Remember When: Week 15 in the BPL

photo by *Micky	via PhotoRee

o Chelsea finally showed some signs of life on Saturday, scoring their first goal in three games under new coach Rafa Benitez. Unfortunately for Rafa, West Ham scored three of their own and were deserved winners at Upton Park. The Hammers looked a constant threat during the second half, and after 2 points from a possible 9 for the interim Bossman, here comes the inquest....

o And in reflecting on West Ham's magnificent performance, remember when Venky's decided that Big Sam wasn't the right man to lead Blackburn?  We wonder how that decision's working out for them....

o Marouanne Fellaini's fantastic goal against Manchester City this weekend cements his status as the best player of the season to date. The Afro'd one's drive and determination -- not to mention his physicality -- were all on display as he never gave up on a ball that was whipped in by Leighton Baines to earn his side a draw. Another draw for the Toffees -- this is beginning to get a bit repetitive....

o And add City super sub Edin Dzeko to the growing list of Premier League play actors. Dzeko' dramatic fall may have conned referee Lee Probert -- whose decision may also have been influenced by Fellaini's deserved "who me?" reaction -- but television replays confirmed that the contact in the box was minimal at best, and the resulting City penalty and point can most charitably be described as fortunate rather than earned.


o The depths to which Arsenal's season has suddenly plummeted can easily be encapsulated into four words: Gervinho started on Saturday.  Perhaps Arsene Wenger really doesn't know what he's doing....

o Fellaini may be the player of the season to date, but hot on his heels is Swansea City's Player of the Week Michu, whose brace knocked the Gunners all the way back to 10th place. For all the talk about Eden Hazard and Santi Cazorla, has there been a better import to the BPL this season than the Swans' super Spaniard?

o And in closing, remember when Michael Owen signed for Stoke City to get some playing time?  Seems as if that's working out about as well as his time last season at Manchester United.....  We hate to say it, but it might be time to finally hang up the boots, Michael.


This is farlieonfootie for December 4.