All Things Footie | Monday, October 22 | Jordan
Le Saux'nly A Matter of Time
There's got to be a point when somebody realises that just because he's educated (though eductaed for a footballer could mean he reads Dandy rather than the Beano) - he's no better than your average Chelsea thug (Dennis Wise, Jody Morris etc). I'm not Danny Mills' biggest fan - he's dirty even for a dirty Leeds player - but even I felt sorry for him after Graemella nearly snapped is legs in two from behind (his favourite angle of attack I suspect).
To be fair to Chelsea, though they should have had 10 men for the most part, they did well to not only hold for a draw but arguably deserve a bit more. Two goal line clearances aside I thought they had the more dangerous posession and Manu Petit striking the crossbar in the dying seconds nearly put Arsenal top :).
Rickety Defence = Rickety Goals
And what a way to extend United's Southampton-esque home form. A blinding goal from youngster Kevin Nolan who's just getting better - and another superb finish after Wes Brown misjudged a long ball from Michael Ricketts. United were mediocre, but Bolton were superb. The defence worked tirelessly - new boy Bruno N'Gotty was superb as was old boy's Simon Charlton and Gudni Bergsson. There were few players not deserving of praise and Ricketts was superb - he had two opportunities to change the game, a wonderfully cushioned header for Nolan to latch on to and a one on one with Fabian Bathez which he thundered over the Frenchman into the United goal.
Another English youngster put in a superb performance on Saturday too, David Dunn was outstanding against Arsenal, making Patrick Vieira work twice as hard as usual and still not keeping up with him. Two goals and a polished all round display from the England U-21 captain underlined just how bright Englands future can be. On the other side, Robert Pires put on one of his best displays yet for Arsenal and between him and Dunn the six goal thriller must have been quite a spectacle.
Other displays of note, Peter Schmeichel showed Barthez how to play the maverik like a professional, scoring a rasping half volley from a corner against Everton who ran out 3-2 winners. Inspired by Thomas Gravesen who ran the game from start to finish, running around like a man possessed and playing some superb football.
Spurs ran over a sorry Newcastle side - with Darren Anderton being touted for England, I for one hope that the past is confined to the past (unless he fancies playing on the left wing). A right hook from Luis Boa Morte aside, Ipswich's visit to Craven Cottage was a fairly formulaic affair - if you were going to put money on a draw then that would have been the game. West Ham compounded the misery of a poor Southampton side and cost Stuart Gray his job, the Red Dwarf Gordon Strachan is taking over where the rookie left off.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Leicester, you are SHOCKING.
Jason Euell won't forget his Charlton debut after scoring a scorcher looping over the 'keeper to cancel out Ravanelli's early strike. Just a mention for Preston striker Jon Maken who scored from the edge of the centre circle to beat Man City 2-1 at Deepdale - spectacular son, he's caught my eye more than one and the ex-Man Utd reserve should make a big impression if he gets his Premiership chance.
Now for the All Things Footie weekly awards...
Performace of the week : Bolton vs Man Utd
Player of the week : David Dunn (Blackburn)
Goal of the week : Kevin Nolan (Bolton vs Man Utd)
Team of the week :
| Jussi Jaaskelainen Bolton |
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| Bruno N'Gotty Bolton |
Simon Charlton Bolton |
William Gallas Chelsea |
Nigel Winterburn West Ham |
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| Thomas Gravesen Everton |
Manu Petit Chelsea |
Robert Pires Arsenal |
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| David Dunn Blackburn |
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| Michael Ricketts Bolton |
Robbie Fowler Liverpool |
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Disagree? Think Mike Ricketts deserved player of the week glory? All you have to do is click the link below and you can leave your comments here.