In comparison to the high drama of the 5th Matchday in the Premier League, this weekend was slightly disappointing. However, it was still a weekend of firsts. The first time Manchester United were stopped, the first goals for Demba Ba at Newcastle United and perhaps most comically, Fernando Torres’ first sending off for Chelsea.
Anyway, enough Torres bashing, it’s time to have a closer look at the action.
Goal of the Weekend
After last week’s surprise win against Arsenal, Blackburn couldn’t secure a win against Newcastle this time round. However, in their 3-1 defeat, Junior Hoilett scored a cracking goal. He controlled Martin Olsson’s cross on the edge of the 18 yard box before firing high into the roof of the net. In a weekend short of wonder strikes, this goal stood out as one to be admired.
Honourable Mentions: Nani vs Stoke City; Mohamed Diame v Spurs
Save of the Weekend
Despite pressing for the whole of the first half, QPR couldn’t find a way past Shay Given. However, it was Given’s opposite number who made the stunning stop of the weekend. Barry Bannan’s pinpoint free kick looked to be sailing into the far corner before Paddy Kenny flung himself at the ball making a terrific save as he clawed the ball away. Neil Warnock has hailed his stopper as the best keeper in the country before – steady on there, Neil.
Player of the Weekend
Since his move from West Ham, Demba Ba had failed to make much impact prior to the game against Blackburn. At St. James Park on Saturday, the Toon Army saw Ba at his best as he bagged a hat trick. He took his goals with aplomb and for all the complaints about Newcastle’s lack of another striker, it doesn’t look like the Magpies have much to worry about so long as Leon Best and Demba Ba continue to fire.
Honourable Mentions: Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez
Game of the Weekend
Although it was a weakened Manchester United side, Stoke City deserve credit for stopping the reigning Champions. It was an entertaining game at the Britannia Stadium and despite scoring Peter Crouch knows he should have had a hat trick. Manchester United’s supposed strength in depth wasn’t very evident on Saturday evening. There were few upsets at the weekend which is why Stoke City v Man Utd was the most exciting match in this round of fixtures.
Miss of the Weekend
What is it about expensive signings in West London? Last weekend, it was Fernando Torres and now, Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz. The man who cost Fulham around £11 million somehow managed to slide the ball wide of the goal from about two yards out. A very impressive feat in what was otherwise a largely dull game at the Hawthorns.
Quote of the Weekend
Staying in West London, Neil Warnock will always be good for a quote when there has been controversy around his team.
“I’ve had a look at our penalty appeals again – and I think the statisticians have put the first Alan Hutton one down as a save.”
Keep ‘em coming Neil!
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