Best of the weekend

Last updated: 2nd March 2008  

Team of the weekend

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Best of the weekend

Forssell: Hat-trick hero

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Performance of the weekend

Chelsea v West Ham

Question marks had been raised over Chelsea's ability following last weekend's Carling Cup final defeat to Spurs, although they disappeared following a blistering 4-0 demolition of West Ham at Upton Park. The Hammers have been hard to beat of late at home, but a first-half blitz by Chelsea with Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack all scoring put the game beyond doubt. Lampard's red card gave West Ham hope of an unlikely comeback, although Ashley Cole's fourth wrapped up a fine win for Avram Grant's charges.

Goal of the weekend

Michael Ballack

There were plenty of goals to choose from in Chelsea's demolition job of West Ham. However, Ballack's was the pick of the bunch. The Germany international has been hit and miss following his Premier League switch, but his strike against The Hammers was world class. His volley from the edge of the area from Lampard's sublime pass was anything but simple but such was the technique of the former Bayern Munich ace that the ball arrowed into the bottom corner leaving Robert Green powerless to make a save.

Player of the weekend

Mikael Forssell

Forssell was sacrificed early on in order for Birmingham to keep their shape against Arsenal last weekend in the wake of Martin Taylor's sending off. This time around he showed manager Alex McLeish what he missed out on with a blistering hat-trick in Blues' crushing 4-1 success over Spurs. The Finland forward has often endured an injury-hit time in England, but Saturday was his day as he helped himself to three goals against the Carling Cup winners at St Andrews.

Gaffe of the weekend

Jussi Jaaskelainen

Philippe Senderos and Simon Davies did not exactly cover themselves in glory when putting past their own goalkeepers for Arsenal and Fulham, respectively, on Saturday. However, Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen's howler against Liverpool on Sunday spares the duo any further blushes. The Trotters shot-stopper displayed skills which would impress any master cricketing leg spinner who was attempting to perfect a textbook flipper as his own goal set Liverpool on their way to a 3-1 win at the Reebok Stadium. In the 12th minute Jaaskelainen somehow allowed a harmlessly low and wide drive from Steven Gerrard to slip through the back of his hand and away from his grasp, while adding just the correct dose of top spin via his own face to see the ball nestle neatly in the back of the net. 'Owzat?

Free-kick of the weekend

Owen Hargreaves

Hargreaves scored many a free-kick during his time in the Bundesliga, although it has taken some time for United fans to see his best in the Premier League. That wait ended this weekend when his superbly struck effort opened the scoring for The Red Devils at Craven Cottage.

Save of the weekend

Brad Friedel

The American keeper was in superlative form for Blackburn against Newcastle and made a number of saves in Rovers' late 1-0 success at St James' Park. The pick of the bunch arrived in the second half when he somehow kept out Michael Owen's bullet header on 56 minutes. By keeping out The Magpies, the visitors broke late on with Matt Derbyshire netting to claim a remarkable victory.

Controversy of the weekend

Frank Lampard's red card

Lampard was on the end of a rare red card on Saturday, although the manner of the dismissal may merit an appeal. While the loss of Lampard failed to hinder Chelsea in their quest to claim the points at West Ham, manager Avram Grant will not want the England international to suffer a three-game ban. The incident came about after Lampard and Luis Boa Morte both jumped for the ball and landed in a heap on the ground. Boa Morte, who is no stranger to controversy, reacted to Lampard falling on him, who in turn pushed over the Portuguese winger. Boa Morte turned to his Oscar-winning talent and rolled around enough for Lampard to see red. One wonders whether Chelsea's possible appeal may result in a 'frivolous' response by The FA.

Hangover of the weekend

Tottenham

Spurs were on top of the world last weekend following their 2-1 extra-time Carling Cup success over Chelsea. However, they simply failed to show up at St Andrews. Forssell's fine individual hat-trick brought Spurs down to earth as the North Londoners made the trip back down south with their tails firmly between their legs following a 4-1 drubbing.

Moments of the weekend

Late goals

The moment of the weekend goes to three winners this week. Firstly there was James Harper's late winner for Reading at Middlesbrough, snapping their dreadful eight-game losing streak in the process. Secondly there was Bendtner's last-gasp leveller at home to Aston Villa that secured the point that keeps Arsenal ahead of Manchester United in the title race. Finally there was Newcastle's sensational late defeat to Blackburn. The Magpies remain winless under Kevin Keegan and are now just three points above the drop zone.

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Comments (7)

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Ian Mack (Newcastle United fan) says...

How come Keegan always suffers a personal attack on these forums. Messiah, I don't know. Miracle worker, will have to be after the trash Allerdyce brought in.

Posted 08:01 7th March 2008

Samuel Botha (Liverpool fan) says...

What, no mention of Reina's save from Davies' point blank header?

Posted 06:08 3rd March 2008

Patrick Connell (Birmingham City fan) says...

After all the problems with his knees over the last 3 or 4 years it was great to see Mikael Forssel back to something like his best. I hope he can stay fit and bang in the goals to keep the blues in the premier league.

Posted 02:00 3rd March 2008

Chris Power says...

We need to thinkl about a few foreign referees! Ours are simply awful the standard is at it's lowest since I started watching in 1965...the inconsistence must drive players and coaches crazy...what is a foul outside the box is rarely a penalty in the box...and the handball rule is simple...the player must move the hand to the ball...

Posted 00:58 3rd March 2008

Brian Garside (Everton fan) says...

Watch out boys The Toffees are coming!!!

Posted 21:58 2nd March 2008

Benjamin Onu says...

I wonder what Keegan is still doing with Newcastle seeing that he could not win any match, or is he waiting to be bundled out first..........I think bowing out would be a better option.

Posted 19:00 2nd March 2008

Shane Brown (Manchester United fan) says...

I see Keegan's grand master plan! In order to truly be the messiah he has to take Newcastle down! Then come April next season they will be top of the Championship and will amazingly be resurrected to the Premiership. Arsenal's point doesn't change anything. Both Manchester Utd and Chelsea will finish above them this season.

Posted 22:04 1st March 2008
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