Team of the Weekend
Oscar night
Although Juan Mata remains a Chelsea fan favourite, the debate must now focus on where the Spaniard can fit around Oscar. The Brazilian, 22, delivered another fine display in the Saturday Night 3-0 win over West Ham United. In that central attacking midfield role, not only did Oscar show his quality on the ball with the goal of the night but he also made seven tackles - three more than any other player on either side. Frank Lampard scored twice against West Ham, his former club, but the veteran midfielder said of his team-mate after the final whistle: "Oscar was fantastic in the first half, closing balls down in the corner and working hard. I have never seen a No.10 with such work-rate on and off the ball. He is constant movement. He plays with a maturity of someone much older."
Click here to take a look at a statistical view of Chelsea's win over West Ham
Time for a change
Amid all the praise for Southampton this season, it is impossible to ignore they may well be looking to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window. Having already been beaten by a fellow goalkeeper this season, Artur Boruc produced another howler in Saturday's defeat at Arsenal. Dwelling on the ball before a wretched, failed attempt at a Cruyff turn saw Boruc lose possession and Oliver Giroud open the scoring. Boss Mauricio Pochettino has backed Boruc but it could well be the dreaded vote of confidence ahead of a transfer window when Southampton, if they are realistic about their top-six ambitions, will be looking for another goalkeeper.
Wheels in motion
The pressure had been building on Stoke City boss Mark Hughes given the passing football he had promised when taking over at the end of May had been failing to produce the necessary results. However, Stoke earned a first Premier League win since 31st August by beating fellow strugglers Sunderland - helped by Wes Brown's controversial red card. Keeping the ball proved the key for Stoke, with Glenn Whelan's passing accuracy of 100 per cent from 63 passes stood out. That is a season high and Hughes will hope it is a sign of things to come.
