Looked unbeatable between the posts at St James's Park and made a string of crucial saves to ensure Blackpool left with all three points. At times on a one man mission and deserved his clean sheet.
Defender - Christopher Samba
A towering presence at the heart of Blackburn's defence making tackle after tackle to thwart Manchester City's million dollar men. One particular challenge in his own six yard box in the dying stages of the game prevented a certain City winner.
Defender - Roger Johnson
Regardless of whether Fernando Torres was unfit or under par, Johnson (and centre back partner Scott Dann) gave the Spaniard a torrid time and offered not a sniff at goal all afternoon. Was unlucky not to have scored what would have been a memorable winning goal.
Defender - Gareth Bale
The sight of Gareth Bale rampaging up Tottenham's left wing on yet another lung busting attacking foray has become a familiar one this season, much to the detriment of right backs everywhere. The Welshman was at it again on Saturday despite moving back into defence.
Defender - Nemanja Vidic
In the absence of team captain Rio Ferdinand, the Serbian defender is thriving with the armband in toe. Dominant in the air at both ends and never faltered despite being forced to work overtime alongside the vulnerable Johnny Evans. Played no part in United's capitulation and was unfortunate not to be on a winning side.
Midfielder - Michael Essien
Michael Essien is a rare breed in modern day football. Equally adept in positions of attack or defence and both capable of and willing to carry out both functions in equal measure over 90 minutes. With Jon Obi Mikel Chelsea's designated midfield anchor, the Ghanaian has been handed a licence to roam this season and duly registered a headed brace against West Ham.
Midfielder - Tim Cahill
Used again as a secondary striker in the absence of more recognised forward men, Tim Cahill was a thorn in Manchester United’s side and ensured Johnny Evans had a torrid afternoon. Continues to defy gravity with his heading ability and was clinical once more with a headed goal and assist in injury time to steal an unlikely point for Everton.
Midfielder - Charlie Adam
With seven points on the board already, Blackpool have unquestionably exceeded all expectation. As he was last season, Charlie Adam has been central to their cohesion and invention in the Premier League and in their latest outing, hogged the St James's Park spotlight. A goal and an assist for the Scotsman was just reward for a classy display.
Midfielder - Cesc Fabregas
A reminder of what Arsenal will be missing when the Spaniard's inevitable departure is confirmed. Gunners fans and the Premier League alike should be soaking up every minute and every touch from the World Cup winner who was back to his best against Bolton who were resigned to the role of helpless bystanders in his presence.
Striker - Moussa Dembele
The injury to Fulham frontman Bobby Zamora raised the goalscoring onus on Dembele from early on and the Belgian striker responded in spectacular fashion with both goals in the Cottagers' 2-1 victory. Promising signs for the Fulham faithful with the England striker set for a lengthy lay off.
Striker - Dimitar Berbatov
Another accomplished display from the enigmatic Bulgarian whose hitherto languid efforts have failed to endear the United fans to him. Without Wayne Rooney, Berbatov lead the line with distinction and his goal reeked of class.
Source: DSG
