Isnin, Mac 16, 2009

Liverpool's stars of their Manchester United slaying dominate Champ Man's weekly awards

Sportsmail online and Championship Manager have teamed up to laud the outstanding performance of each weekend - and it will be no surprise that Liverpool's Old Trafford conquerors sweep the awards this time around.

After leading a 4-1 rout of Manchester United, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is the player of the week and his Anfield boss Rafa Benitez claims the manager's gong.

The boffins at the ultimate football management game, Championship Manager, put Gerrard ahead of his Spanish team-mate Fernando Torres and Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin, who opened his account in English football with a stunning goal against Blackburn.


1 STEVEN GERRARD (Liverpool)

The midfielder cum makeshift striker once again produced a world-class display, making a Manchester United defence that seemed impenetrable only a few weeks ago look very ordinary.

His link up play with Fernando Torres caused havoc throughout the match and the United defenders could not cope with his pace and movement, which directly created two of the Liverpool goals.

After getting the better of Patrice Evra to win a penalty, which he converted to put Liverpool 2-1 ahead, he also won the free-kick that Fabio Aurelio converted to put Liverpool 3-1 ahead after he was hauled down by Nemanja Vidic on the edge of the box when he seemed certain to score. The performance capped a fine week for Gerrard following his brace against Real Madrid during the week. The Liverpool captain has declared this his best week in football and in the process may have reignited Liverpool’s title challenge.

2 FERNANDO TORRES (Liverpool)

Fernando Torres produced a performance at the weekend which confirmed his status as the best centre forward in world football. He hounded the usually unflappable Vidic into a mistake to score Liverpool’s equalising goal.

He created Liverpool’s second goal by feeding Gerrard for his run into the box that won Liverpool’s penalty. Torres never let Vidic settle all day, harrying and harassing the Man Utd defence and nutmegging the Serb into the bargain. He also had a decent penalty shout turned down himself when he was fouled by Vidic.

3 ANDREY ARSHAVIN (Arsenal)

The Russian’s performance had Arsene Wenger purring with praise, stating that 'Arshavin has lots of talent, his intelligence, vision and finishing are top quality'. Arshavin was involved in the first goal after only two minutes, when he latched on to Walcott’s cross for it to be deflected into the Blackburn net for an own goal.

His goal in the second half was pure class. He skinned Simpson on the left hand side of the box before cutting in and from the acutest of angles powered a lifting shot over Robinson to make the game 2-0. His overall contribution was immense and with performances like this he will be big asset to the Gunners in the final stages of the season.



MANAGER - RAFA BENITEZ (Liverpool)

Managed Liverpool to their biggest win at Old Trafford since 1936. The Spaniard has silenced his critics by closing the gap at the top of the Premier League to four points.

After winning 4-1, he has set his Liverpool side a target of winning all nine of their remaining games. If Liverpool play as well as they did at Old Trafford they may be on course to win their first league title since 1990.

It was Liverpool's biggest win at their fierce rivals since 1936 and they closed the gap at the top of the league to four points, although United also have a game in hand.