Coral’s Heroes and Villains: Week of the Underdogs

In a weekend of football that saw Chelsea, Manchester United, odds-on at 5/6 to finish in the top four with Coral, Southampton and Tottenham fail to pick up maximum points, Coral review the heroes and villains.

Heroes

Ben Mee
The Burnley defender was part of a resolute rearguard for his team in their 1-1 draw to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. His towering header from a corner on 81 minutes, as the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, was determined and assured as the ball nestled into the net.

Bafetimbi Gomis
Fans appeared to be growing frustrated with Swansea’s summer signing, for his lack of goals and failure to settle in; however, his performance against Manchester United was nothing short of outstanding. Particularly impressive was his defensive display. His presence in the box on guard against set pieces was definitely appreciated, with the visitors pressing for a winner.

However, although he was accredited with Swansea’s winner, teammate Jonjo Shelvey was perhaps unlucky to not to be, after his shot hit the Frenchman on the way in; Gomis’ hard work more than deserved this.

Harry Kane
Certainly a contentious choice and, although his penalty rescued a point for the visitors, there was a serious question mark over the decision to award a spot-kick in the first place. However, in the emotion of it all, Kane did superbly to hold his nerve and convert successfully.

Villains

Newcastle United
The visitors to the Etihad just didn’t seem up for it on Saturday evening. Although Manchester City were ruthless, there was no excuse for the way the Tyneside team seemed to fold. They’re perfectly safe in the Premier League, however unless they mount a big challenge, then a European place is unlikely.

Louis van Gaal
Couldn’t inspire the Red Devils to a win at the Liberty Stadium, and saw his team slip to fourth. Whether the Dutchman knows his best starting XI yet remains to be seen, though in attack they are certainly lacking.