Best of weekend

Last updated: 23rd March 2008

Team of the weekend

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Player of the week

Didier Drogba

The Chelsea striker proved to be Arsenal's nemesis again as he inspired his side to a vital 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. Drogba appeared to be struggling with a knock earlier in the game but he came to Chelsea's rescue with two late goals to breathe life into their title challenge. Drogba has consistently shown he is the man for the big occasion and he did not disappoint in this West London showdown.

Controversy of the week

Mascherano's sending off

Javier Mascherano's dismissal at Old Trafford overshadowed Manchester United's 3-0 win over arch-rivals Liverpool.

The Argentine, who was booked for a foul on Paul Scholes early in the game, was shown a second yellow for showing dissent towards referee Steve Bennett.

The midfielder was unhappy after his team-mate Fernando Torres was booked and he kept up his running argument with Bennett leading to the referee to hand Mascherano a second yellow card.

Mascherano was fuming at the red card and had to be hauled away from the referee with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claiming the dismissal ended the game as a contest.

Game of the week

Chelsea v Arsenal

Both these sides knew this was a must-win game following Manchester United's earlier win over Liverpool and it ensured for an enthralling encounter at Stamford Bridge.

There is very little love lost between both of these London rivals and there was no quarter given between both sets of players.

Bacary Sagna opened the scoring with his first goal for Arsenal and that sparked a dramatic comeback from Chelsea.

Didier Drogba rose to the occasion when he drew Chelsea level on 73 minutes with a drilled finish inside the box and the Ivorian grabbed the winner eight minutes later to place Chelsea as United's closest challengers in the race for the title.

Performance of the week

Blackburn

Wigan had a chance to claim the win at Blackburn after equalising from the penalty spot following Christopher Samba's dismissal, but Rovers had other ideas. Despite being a man down and without a key defender Blackburn managed to grab another two goals through Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts before The Latics made it 10-a-side when Wilson Palacios collected a second yellow card.

Save of the week

Tim Howard

Dean Ashton's superbly-struck free-kick looked destined to bring West Ham level against Everton only for Howard to somehow get a leg behind the shot. The save was made all the more impressive as Ashton's pile-driver struck Joleon Lescott en route to goal meaning Howard needed to make a late adjustment to keep the ball out.

Miss of the week

Robert Earnshaw

Derby could well have nicked a point at Middlesbrough but were made to pay a heavy price courtesy or Earnshaw's miss with just five minutes remaining. The Wales international had a clear sight of goal from Andy Todd's hooked ball across the face of goal, but the former West Brom and Norwich man somehow managed to head wide from close range.

Tactic of the week

Juande Ramos

The Spaniard is craftier than most when it comes to making changes off the bench and Saturday was no exception. With Spurs struggling to break down Portsmouth he opted for a double switch late on in bringing on Darren Bent and Jamie O'Hara. Ramos replaced Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon, but the moves paid off with Darren Bent netting the winner before setting up O'Hara's first Premier League goal and Spurs' second.

Moment of the week

Keegan's first win

It's been a long time coming but Kevin Keegan's first win finally arrived on Saturday. Just nine league games into his second spell in charge he secured his first three-point haul courtesy of a 2-0 success over Fulham. A draw or worse could have left The Magpies seriously looking over their shoulder, but goals from Mark Viduka and Michael Owen secured a priceless victory over the relegation-threatened Cottagers at St James' Park. Sunderland's first away win of the season also deserves a mention! Well done to Roy Keane's side.

Comments

Sammy Ngatia (Manchester United fan) says...

Manchester united are surely on course to clinching another premier league title with Chelsea hot on their heels Arsenal have virtually squandered their chances after relinquishing their six point advantage over United however for United to win, all of the remaining games have to be treated as finals.

Posted 08:16 25th March 2008

Rich Brennan (Notts County fan) says...

Come on now lets not forget our roots. My boys Notts County had a great victory over Rochdale 1-0 to keep them strong and to keep the oldest ever football team still fighting to stay in the football league. COME ON U PIES!

Posted 18:24 23rd March 2008

Jacob Chapman(liverpool fan) says...

Well done To Newcastle, but Keegan still shoudn't be the manager.

Posted 12:30 23rd March 2008

Clay Davis (Sunderland fan) says...

Whoever picked the defence obviously didn't see the Sunderland backline against Villa then?

Posted 01:56 23rd March 2008

Mastermind Mustafa (Arsenal fan) says...

Well done to Spurs. I really enjoyed watching them this afternoon. And hats off to Ramos, he is fantastic tactician.

Posted 23:50 22nd March 2008

Craig Woodhead says...

I was at the newcastle vs fulham game, and to be honest Jimmy Bullard had a sub par game for Fulham. I do agree with barton being there, about time we seen him have a good game in a newcastle shirt.

Posted 23:04 22nd March 2008

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