Another intriguing weekend of Premier League action and time to sort out who was good, who was bad, and who else besides Chelsea were simply FUGGLY:
THE GOOD
Manchester United
Good doesn’t even begin to describe their dismantling of Chelsea on Sunday. This was one of the complete all-around performances of the season, at the expense of a team that was a missed penalty kick away from being Champions of Europe just 8 months ago. United used the width of the pitch to stretch the Chelsea defensive shape, and were lively in all crossing situations. A win like this usually kick-starts a season, and in this case, Sir Alex Ferguson might have done away with the threat of a team that had their number under Jose Mourinho and at times under Avram Grant. They outplayed Chelsea in the first meeting at Stamford Bridge and finally this time they have the result to prove it.
Dimitar Berbatov
In my opinion, one of the best first touches in the game, and so vital for a striker that has a responsibility to hold up play. Capped off a terrific performance with a clinical near post finish.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Answered Rafa Benitez’ dossier the best way possible, by managing a team that will fight for him and produce a result that most didn’t see coming.
Aston Villa
Why not them? They keep finding ways to win. Martin O’Neill can be unhappy with the overall performance, but 3 points is 3 points. And 9 games unbeaten in the Prem since that silly home loss to Middlesbrough. In that run, 8 out of 12 points in matches against Arsenal, Man Utd, and Everton.
Arsenal
7 out of a possible 9 points since the Fabreags injury. Find a way to win against teams that pack it in against you, and that’s what they did.
Everton and David Moyes
5 games unbeaten without many resources to do it. Moyes is easily the most underrated manager in the Premier League.
Wigan and Steve Bruce
4 wins on the trot now, and a real threat to claim a place in Europe next year. What Brucey has done since taking over has been amazing.
The relegation fight
8th to 18th position separated by 7 points. 8th to 20th position separated by 9 points. Every bit as interesting as the title chase.
THE BAD
Liverpool
Another match, another two points dropped against a team they should beat with their reserves.
West Bromwich Albion
Thought to be the promoted team that could rough up the rest of the Premiership, and sit at the foot of the table. Should have gotten something out of the Villa game.
Newcastle United
Enough attacking talent to get out of the relegation scrap, shocking enough in defense to remain in it.
Middlesbrough
Year three under Southgate was supposed to be the year they made their push. Instead, they are languishing in the relegation fight, a point above the drop.
THE FUGGLY
Chelsea
It’s gone from bad to worse. As uninspiring a performance as you are going to see from a side the boasts so much proven talent. It’s time to face the reality that this side needs to be overhauled. The strikers are aging, the midfield is too congested, and the defense has suddenly disappeared.
Luiz Felipe Scolari
Why National Team Managers are not as successful on the club level. Give a guy weeks to prepare for a team and he’ll come up with the right mix. Give the same guy a few days, and he doesn’t look as good.
Hull City
4 consecutive losses and outscored 12-2 in the process. The wheels have fallen off.
Gary Megson
No excuse for only travelling with 15 players. That message to the Chairman says “sack me” more often than it says “I need money for more players.” Some youth team players were denied some precious big game experience, even if they just sat on the bench.
Tottenham
Bring back Jermaine Defoe, get shutout by a team that has conceded 21 goals in 20 games.
So who was your good, bad and FUGGLY? Comment with your thoughts.
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