It was another weekend that had everything. The big four are starting to shake, looking everything else but impressive, with numerous sides pressing on to break into their empire. A beach ball was the main assassin this weekend, placing the referees under the spotlight once again.
Top game: The game at Villa Park gained pace and spice after Aston Villa's equaliser. Both sides created chances, pressing on competitively, making the encounter wonderfully entertaining.
Top team: Arsenal showed the most dominant display of all sides with 18 attempts, half of which were on target. It could have been four or five for them, but thanks to some brilliant saves by on-loan keeper Joe Hart, Birmingham were spared the blushes.
Top player: Brad Friedel and James Collins redeemed themselves after conceding against the run of play to a typically clinical Didier Drogba with some crucial interceptions, stops and saves. So too Lee Cattermole for Sunderland, who fought hard and was omnipresent to keep his side ahead.
Top goal: Manchester United's second goal was a team goal with a beautiful build-up between Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia, the latter squeezing the ball into the corner past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Great team effort and coordination.
Top manager: Gianfranco Zola once again proved himself as the most reputable manager, not blaming the referee for his side's plight. Robert Huth should have been sent off for his swipe against Matthew Upson, but was lucky to get away unspotted by the officials. The video replays showed it. But Zola conceded his side's faults and errors rather than ranting on about the other team or referee.
Flop team: Liverpool disappointed once again. Without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres there was no threat for Sunderland. They lost three with them and one without the key duo, hence there is more to scratch their heads about then just the injuries. Three at the back did not work out for the Reds, they looked confused, square, flat, uncomfortable, just all over the place from back to front.
Flop player: Chelsea's defence was unable to deal with set pieces and their frailties and lack of communication let them down after a dominant start against Villa. It was totally unlike main stars John Terry and Frank Lampard, but they made the hall of shame for this match.
Flop goal: The beach ball! Although Liverpool did not deserve anything from the match with another disappointing display, they were unlucky to concede a goal off a beach ball! The referee should have known the rule, anything interferes with play, the match should be stopped and the hazard removed. Liverpool's title aspirations have well and truely been deflated! I feel sorry for the fan at fault, the boy will never live it down!
Flop manager: Rafael Benitez ranting on about the time added on and clashing with Steve Bruce made a sad picture. He reminded me of Alex Ferguson, who also could not accept his side being outplayed and beaten, no matter what the clock says!
My Predictions - Actual Results
Arsenal 4:1 Birmingham - 3:1
Aston Villa 2:0 Chelsea - 2:1
Everton 3:1 Wolves - 1:1
Man Utd 2:0 Bolton - 2:1
Portsmouth 0:2 Tottenham - 1:2
Stoke 1:1 West Ham - 2:1
Sunderland 2:3 Liverpool - 1:0
Blackburn 1:0 Burnley - 3:2
Wigan 2:2 Man City - 1:1
Fulham 2:1 Hull City - 2:0
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