Here’s a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly from week eight of the Premier League.
Cheers
- The International break is over: While there were some intriguing international matches, it’s good to see clubs take the pitch again.
- Anthony Pilkington: The Norwich man netted two goals in another victory for the surprising Canaries.
- Mario Balotelli: His wonderful overhead kick sparked City to a win versus Villa.
- 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.
- Heidar Helguson: His deft chip shot gave QPR an early lead at Loftus Road.
- David De Gea: The United keeper made several key saves that kept his club in the match against Liverpool.
- 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.
- Bolton: With a victory, the criticism of Owen Coyle can be silenced for one week.
- Juan Mata: His movement and distribution were vital in the Chelsea build-up as the Blues dominated Everton.
- Ben Foster: The West Brom keeper was able to deny the Wolves attack and came away with a clean sheet.
- Shane Long: The Baggies forward was a constant threat in the West Brom offensive game plan.
- Robin Van Persie: Arsenal moved up the table as Van Persie resumed his torrid goal-scoring streak.
- Newcastle: The Magpies continued their undefeated start with a strong showing against Tottenham.
Jeers
- The schedule makers: Why would the Premier League schedule makers have Manchester United and Liverpool play the early match after an international break?
- 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.
- 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.
- Stephen Warnock: The Villa defender could not handle nor clear the long ball that set up City’s second goal.
- Fulham: Another game with zero goals for Martin Jol’s men.
- 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.
- Wigan: If this squad continues to play this way defensively, Wigan will remain in the relegation zone all season.
- 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.
- Steven Taylor: His challenge in the box resulted in a penalty kick for Tottenham.
- Sunderland: Another dreary display for Steve Bruce’s side.
- Aston Villa: They started off well, but Villa couldn’t handle the pressure put on by Manchester City.
