Premier League Heroes and Villains: Toon hit six and Sterling shines

Rooney had previously not scored at Goodison Park since 2007 and had failed to bag an away league goal since last November, but his clinical effort saw him end his recent drought to keep the Red Devils within touching distance of leaders Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling

With City having missed Sergio Aguero through injury, summer signing Sterling stepped up and enjoyed a dazzling man of the match performance, as he blasted in his first career hat-trick in a comfortable 5-1 Bournemouth trouncing. The former Liverpool man is proving wrong any doubts that were cast over him since departing Anfield!

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Villains

Klopp’s boring bow

All of the early focus this weekend was on White Hart Lane and Jurgen Klopp, but the German’s debut as Liverpool boss left fans a little dissatisfied, with Spurs holding on to a goalless draw on home soil.

It was the only 0-0 stalemate in the top-flight on match week nine and couldn’t have been further away from the free-flowing, goal-fest everyone was expecting.

Norwich’s naive Neill

After being promoted from the Championship, Canaries coach Alex Neil opted not to sign any new centre backs for their top-flight return, and it was a naïve decision that haunted his side this weekend.

Being outgunned completely by a misfiring Newcastle has dragged Norwich down to 16th position, as tension begins to build around Carrow Road ahead of what could end up being a long campaign. Neil has the chance in January to address such worrying defensive issues, though.

Aston Villa

Despite guiding Villa to Premier League safety last term, as well as an FA Cup final appearance at Wembley, pressure is mounting on Tim Sherwood after a stuttering start to his first full term as boss.

Chelsea weren’t at their best again against the Villans but still managed to earn a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, as a faltering Villa outfit continue to struggle second from bottom and are now 5/4 to stay up this season.

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