Heroes and Villains: Dynamic duos and Big Sam’s not-so-secret admirer

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wilfried Bony
The Icelandic star and the Ivorian attacker’s heroics have been key to Swansea City surviving their patch of poor form. Once again the dangerous duo have been using their considerable powers for good once, sealing the Swans’ much-needed win against Leicester City.

Bony bagged a brace, scoring for this third successive game in a row, to light up the Liberty Stadium, and followed it up with a humble gesture. The 25-year-old first revealed a touching tribute t-shirt with ‘Rest in Peace’ emblazoned upon it after netting against Stoke City last time out, but has repeatedly and respectfully refused to divulge the details surrounding it.

Sigurdsson was also once again a rampant Robin to Bony’s elusive Batman, notching up his seventh assist in nine Premier League games since his return to Swansea. The super Scandinavian seemed to use psychic powers to read and return Bony’s backheel for the first, before another perfect pass released Jefferson Montero to create the second.

Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic
Fearless Fellaini and marvellous Matic lived up to their billing as midfield enforcers in one of the Premier League’s most anticipated encounters this term. Despite playing on opposing teams, the tenacious twosome were both fantastic mascots for their unsung craft.

Quiet-man Matic has been brilliantly going about his business all term, snuffing out danger at every turn and shielding Chelsea’s defence to allow attacking superstars such as Eden Hazard to grab all the plaudits.

Fellaini, meanwhile, continues his transition from scapegoat and villain to cult hero, with his hustle and bustle meaning Manchester United were, for once, not outmuscled in midfield. One goal and a knock-down assist in his last two games highlight his growing importance to the team.

Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho
Six goals in his last six games, including a winner against current Premier League champions Manchester City, mean Senegal striker Sakho has had a seamless transition into life at West Ham.

Big Sam deserves much credit for being the man pulling the strings behind the Hammers’ newest protagonist. Three wins on the bounce, and masterminding defeats of giants Liverpool and City should finally see the ice melt between Allardyce and the fiesty Boleyn Ground faithful.