Premier League Gameweek 7: Cheers and Jeers

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

Cheers

1. Norwich: The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how well this newly promoted side played at Old Trafford.
2. Jonas Gutierrez: He evaded three defenders with a wonderful weaving run through the Wolves defense, finishing with a goal.
3. Tim Howard: His penalty save brought back the life to a side that was playing a man down.
4. Andy Carroll: The much-maligned striker picked a good time to send home a left-footed smash.
5. Newcastle: A solid victory for a club that is making its way towards European football.
6. Tim Krul: The Magpies’ keeper delivered several significant stops in the match against Wolverhampton.
7. Gabriel Agbonlahor:  The Aston Villa striker not only scored a goal, but also made a tremendous run to set up a second.
8. Mario Balotelli: Very quietly, Super Mario’s play is starting to round into form.
9. Frank Lampard: The midfielder showed his critics that he still has a role in Chelsea’s starting squad.
10. Fulham: The Cottagers have endured many jeers so far this season, but they exploded for a total of six goals on Sunday.  Hopefully, this leads to a turning point in their campaign.
11. Andy Johnson: His three goals helped Fulham secure their first win in league play.
12. Kyle Walker: The hero of the north London derby sent home a thirty-yard screamer to break the tie against Arsenal.
13. Adam Johnson: Getting a rare start, the Manchester City man curled home a splendid shot to open the goal scoring against Blackburn.

Jeers

1. Martin Atkinson: The red card on Jack Rodwell was disgraceful in a match that was pretty even throughout.
2. QPR: Just when it looked like the Rangers were going to be a dangerous team, they allow six goals to a squad that had scored a total of four goals all season.
3. Bolton: Chelsea is a strong side, but the Wanderers’ defense was lacking all day.
4. Adam Bogdan: It was a day to forget for the rookie Bolton keeper.
5. Stoke City: Swansea City is starting to make a name for themselves, however this was a fixture that Stoke should have gotten some points out of if they want to stay in the upper half of the division.
6. Ryan Shawcross: The Potter’s captain made an unneeded challenge that lead to a penalty kick for Swansea.
7. The Everton fans: A terrible red card was called against their player, but it still is not an excuse for throwing objects at the opposing team. Luckily no one was injured.
8. Wigan: Four straight losses in the league as they continue to struggle to produce anything offensively.
9. Arsenal: The Gunners played better against Spurs, but it’s still about results. The fact is that Arsenal has only won four of their last fourteen league matches.
10. Steve Kean: Speaking about Blackburn’s loss to Manchester City, “It is certainly not something I am enjoying but I can take it on the chin.” Talk about stating the obvious.
11. Luis Suarez: Yes, he scored a goal. But his dramatics during the Rodwell challenge were uncalled for as he certainly did not win any fans at Goodison Park.
12. The International Break: I know that these breaks are necessary for Euro and qualifying, but they become more of a nuisance at times as they interrupt the flow of league fixtures.