Premier League: Ups and Downs
Sportsdesk | February 12, 2013
Our guide to the three standouts in the English Premier League this week – and the trio whose coats are hung on loose pegs…
UPS
Charles N’Zogbia, Aston Villa
The winger has previous for galvanising relegation-threatened teams, stringing together impressive performances when they are most needed, as he did against West Ham, scoring a fabulous free kick.
Ryan Giggs, Man United
Used sparingly by Sir Alex Ferguson these days, but when his manager needed proven players to get the job done against Everton, he called on the 39 year old, whose goal means he has now scored in every Premier League season.
Rafa Benitez, Chelsea
The interim manager would have been looking nervously over his shoulder after overseeing three draws and one defeat in four games before the dismantling of Wigan. Chelsea remain third, and the Spaniard in a job, for now.
DOWNS
Emmanuel Adebayor, Tottenham Hotspur
The Togo striker was in trouble after arriving back in England later than agreed after African Cup of Nations duty. He was fined as fourth-placed Spurs had to send a private jet to South Africa to collect him.
Andre Santos, Arsenal
He has failed to endear himself since arriving from Turkish side Fenerbahce in a £6.2 million (Dh35.7m) move in 2011, making just 13 starts. Now been sent on loan to Brazil to Gremio despite injury to first-choice left-back Kieran Gibbs.
Johnny Heitinga, Everton
The Holland international has looked three yards off the pace of late. He let Robin van Persie beat him too easily to the ball to set up Manchester United’s first, a week after Christian Benteke ghosted past him for one of Aston Villa’s three goals.
