Stars of Newcastle United, Manchester United, Arsenal, Wolves and Sunderland feature in our list of weekend heroes.
Papiss Cisse
Newcastle fans love their number nine’s. The shirt was awarded to new signing Papiss Cisse after he signed in January in the grand hope that one day he could be a Toon hero. That day arrived yesterday, on his debut, when he lashed in a superb winner against Aston Villa. He had begun the game on the bench, but played the majority after Leon Best was injured early on. The signs of a deadly partnership with Demba Ba are already there, which is ominous for the rest of the league.
David de Gea
It may seem strange for a goalkeeper who conceded three goals in a game to be considered a hero, but this sort of sums up David de Gea’s season. There was really very little he could do about any of the goals, but the reason he belongs in this list is for his superb save at the end of the game. Chelsea were poised to score the winner through Juan Mata’s superbly struck free-kick, until de Gea leaped through the air to claw the ball away from the top corner, ensuring his side a point.
Robin van Persie
There are few superlatives to throw Robin van Persie’s way that can do justice to his performance. He led from the front in a 7-1 demolition of a poor Blackburn side. He bagged a hat-trick and provided two assists to continue his incredible form. Strikers often go through purple patches, van Persie seems to be in one permanently. If Arsenal achieve anything of note this season, it will be down to him.
Kevin Doyle
The Irishman was thrilled to end a lean goalscoring spell of late with a match-winning performance. He began the game on the bench for Wolves, coming on at half-time, with the side 1-0 down to QPR. He proceeded to lay on a chance for Matt Jarvis to equalise, and then popped up with a winner of his own, to land a priceless away win for Mick McCarthy’s struggling side.
James McClean
If Demba Ba is nailed on for ‘bargain of the season’, then McClean must be a close second. He was signed for a paltry sum of £350,000 by Steve Bruce last summer, but sat in Sunderland’s reserves until Martin O’Neill was appointed. Since being promoted to the first team he has been instrumental in the side’s success, and bagged an important winner in his side’s 1-0 win at Stoke on Saturday. His form could prompt more managers to look to the Irish league hoping to bag a bargain.
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