Eurosport - Mon, 09 Mar 10:48:00 2009
Erratic finishing, exuberant celebrations, pedantic refereeing and diabolical goalkeeping - this weekend's winners and losers cover it all.
The burden of responsibility for goals rests heavily on Keane's shoulders at White Hart Lane and in two crucial games for Harry Redknapp's side this week, the Irishman has got on the scoresheet on both occasions. The striker followed his superb display against Middlesbrough, with a vital late equaliser against Sunderland to salvage a point for his side at the Stadium of Light.
With his future at Old Trafford remaining slightly foggy, Tevez knows what it feels like to be permanently on trial. The Argentinian helped to further elevate his stock with a brace of goals in an exemplary display leading the line for United in their 4-0 romp at Fulham.
Alex
Despite persistent rumours that the Brazil defender is keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, the arrival of Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink appears to have reinvigorated his performances. After working under the Dutch coach at PSV, Alex is finally feeling at home in West London, and scored his side's second goal against Coventry to prove the point.
The much-maligned midfielder confounded his many critics with a much improved performance against Burnley at the Emirates, capping his display with a well-taken goal. After combining superbly with Alexandre Song for the third goal of Arsenal's comfortable victory, the Ivorian allowed himself an exuberant celebration to the amusement of the home fans.
Eduardo
Following his latest injury setback, Eduardo was handed the captain's armband by manager Arsene Wenger for his side's FA Cup tie against Burnley, and the striker duly scored with a superbly-taken volley as Arsenal romped to a three-nil victory. Substituted to a standing ovation, the Croat has become a favourite with the Emirates faithful, his manager and team-mates too.
With eight goals in 53 games, Aliadiere has proved to be a perennial underachiever at the Riverside. The Frenchman was withdrawn by Gareth Southgate against Everton, despite his side's need for a goal to get back into the game. Aliadiere squandered a plethora of chances which Middlesbrough would be left to rue as they were dumped out of the competition.
Phil Dowd
It is fair to say Mr Dowd is not renowned for managers' glowing assessments of his performances, and he did little to endear Harry Redknapp or Ricky Sbragia to his approach in their 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. Dowd dished out five yellow cards in a first half which was stopped so frequently, both managers were left infuriated at the break.
Dacourt has yet to make his mark at Craven Cottage, although no one can fault his endeavour. The feisty midfielder has been as combative as ever in his fleeting appearances for Roy Hodgson's side, and his love of yellow cards has not diminished. Perhaps seen as a 90-minute liability by his boss, the Frenchman almost saw red for persistent infringements in his 33-minute run-out against Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Brad Jones
After ousting the previous incumbent of Middlesbrough's goalkeeping jersey, Ross Turnbull, Jones has not lived up to his top billing as Gareth Southgate's number one. The Australian shot-stopper was a persistent cross-flapper against Everton in their FA Cup tie, and was liable for a severe lack of conviction on numerous occasions. Jones was in no man's land for Marouane Fellaini's equalising goal, in particular.
With January signing Ricardo Quaresma breathing down his neck for a starting spot, Kalou is slowly watching his place in Guus Hiddink's side being gradually diminished. The Portugese winger was instrumental in Chelsea's second goal against Coventry after replacing the Ivorian at half-time, and Didier Drogba's winner against Portsmouth midweek.
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