Good week, bad week

Star man: Rafael Van der Vaart applauds the Spurs faithful after his double

13 April 2012

We round up who had a brilliant weekend of sport, and those who were burying their heads in the sand.

GOOD WEEK

Rafael Van Der Vaart
Just days after helping Tottenham take FC Twente apart, Van der Vaart scored twice to see off Aston Villa. The Dutchman first scored with his head, before striking the net for a second time following a delightfully deft touch that took him past Richard Dunne.

Everton
When it rains, it pours. But Everton found some much-needed shelter on Saturday. After experiencing their worst start to the league since 1994, David Moyes' men muscled past Birmingham to win 2-0 at St Andrews. After a cross came in from Leon Osman, Birmingham's Roger Johnson prodded the ball past his own goalkeeper and then Tim Cahill found space to head home Leighton Baines' brilliant cross.

Wigan Warriors
The Warriors won their first Grand Final in 12 years by beating St Helens 22-10. Martin Gleeson scored two tries while Darrell Goulding and Sam Tomkins also went under the posts to help Wigan secure their victory. "Sleep was not something that we or the players got much of [on Saturday night]," said Wigan owner, Ian Lenagan, after the celebrations.

Blackpool
The Tangerines continue to amaze and their latest triumph was truly historic. Charlie Adam's penalty and Luke Varney's effort earned them a 2-1 win at Liverpool, leaving manager Ian Holloway thrilled that his side are playing with freedom. "We've got the best thing in the world," he said. "There's no expectation on us."

Chelsea
Chelsea secured a vital win over the Gunners to remain top of the table and it was Arsenal's nemesis who helped the blues prevail. Didier Drogba has now scored 13 goals in as many games against Arsenal and his latest strike was a beauty. Ashley Cole crossed in to the Ivory Coast international who got ahead of Sebastien Squillaci, before majestically back-heeling onto the post and in. Top dogs, top Drogba.

BAD WEEK

Manchester United
The Red Devils are not living up to their nickname away from home. Sunderland stifled United at the Stadium of Light while Fulham, Everton and Bolton have all held their own against Sir Alex Ferguson's side on home soil. "We're not performing as well as a Manchester United team can," reflected United's assistant manager, Mike Phelan.

Liverpool
Depression is the mood on Merseyside and Blackpool sustained that feeling on Sunday. The Tangerines' win at Anfield further saddens Liverpool supporters, whose team have been abject this term. "This is Liverpool," said manager Roy Hodgson after the defeat. "We are a big club and a big team and none of us would accept six points from seven games is a correct total."

Wolves
Their 2-0 defeat to Wigan was Wolves' fourth league loss in a row. Jordi Gomez's stunning free-kick and team-mate Hugo Rodallega's goal defeated Wolves, who are now second from bottom in the Premier League.

Hatem Ben Arfa
After impressing with his displays for Newcastle, the Magpies' midfield maestro will now be sidelined for a sustained period of time after breaking his tibia and fibula on Sunday. The 23-year-old went down under a challenge from Nigel De Jong after just four minutes of Newcastle's game with Manchester City. "Everyone connected with the club sends Hatem their best wishes for a speedy recovery," read a club statement after Newcastle's 2-1 defeat.

Celtic Manor weather
Rain has partially ruined the Ryder Cup this year. And the clouds opened again on Sunday to force the event to culminate on a Monday. Amid the frustration, a fun fact: the rainfall on the course between 5:30pm Thursday and 3pm Friday amounted to over a third of October's average.

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