The good, bad and barely acceptable
And lo, another Saturday afternoon was taken up by football matches, and another batch of heroes, villains, and must-do-betters emerge. It was a fine afternoon for Tottenham's new Dutch boy...
The Good
Rafael van der Vaart
Four goals in just three matches at White Hart Lane suggests that Rafael van der Vaart might yet prove to be the Premier League buy of the season. His goal just before half time levelled things against Villa, before he linked up with Crouchie for another one after the break. He is now [140] to end the season as top goal scorer. Yeah, it's pretty unlikely.
Accrington Stanley
So said the old milk advert, who are they? Well, they went some way to cementing their place further on the football map with a stonking 7-4 win over Gillingham this afternoon. Ah, the joys of League Two football! Gillingham, on the other hand, would be wise to figure out how to win on their travels. It's been a while.
The Bad
Crystal Palace
Victims of QPR's tremendous early season away form, it was another frustrating day at the office for Crystal Palace. With an equaliser from Kieron Cadogan in the 89th minute, this could have been a priceless draw. Until QPR's Heidar Helguson thought he'd rub some salt into the wound by popping one in at the death. Palace are now fancied at [3.0] to go down at the end of the season.
Birmingham
With just one goal from their last four Premier League matches, Alex McLeish would be wise to splash out on a proven set of scoring slippers once the transfer window reopens at the end of the year. Everton were yet to score an away goal in this season's Premier League this morning. Now they've had a day out in Birmingham, and have scored two.
The Barely Acceptable
Man United
A draw away to Sunderland isn't exactly the end of the world for Ferguson and his boys, but as a reflection of their new vulnerability, it doesn't paint United as the dominant force of old. To put their 0-0 draw in perspective, they had won their last four at The Stadium of Light, scoring ten goals while they were at it. Hence, must do better. United are now at very beguiling odds of [4.5] to win the league.
West Ham
The Hammers can boast that they are now unbeaten in four games, but that's about as far as it goes. A ground out, rather ugly draw against Fulham - who seem intent on going through the whole campaign drawing matches - will do little to send a surge of euphoria through the stands. Still, a draw is a draw. They are now only the fourth favourites to go down, with odds of [2.9]. Avram Grant has permission to smirk.
Disagree with our picks? Then get angry in the comments section below...
Published: 2 Oct 2010
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