First we'll like to apologize, PLAYS OF THE WEEK has not been posted for a while now and that was due to some changes going on with our site in other to make things easy and smooth for you the fans. Secondly what a week to come back, fairytales do happen, Leicester City with the odds of 5000/1 have won the Barclays Premier League, who would have taught, anyway let's get to business.
FLOP OF THE WEEK: Bayern Munich (Bundesliga and Champions League).
The Germans would have had a torrid week as they lost their first leg away Champions League tie to Atletico 1-0, and over the weekend, they had the chance to wrap up the the Bundesliga but this was halted as Moenchengladbach held the Bavarians to a draw at the Allianz Arena. Guardiola and his boys did not have any answer to these setbacks but everything could turn around by the time we're posting the next Plays OF The Week.
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Saul Niguez (Atletico).
More misery for the Bavarians on POTW, but props has to be given to the lad for his bravery and craft. Saul picked up the ball from the midfield area ran through on goal beating three Bayern players in the process. then picked his corner perfectly placing a shot that Manuel Neuer could not reach. Good goal by the 21 year old spaniard, he's one to watch.
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Karl Darlow (Newcastle).
It's times like these we really cherish this sport we love so much, as the drama of a last ditch tackle or something important could get you to a step of you achieving your goal and ambition. Newcastle conceded a penalty after going 1-0 up with few minutes left in the game. Former Geordie Yohan Cabaye stepped up to take the penalty and the frenchman hit the ball low and hard but the young goalie was able to read the situation and save the penalty. That save from Karl Darlow might just help Newcastle beat the drop as they look to continue to be a Premier League team.
MATCH OF THE WEEK: Watford V Aston-Villa (Barclays Premier League).
This was going to be a match for pride as both teams know their faiths already. Aston-Villa are getting ready for life in the Championship while Watford have ascertained their desire of remaining a Premier League club.
In the first-half, Watford were in control at the early stages but it was Villa that took a shock lead as Clarian Clark scored from an assist by Ashley Westwood, 1-0 to Villa. The West-Midlands club held their own and were showing some spirit but all fell downcast as Swiss International Almen Abdi scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 from a well placed free-kick. (Fun Fact: That is the first free-kick scored by a Watford player in the Premier League). 1-1 at the break.
Second-Half started with Villa on the up and they were rewarded for it as a quick 1-2 passing move between Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew resulted to the latter getting the second goal for Aston Villa. It looked like Villa were finally going to get a victory but drama took place in the 73rd minute were Aly Cissokho was sent-off for a last man challenge on Ikechi Anya, Villa down to ten men. Minutes after Watford capitalised on their man advantage as captain and lifelong Birmingham fan Troy Deeney scored the equaliser. 2-2 with just stoppage time to go but Villa as they've been all season could not hold on as Troy Deeney scored again to win it for Watford 3-2. Aston Villa have now gone 11 games without a victory #OHBOY.
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Rafa Benitez (Newcastle).
Could possibly be his toughest job in his merry go-round career, and Newcastle faithfuls are loving the man already. With 8 points from a possible 12 in Newcastle's last four games, Rafa has been able to rally his troops as they look to beat the drop and continue being a Premier League club next season, Newcastle's latest 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace got them out of the drop zone and they're odds on favorites to remain in the league versus their rivals. If he manages to keep them (Newcastle) up, we're sure Chelsea fans will not be happy.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Leicester City (Barclays Premier League).
5000/1, these were the digits ignored by punters all over the world and now it has come to pass. If you got on it then kudos and if not you can try Burnley next season because that is the same number given by the bookies. Extraordinary achievement from this crop of players, they were determined, desired and ready to fight for themselves as they charged towards the title. Every obstacle they dealt with the situation and also they were able to contain the pressure that was put towards them. We could write a whole column on Leicester but that's for another day let's just congratulate the English Champions Leicester City by poking ourselves and know the feeling is true.
COMBINED TEAM OF THE WEEK:
GK: Karl Darlow (Newcastle United).
After first Tim Krul and Rob Elliot were sidelined with long-term injuries, the young English lad Karl Darlow was thrown into the mix of battle and so far the goalie has been paving his way. His key moment was the penalty save in his team's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace which got the Magpies out of the drop zone.
RB: Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United).
Another player who has stepped up his game since Rafa Benitez came in, the dutch man has been used at full-back positions where he has flourished racking up goals and assists recently. He had a solid game against Crystal Palace as he helped his team obtain all three points in their Barclays Premier League fixture.
CB: Stefan Savic (Atletico).
The center-back has been part of the pack that has kept 5 clean sheets in their last five games and Barcelona and Bayern Munich are part of the opponents they've faced. Savic was very solid against Bayern, he was always on the tail of Lewandowski giving the polish striker no breathing space. Atletico's defence can have a shout of being one of the best out there today and Savic is an important part of it.
CB: Wes Morgan (Leicester City).
We've really not rated him in the TSM camp, but he has been able to show character and lead his pack to the summit of greatness. Morgan was great in Leicester City's 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford over the weekend. He scored the equaliser that got his team a point and that point also confirmed them as Champions of England. Wonder if one of the big teams will cash in on him?
LB: Filipe Luis (Atletico).
The full-back has always been top notch for his club. The thing about it is that he can mix it up, when he has to silky he will give you that and when he has to be rugged and fight, he also has that in his locker. Great performance from the full-back in the past week as he helped Atletico beat Bayern and Rayo Vallecano respectively.
CM: Mark Noble (West-Ham).
A hammer till he dies, the West-Ham captain scored a brace as he helped West-Ham gain all 3 points in their 3-0 away win at West-Brom. West-Ham are still in touching distance to play Champions League football net season and that'll be a new way to launch a Stadium.
CM: Saul Niguez (Atletico).
The man on everyone's lips at the red side of Madrid. The young man's solo goal was enough to get a first leg victory for his team over Bayern. Hope his form can continue and propel his team to greatness this season.
RW: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid).
No Ronaldo, no worries we've got Gareth Bale. He has carried the mantle since Ronaldo hit the sidelines by getting vital goals for his team. For the second week running Bale has scored the winning goal for Real Madrid which keeps them in touch in the battle to win the league title
Bale is a player Real can look forward to in years to come.
LW: Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
People ask where he has been all season well he answered with a 45 minutes cameo as he helped Chelsea salvage a draw after they were 2-0 down at half-time against Tottenham. His magic of last season burst on the Stamford Bridge pitch and his performance on the night waved the crowd. He capped of his performance with a great goal which also dented Tottenham's title hopes.
AM: Sadio Mane (Southampton).
Not many can boast of two Premier League hat-tricks but this Senegalese can. He was involved in all 4 goals scored by Southampton as they thrashed Manchester City 4-2 at the St Mary's over the weekend. Mane scored a hat-trick and assisted another to help boost Southampton's chances of qualification for Europe.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).
Routine win for PSG as they beat Rennes 4-0 in their Ligue 1 fixture. Ibrahimovic scored a brace on the night which takes his tally to 44 goals in 47 appearances this season. Fine wine never gets old.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wes Morgan (Leicester City).
The Jamaican International has been top notch all season, his leadership qualities have come into play as Leicester celebrate what is a fairytale in Sports today. He scored the goal that won them the title at Old Trafford and his never say die attitude has propelled him and his teammates to the greatest achievement they could ever ascertain. They're all legends and Wes Morgan leads the pack.
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