Man City’s Silva, West Brom’s Amalfitano, Fulham’s Holtby also Crystal Palace’s Puncheon, Liverpool’s Gerrard and Chelsea’s Willan who were all close to winning this.
FORWARD: STEVEN NAYSMITH (Everton)
Because of his performance in their last game, he forced his manager to put him in from the start this week and justified that decision. Scored the first with an intelligent finish, was a threat throughout and never seemed to stop running with an all action and lively display. Well done also to his team-mate Lukaku and Liverpool’s Suarez.
MANAGER: ROBERTO MARTINEZ (Everton)
Their form just cannot be ignored at the moment. Before they were hopeful of a Champions League place, now they have played themselves into having it in their own hands. Their victory over Arsenal showed their hunger, desire and intent. In one season Martinez is close to bettering what Moyes did in ten seasons at Goodison. Shout out also to Stoke’s Pulis.
UNSUNG HERO: JOHN FLANAGAN (Liverpool)
The 21-year-old right back has had some season. He has shown an extremely mature head which has made Rodgers trust him in that problematic left back position. His performances in an unfamiliar position has belied his tender age and experience at this level. He also contributes in attack and can claim an assist after being fouled for the vital winning penalty at West Ham, to add to his brilliant assist against Spurs last week.
GAME: ASTON VILLA 1-2 FULHAM
All the goals were in the thrilling second half in a tense and nervy game. After good work from Holtby and Rodallega, the ball found itself on the right with Dejagah who drove at the defence, then rolled the ball across the edge of the box for Richardson to unleash a rasping, unstoppable effort into the top corner (61). Holt then equalised with a pinpoint header from Albrighton’s corner (70). Then dramatically, Rodallega won it with a glancing header from Holtby’s lovely ball in (84).
GOAL: JASON PUNCHEON (Crystal Palace) v Cardiff City
Just inside the Cardiff half, on the right had side. Marriapa played a curved ball along the ground which Chamakh let run through his legs beautifully, for Puncheon to run on to. Still just to right of the box and 20 yards out, Puncheon shifted the ball on the his left foot, cut inside the defender and curled a lovely effort into the top right hand corner of the net.
FOOL: CHRIS FOY & ASSISTANT (Officials) Man City v Southampton
I had a few candidates for this. Arsenal’s capitulation once again away from home. Referee Lee Mason overruling the linesman to allow Carroll to slap Mignolet in the face. But at Man City, the linesman and ref missed Dzeko’s flick to Silva who was THREE yards offside. This was at 1-1, a crucial time. City scored and went on to win 4-1. These are meant to be the easier decisions in football. From officials are missing bread and butter decisions like a player being 3/4 yards offside then we really have problems in the game. FOOLS!
