English Premier League: Top performers of week four
The weekend is over it's time to evaluate and pick our top ten performers of the round, not so easy this time as a lot of players came to party over the weekend but then... Here's our pick.
10. Mbemba
You can be on the losing side and still make our list, yes you can. Newcastle had it all to do against Arsenal as early as the 15th minute after striker Aleksandra Mitrovic was given his marching orders for a silly stamp on Francis Coqueline.
Mbemba stood firm and got counted, he picked up from where he left off at Old Trafford and was only beaten by his own man, so assured in possession and contained pressure all game long.
9. Fernandinho
When did the lanky Brazilian become this prolific? He managed only three goals throughout last season but he's already scored twice this term, both some right footed rockets.
Watford gave their all but City were just too much to handle and much of the praise must go to Fernandinho for his guile and composure.
8. Alex McCarthy
No one told us Crystal Palace would beat the champions at the Bridge but we sure expected the Eagles goalie to have a busy afternoon from the Pedro Hazard Costa effect, he didn't disappoint, the Englishman was up to it so early to deny Fabregas and Costa early on.
The Falcao flying header that beat him would beat anyone, displays like that would fortify the Eagles and place them in good stead for Europa places... Yes they can dream
7. Bafetimbi Gomis
Frenchman Bafetimbi Gomis left Manchester United fans in horrific mood that would last till the end of the international break with his goal celebration pictures and you can't blame him, four in four and still counting.
Blind and Smalling in the United defense will never forget Sunday in a hurry, he danced round them severally and could have gotten more than the second half winner had the upright not denied him with Romero well beaten.
6. Dusan Tadic
Southampton's two goal hero Dusan Tadic gets a mention here after completing a decent double against troubled Norwich City, aided by the early numerical advantage.
Tadic took laws into his own hands ensuring Ronald Koeman wins for the first time this season, in defense he was active and upfield he was present... Weldon Dusan!
5. Francis Coqueline
The fact that all but one of Newcastle's bookings on Saturday against Arsenal came through Francis Coqueline explains his afternoon, the industrious midfielder rubbished all reports over his playing pattern with a commanding display and was obviously the only good thing in Arsenal's fortuitous win at St. James's park.
What he lacks in creativity he has in abundance in work rate, if he were to be playing at Monaco, Van Gaal and Rodgers would be after him with some 50m bucks...
4. Manuel Lanzinni
Liverpool were awful on Saturday but you can't take anything away from the desperation of Westham, in particular, Lanzinni, his capitalist goal sums up his afternoon.
His composure was top notch, he forced several Liverpool men out of position severally and was by far the man of the match... Lovren will never forget him in a hurry.
3. Tim Howard
Tim Howard is 36, he plays like a 20 year old, commanding, assured and always alert, he won Everton the point at white hart lane and you can be sure of more.
Everton could have gone behind as early as 5 minutes into the game but for the experienced American, Harry Kane was denied at close range at first and then Nacer Chadli, his aerial command was perfect as he gave nothing away all afternoon long.
2. Bakary Sako
Every hustler has a pay day, that explains the story of Bakary Sako on Saturday, for all his toils and hard labour, Thibaut Courtois wouldn't let him be great, but after Gary Cahill lost the ball with the Belgian Goalie at his mercy, he blazed goal ward for the Eagles opener.
He was a menace, sensational on the ball and a fantastic outlet for every counter attack. He's the real deal at Selhurst.
1. Andrew Dede Ayew
For a free transfer, you've been vindicated Gary, the Monk of Wales, how spot on was he with the signing of Ayew from Marseille, if his header to equalize at Old Trafford was quality, then his mesmerizing through ball to Bafetimbi Gomis for the winner was out of this world.
Swansea are sure the real deal you can ask any Manchester United player, they even did that without Jefferson Montero... They certainly are the new Saints.
Written by @Komptrolla
