A surprisingly underwhelming weekend of top flight action still produced some scintillating performances.
Tim Howard
Denied a lively Jermaine Defoe twice, and kept a rampant Spurs side at bay in the second half with a commanding display which ensured Everton would continue their fine unbeaten run with an excellent victory.
John O’Shea
Has been an unsung hero during the dramatic upturn in the Black Cats fortunes, and was once again dependable against an admittedly lackluster Liverpool outfit. Seems to have put his Hawthorns nightmare behind him.
Gary Cahill
Had a nightmare start to his Chelsea career alongside the far from steadying influence of David Luiz. Partnering international teammate John Terry for the first time in a blue shirt, Cahill looked back to his best, taking the opportunity to drive at the Stoke back line with purpose whilst dealing with their rare moments of attacking threat with ease.
Ashley Williams
Has been impressive all season, Williams faced a world class front line and looked comfortable throughout. Made Balotelli look like a championship also ran as he dominated his opposite number in what will surely go down as a famous victory for his side.
Leighton Baines
The league’s most accomplished left back this season continued his fine year with another excellent display. His poise on the ball and confidence in defence were vital for an Everton outfit striving to contain the attacking threat of Champions League hopefuls Spurs. With his side now looking to leapfrog their stuttering neighbours Liverpool in the table, Baines will be a key figure if Everton are to continue their sublime run, and should push Ashley Cole all the way for an England place this summer.
Junior Hoilett
Has had a difficult time recently, with Rover’s struggles at the wrong end of the table perhaps knocking the confidence of the 21 year old. Had only 3 goals to his name this season before Saturday’s encounter with fellow relegation battlers Wolves, but no doubt alerted the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal with a simply scintillating display. Was clever as well as exciting with his two strikes, constantly finding little pockets of space around an utterly atrocious Wolves rearguard. Will surely be moving on in the summer.
Joe Allen
A marvelous display from one of the season’s success stories. Allen played with all the authority and confidence of an international superstar, dominating a star studied Manchester City midfield with a faultless performance. Influenced his sides play throughout an enthralling encounter, linking defence and attack with some sublime possession football. His showing can be summed up by the fact Ya Ya Toure was a mere passenger.
Paul Scholes
The Ginger maestro has been a revelation since returning from retirement, and yet again manipulated the ball superbly in his sides vital 2-0 win over an in-form West Bromwich Albion side. Unbelievable that at 37 he still has the ability to control midfield’s as expertly as he does.
Ryo Miyaichi
Proving one of the signings of the January transfer window, Miyaichi is another Bolton loanee to leave a top club for invaluable experience after the success stories of Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge. Troubled QPR all game with his low centre of gravity and quick feet, and could be the key to Bolton’s survival.
Ashley Young
Has enjoyed a great run of form of late, and continued to impress with a tireless display at Old Trafford. Managed to combine his usual slick wing play with intense running and work rate, and encapsulated a United side who look desperate to bag yet another title.
Wayne Rooney
Is hitting form at the right time. Endured a wretched baron spell before Christmas, but is now roaring back to prominence and producing the type of displays he showed in the early stages of the season. Will have a huge say in the title race from now till the seasons end.
