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Premier League Footballer of the Week, Gameweek 31

Updated on
April 09, 2013

Stand Up ye Brave Scots!

The definition of the word epic is as follows: heroic; majestic; impressively great. Such were moments from a few brave Scots this weekend that saw their respective clubs gain a valuable three points to either continue their pursuit of the title, or stave off a potentially feisty relegation battle. For those who enjoyed the highly entertaining Premier League this weekend, their identities may already be known to you. If you missed this epic weekend, continue reading where the names and achievements will be revealed.

While Chelsea were the first to blink in the three team title race, Tottenham Hotspur continued to fill in the lines of their L4 application with an acute seriousness. Aston Villa could only manage a point at home v Wolves and Manchester City also remain a favorite for L4 with a 2-1 win away to Fulham with one of their games in hand to be played midweek.

Finding themselves level at the Britannia v Stoke in the 63rd, Spurs pressed on and produced a stunning 77th minute winner when a Benoit Assou-Ekotto cross was dummied by Ediur Gudjohnsen and finished brilliantly by Niko Kranjcar. City disposed of a deservedly hungover Fulham at Craven Cottage with relative ease as the London club’s Europa League achievement against Juventus clouded their vision in front of goal but was definitely worthy of the accolades.

Honorable Mentions –

Craig Gordon, Sunderland – Brave Scot #1. Gordon produced a number of beyond quality saves to keep Sunderland ahead of Birmingham City on Saturday. There really were a myriad of incredible stops throughout the day, but Gordon’s 30th minute, full stretched tip onto the bar to keep out a Christian Benitez header is sure to get consideration for save of the season.

Darren Bent, Sunderland – The Wearsideres were able to win their match 3-1 much from the production of Gordon’s efforts, but also from a fine brace from potential England World Cup striker Darren Bent, who has quietly passed the 20 goal mark this season with his 20th and 21st of the campaign.

Bent’s first came in the 5th minute when he banged home a rebound, but his second in the 11th was the more impressive of the two. Bent ran onto a well placed ball from Steed Malbranque with only Birmingham’s Scott Dann to beat. Bent took the pass in stride and cut towards the inside of Dann before powering home a strong, impressive left-footed strike. His second secured the 3 points for the now in 12th place Sunderland.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Football - Manchester United v Liverpool Barclays Premier League

Darren Fletcher, Manchester United – In the weekend’s biggest game, Fletcher was the biggest player. A Goliath in midfield, the in form Scot was everywhere as United overcame an early Liverpool lead to win at home and return to the top of the Premier League.

It wasn’t just Fletcher’s cross of the day that found the head of Park Ji-sung for the winner, it was his tireless work rate that helped United win the midfield battle. He really was all over the pitch Sunday continually causing problems for Liverpool’s attack. Fletcher has an unbelievable ability to chase and close down opponents while breaking up attacks and winning back possession.

His workmanlike performances can be compared to those of Carlos Tevez and Dirk Kuyt who are invaluable to their teams. Fletcher rarely lost possession or hit a pass wrong in the match against Liverpool, and can easily hold his own in central midfield against the world’s best. In my opinion, the main reason for Barcelona’s dominance against United in last years Champions league final, was the absence of Fletcher in midfield. The Scotland international was wrongly sent off in the 2nd leg semi v Arsenal and missed the final due to suspension.

Fletcher is the closest player at United to replace the legendary Roy Keane. Although he hasn’t found a consistent scoring run from midfield like Keane, Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard, his ability to control the flow of play and produce a stunning ball like he did on Sunday makes him just as valuable to United as other top English midfielders are to their respective clubs.

Have your say in the poll or comments section below and the Premier League Footballer of the Week will be back this Thursday to analyze the five midweek matches as ten clubs play their game in hand.

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