An Eventful Weekend Postscript

Mondays are a day for reflection.

We should be reminiscing about wonderful goals, incisive passes, blockbusting tackles, goal-line clearances and majestic saves.

But oh no - what are we left talking about? Mark Clattenburg and his chums. Referees really can be the scurge of a fantasy football manager, let alone David Moyes and Everton. His decisions weren’t the only talking point on an eventful weekend…

Clattenburg’s Clangers - did they cost you? 

You can count yourself unlucky to have picked Tony Hibbert - he wouldn’t have been sent off but for Gerrard’s passing comment to the incompetant official. However, when analysing the situation, a red card was the right decision. It’s just annoying that Gerrard had to make such a decision.

Those of you with Dirk Kuyt in your team got away with blue murder. Not only did the Dutchman convert two penalties, but he escaped the maximum punishment after what can only be described as attempted GBH.

Those of you with Phil Neville in your team, well, you probably didn’t expect a barrage of points. Chucklebrother Neville’s antics have put those of you with Tim Howard in goal under serious pressure - the midfielder should be considered to don the gloves after a stunning save to deny Lucas a famous goal on his Merseyside derby debut. Speaking of which…

Rotating Rafa was up to his old tricks, substituting Gerrard (who was Liverpool’s heartbeat throughout the game) to the dismay of the away fans. If Lucas had been credited with the goal, would Rafa had been credited with a masterstroke? This observer thinks not…

Didi or didn’t he? Driving ban for Hamann…

Although pleading not guilty to some wrongdoings, Dietmar Hamann was convicted of numerous driving offences at Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court today.

He’s been banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay £7,000 in costs.

On the pitch, he continues to provide the backing to an effervescent Manchester City midfield that is rampaging past everything thrown against it.

Birmingham were the (slightly unlucky) victims on Saturday with Elano again producing the magical moment that won the game. Along with the talented Michael Johnson and explosive Martin Petrov, City will fancy their chances of an upset in their next game (see below). Steve Bruce felt the Blues should have had a free kick in the build up to the goal - however, replays suggest it was a slip. Cue an irrate fan…

Sven’s men travel to Stamford Bridge next to clash with Avram Grant’s Chelsea - who seem to be getting back on track.

Blackburn just brilliant 

My newfound love this season is Blackburn Rovers. Continually criticised for their approach, people often overlook the talent and undoubted quality within Mark Hughes’ squad.

Bentley, Emerton, Samba, Nelson, Pedersen, Santa Cruz and McCarthy (… I could go on) all contribute to a solid team with a touch of class. They’re all relatively priced on the YTM market and if you want my advice, stick a few of them in and you won’t go wrong. Banker top 6 material. Their impressive 4-2 win over Reading on Saturday heightened my confidence, for which I am ridiculed in the office every day.

Other weekend news

Arsenal’s form continued with a grinding win over Bolton - they may have struggled to win such a game last season. Champions United are finding their stride having demolished a solid Villa team 4-1 in Birmingham. Next up for Fergie’s lot are Middlesbrough, who are nothing short of woeful. They crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea. Portsmouth are a very good side who have already played ‘the big four’. Expect them to kick on leading up to Christmas.

Christmas is exactly nine weeks away. Thanks to this morning’s train manager for that.

Wigan are slipping but look safe enough. Fulham and Derby will get relegated if playing like that every week. Derby still haven’t scored an away goal yet - but they are off the bottom. For now. Sunderland are due a slice of luck - West Ham were fortunate to get three points on Sunday.

Looking ahead…

Spurs will jump an astronomical six places if they win at Newcastle tonight. They’ll be in 12th if taking three points home. Should be a good, open game which will suit Jol’s men.

Quiz time…

Our good friends at Fanbanta have released a new kit quiz… This is a real toughie that will waste an hour or three. Give it a go and see how you get on. Click here to take up the challenge.

Cheers,

Matt H @ YTM

Tags (click to view more!): Mark Clattenburg, David Moyes, Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Merseyside, Dietmar Hamann, Blackburn Rovers, Christmas, Spurs