Best of the weekend

By James Dall   Last updated: 20th September 2009  

Team of the week

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Best of the weekend

Nugent: Deserves the limelight

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Game of the weekend

Manchester United 4 Manchester City 3

The best Manchester derby in recent memory? You would struggle to argue against such a statement. Indeed, there was much anticipation surrounding said clash, and one often fears the high expectations could be followed by a damp squib - not in this circumstance though. Old Trafford exploded when Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after demonstrating quick feet on two minutes. City responded just 14 minutes later following a howler from goalkeeper Ben Foster, with former Red Devil Carlos Tevez capitalising and assisting Gareth Barry. Then, just moments into the second half, Darren Fletcher nodded home at the back post to restore his side's lead. Again, though, City hit back, this time via a truly brilliant strike from Craig Bellamy. United reclaimed their advantage through Fletcher with 10 minutes remaining with what seemed to be the winning goal. However, a mistake from Rio Ferdinand allowed Bellamy to grab his second of the game in emphatic style. A draw was expected, but deep, deep into injury-time substitute Michael Owen fired a winner past Shay Given. This equals drama.

Player of the weekend

David Nugent

It would be the easy option to award this accolade elsewhere, but, without being nasty, how often is Mr Nugent going to win this prize? The striker had a torrid time on the South Coast with Portsmouth and some sniggered when he sealed a loan move to Burnley this summer. But Clarets boss Owen Coyle was vindicated in his decision to bring Nugent back to the North West after his brace helped Burnley to three invaluable points over Sunderland. With the scoreline at 1-1, Nugent entered the fray just prior to the hour mark and bagged a goal 10 minutes later with a fine header. And then he secured Burnley's triumph as he turned in the area and curled home with aplomb.

Goal of the weekend

Craig Bellamy's first

The feisty attacker was unlucky to be on the losing team in Manchester, for he netted two excellent goals. This first was our favourite after he surged into space and at Foster's goal. He then wound up from outside the penalty box and unleashed a vicious shot that zoomed into the far, top-right hand corner. As an aside, Fernando Torres scored a superb effort versus West Ham, demonstrating frightening turn of pace, while David Edwards deserves a mention for his sweet effort for Wolves.

Pass of the weekend

Ryan Giggs

Giggs' impressive outing against bitter rivals City was capped off with what proved to be a decisive pass. Much to the disdain of City boss Mark Hughes, injury-time continued to tick by after his side had just made it 3-3. And despite a gruelling match entering its 96th minute, Giggs remained as sharp as a tack. The Welshman picked up the ball inside City's half after a free-kick had been cleared. Owen pulled into some space, and Giggs spotted the former Newcastle striker. Then followed a wonderful defence-splitting ball that allowed Owen to tuck past Given and hand United the spoils. A brilliant assist.

Gaffe of the weekend

Ben Foster

Both Foster and United team-mate Ferdinand were in the running for this so-called accolade, with the former just pipping the latter. First, Ferdinand's: the centre-back, in recent seasons largely mistake-free, opted to attempt the daftest of scooped passes as Sir Alex Ferguson's men looked to run down the clock. But his effort fell straight to Martin Petrov, who released Bellamy. The Welshman charged down the pitch, and, of course, you know the rest. But rewind to the 16th minute when City equalised for the first time. Without much concern, Foster trotted out from his goal to gather a long ball. Tevez threatened to cause a nuisance as the ball failed to roll speedily into Foster's area. No fear though, surely Foster would put his boot straight through the potentially dangerous situation? Wrong. He tried to usher the ball into his territory, allowing Tevez to hunt him down. The Argentine gathered possession and picked out the lurking Barry, who slotted home rather coolly from distance.

Controversy of the weekend

West Ham penalty

There were many contenders for this section. For example, the debate of six minutes of injury time played at Old Trafford after four were held up on the electronic board. Also, Tottenham Hotspur's claim for a penalty at Chelsea that could have changed the face of the clash entirely. But we've plumped for the moment during Saturday's evening fixture at Upton Park. After Liverpool had gone ahead through Torres, the Hammers were awarded a penalty. Firstly, debate rages over whether Jamie Carragher did in fact foul youngster Zavon Hines. Nonetheless, the spot-kick was given by referee Andre Marriner. The drama did not stop there though as Alessandro Diamanti buried despite slipping and debatably touching the ball twice, which is of course against the rules. The shot dipped past Jose Reina and West Ham levelled. Make of it what you will.

Save of the weekend

Boaz Myhill

The Hull City goalkeeper made a number of superb saves to frustrate Birmingham City until Garry O'Connor headed the decisive goal with 15 minutes remaining. Myhill was called into action on several occasions, with the pick of the bunch being an excellent tip over from Lee Bowyer's curling effort in the first half. Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen must also be applauded for a brave stop to deny Stoke all three points at the Reebok Stadium.

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