Here’s a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly from week eight of the Premier League.

Cheers

  1. The International break is over: While there were some intriguing international matches, it’s good to see clubs take the pitch again.
  2. Anthony Pilkington: The Norwich man netted two goals in another victory for the surprising Canaries.
  3. Mario Balotelli: His wonderful overhead kick sparked City to a win versus Villa.
  4. Blackburn: Rovers have found themselves in the jeer column quite a few times this season, but they put in a good performance against QPR and came away with a point.
  5. Heidar Helguson: His deft chip shot gave QPR an early lead at Loftus Road.
  6. David De Gea: The United keeper made several key saves that kept his club in the match against Liverpool.
  7. Matthew Etherington: He had a hand in both Stoke goals as the Potters rebounded from their defeat at the hands of Swansea last time out.
  8. Bolton: With a victory, the criticism of Owen Coyle can be silenced for one week.
  9. Juan Mata: His movement and distribution were vital in the Chelsea build-up as the Blues dominated Everton.
  10. Ben Foster: The West Brom keeper was able to deny the Wolves attack and came away with a clean sheet.
  11. Shane Long: The Baggies forward was a constant threat in the West Brom offensive game plan.
  12. Robin Van Persie: Arsenal moved up the table as Van Persie resumed his torrid goal-scoring streak.
  13. Newcastle: The Magpies continued their undefeated start with a strong showing against Tottenham.

Jeers

  1. The schedule makers: Why would the Premier League schedule makers have Manchester United and Liverpool play the early match after an international break?
  2. Alex Ferguson: Not normally in the jeer column, the United skipper made an unusual decision to keep Wayne Rooney, Nani, and Chicharito on the bench for most of the Liverpool match.
  3. Swansea defense: Swansea did not look ready to play against Norwich as they conceded an early goal only to let in another one after some sloppy marking on a free kick.
  4. Stephen Warnock: The Villa defender could not handle nor clear the long ball that set up City’s second goal.
  5. Fulham: Another game with zero goals for Martin Jol’s men.
  6. Wolverhampton: Wolves did well keeping possession and getting shots on goal, but they were unable to find the back of the net as their slide down the table continues.
  7. Wigan: If this squad continues to play this way defensively, Wigan will remain in the relegation zone all season.
  8. The Luis Suarez racism allegations: Hopefully these are proven false. But for being a top-notch footballer, Suarez sure finds himself in the press for the wrong reasons quite frequently.
  9. Steven Taylor: His challenge in the box resulted in a penalty kick for Tottenham.
  10. Sunderland: Another dreary display for Steve Bruce’s side.
  11. Aston Villa: They started off well, but Villa couldn’t handle the pressure put on by Manchester City.