It’s been an entertaining month of football. There’s been surprise results in the Premiership to cup shocks, meeting of the big teams to relegation battles. During these games there have been some sublime performances. Below is a list of players that have performed well this month.
Adam Le Fondre. The Reading striker has been making a big impact from the bench. In Reading’s current five game unbeaten run, Le Fondre has had a big part to play. He scored twice in the FA Cup third round win against Crawley. Le Fondre then came off the bench to score the equaliser as Reading came from 2-0 down to beat West Brom 3-2. Le Fondre came off the bench again as Reading were trailing 1-0 away to Newcastle, with his first touch he equalised. 6 minutes later, he got the winner. His fine goal scoring run continued as he helped Reading salvage a draw against Chelsea. Despite being 2-0 down in the last few minutes, Le Fondre came off the bench again and scored twice.
Robin Van Persie. The Manchester United hitman has continued his fine form. On New Year’s Day, RVP scored twice to help United beat Wigan 4-0. Van Persie then came off the bench to score in the last minute to equalise and force a reply against West Ham. He scored one and made another as United beat fierce rivals Liverpool 2-1. Van Persie then faced spurs where he opened the scoring to take his tally to 22 for the season. As well as his goals, RVP has been influential as United go through January unbeaten.
Pablo Zabaleta. The Argentinian has been immense for Manchester City this month. Zabaleta has played a key part as City did not concede a goal in January. Defensively sound, Zabaleta has been captain in Kompany’s absence and lead by example. As good as Zabaleta has been in defence, he scored the opening goal against Stoke in their premier league meeting. Zabaleta then scored the only goal as the two teams met in the FA Cup.
Luis Suarez. Suarez has continued to be Liverpool’s key player. Suarez has scored six times this month. A double against Sunderland and a controversial winner against lowly Mansfield. He was outstanding against Norwich as he scored one and played key parts in several goals to steer Liverpool to a 5-0 victory. An opening goal for Liverpool in their humiliating defeat to Oldham and scoring early as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates.
Leighton Baines. The England full back is continuing to be an important part of Everton’s push for a Champions League place. Baines is vital for Everton. Defensively he has been solid helping Everton keep two clean sheets this month. But going forward, Baines delivery is one of the best in the league. His link up play with Steven Pienaar is what Everton base their game around. He has chipped in with goals this month to, with a stunning free kick against Newcastle and a penalty against Cheltenham. A double in their 2-1 victory over West Brom saw Everton end the month unbeaten.
Source: DSG
