HEROES
Chelsea
The league leaders were in irresistible form this weekend and while it is tempting to highlight the individual performances of the likes of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard or Nicolas Anelka, we mustn't detract from what was a fantastic collective display. Chelsea were without African stars Didier Drogba and Michael Essien and yet they still disposed of Sunderland with ease. Their one-touch passing was a pleasure to watch and had they been more clinical the score-line could easily have reached double figures.
CHELSEA MATCH REPORT
Boaz Myhill
Myhill was undoubtedly the standout performer of the weekend, playing an integral part in securing what could prove a vital point for Hull City come the end of the season. The goalkeeper denied opponents Tottenham Hotspur on numerous occasions and made a series of top-drawer saves, most notably from Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar. Myhill will have a key role to play if the Tigers are to avoid relegation again this season, but with performances like this they certainly stand in good stead.
VILLAINS
Robinho
When Robinho signed for a record British transfer fee in September 2008 Manchester City fans hoped the Brazilian would light up the City of Manchester Stadium and head their quest for glory. Sadly the reality has been far different. Robinho has failed to justify his hefty price tag and hasn't ever looked close to reproducing the form he showed for Real Madrid in La Liga. The forward reached an all-time low on Saturday when manager Roberto Mancini brought him on against Everton after ten minutes only to replace him in the second half following a typically languid and laboured performance.
Liverpool's zonal system
Liverpool went into Saturday's clash at Stoke City on the back of an embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of Reading and would have been desperate to lift some of the pressure off of boss Rafa Benitez... but again they failed. Despite dictating much of the game the Reds conceded yet another goal from a set-piece, heaping further criticism upon their zonal marking system. Benitez has oncemore vowed to fight on. Perhaps if he admitted defeat and went man-for-man they might at least stop contributing so heavily to their own downfall.
LIVERPOOL MATCH REPORT
- Gareth Burton
Source: DSG
