Manchester United for the Title and "The Duke's" No Hazzard

Mid-week Barclays Premier League fixtures tend to through up some exciting ties and the last two nights certainly living up to that reputation.

It was a week that separated the men from the boys with this columnist throwing in a few predictions.

Manchester United and Chelsea won as Liverpool and Arsenal slipped up yet again with Hull City looking increasingly like relegation contenders but what was Hot and what was Not?

HOT

Firstly, Hot or Not would like to show its support for Robbie Keane. No one knows what is going on behind the scenes at Liverpool, but the Irishman’s positive reaction to his seven minutes during the 1-1 draw at Wigan was pleasing to say the least.

Salomon Kalou saved Chelsea’s blushes at Stamford Bridge, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough that could well have kept his side in the title chase as Robbie sat helplessly watching Liverpool’s title hopes slip away.

Goal of the week: It wasn’t very hard to choose the goal of the round after watching Robin Van Persie’s injury time control, composure, and volley into the far corner, which rescued a point at Goodison Park.

Had Arsenal not secured the 1-1 draw, Everton would have been just one point behind the gunners, who in turn would have been a whopping six points behind Aston Villa.

Manchester City have been pretty active during the transfer window and gave starts to new boys Nigel De Jong and Craig Bellamy at home to Newcastle United. The 2-1 win saw a much more rounded City side impress many with De Jong looking like quite the bruiser.

A goal on your debut is always a great way to adhere yourself to your new fans and Craig Bellamy’s goal will be no exception. In fact, his goal for Man City equalled the Premier League record of scoring for six different Premier League clubs and don’t forget his short spell at Celtic. That is eight clubs so far in his career, “I’ll be here for a season” Bellamy, indeed.

Many frequent readers of this column will know Hot or Not has its favourite players who we love to highlight when in form and Matty Taylor is certainly on form (we make fun of players too, as above).

The Bolton Wanderers' midfielder (not too long back in the side) has racked up three goals in six games and looks every bit the player used to taking the plaudits in his Portsmouth days after scoring in his sides 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers.

Save of the week: There were two penalty saves on Wednesday night and they’ll have to share this illustrious award. Jussi Jaaskelainen saved Benni McCarthy’s penalty in the four-goal thriller at Ewood Park, not only that but he saved the rebound before pouncing on the loose ball and taking a boot in the process. He really is a terrific keeper.

We at Hot or Not were surprised to see Hull City drop Boaz Myhill but after witnessing Matt Duke’s outstanding performance, we accept the decision was a good one. Hull may have lost 2-0 at West Ham United “the Duke” saved a Mark Noble penalty and just about everything else booted at him.

Game of the week: Definitely Blackburn’s fight back at home to Bolton which saw a last minute Blackburn effort strike the post, which would have completed a triumphant fight back. As it was, 2-2 and a share of the spoils probably suited both clubs.

I’m sure you were all wondering when I’d get here but Manchester United’s 11 clean sheets in a row didn’t come quickly and it wouldn’t be good for Hot or Not to lose its composure too early in the 90 minutes and spoil what is a fantastic hard earned achievement.

United’s 5-0 win at West Bromwich Albion was a warning shot to all, United, now top of the table, are all business.

What the hell...go champs.

Craig Bellamy wasn’t the only debutant on the score sheet this week with Emile Heskey bagging Aston Villa’s only goal in a hard fought win at Portsmouth.

The Birmingham side are well and truly in pole position for fourth place with a five-point cushion over the much more fancied Arsenal and Hot or Not fancies them to hold onto it.

It can now be safely said that any talk of Spurs for the drop can be put to one side after their first half performance at home to Stoke. Three goals in half an hour from what should have been five or six spelt out Tottenham’s class over their relegation rivals, like their opponent on the day, Stoke City.

Stoke did pull a goal back however through another Hot or Not pick, James Beattie.

In what was the least interesting of the weeks fixtures, Sunderland beat Fulham 1-0, helping to keep their noses above water.

NOT

Five draws for Liverpool in their last seven games has quite possibly killed off their title chances. As Manchester United climbed into fifth gear at West Brom, Liverpool have been left stuttering with a boss that simply doesn’t know how to win this league.

Dutchman Ryan Babel is quite possibly softer than a quality Edam cheese. The winger has not lived up to expectations in England and won’t do so until he learns to take a tackle. Lying in the opposition penalty box (play acting) as your team defends their own box is just not on.

Gaff of the week: Finally for Liverpool this week, Lucas wins the award for conceding the penalty that cost Liverpool their top two spot. It wasn’t a tackle, it was a swipe.

Is it just me or is the Stamford Bridge pitch a shocker? You certainly can’t play perfect football on it, sorry Roman.

It looks more and more like Arsenal have slipped out the top four and into a second three alongside Everton and Aston Villa. At least it keeps things interesting with Manchester City undoubtedly on their way to join them.

In a recent article, I questioned the price paid by Manchester City for Wayne Bridge and his defending at Newcastle’s consolation goal left a lot to be desired. Maybe it just the City defensive curse.

Speaking of defending, Hull City have now lost six on the trot and no longer look like a top ten side. In fact they don’t look like a mid-table side either and are showing all the hallmarks of relegation fodder. Boss, Phil Brown, is probably a worried man.

And Jimmy Bullard needs his head checked.

Another who suffered from a momentary blackout was West Brom’s Paul Robinson. The left back was sent off against Man United for a late a reckless challenge but Hot or Not thinks it wasn’t malicious and a yellow would have done just fine.

One player who did deserve to go was Nadir Belhadj. The Portsmouth defender was finally sent off for handling the ball in the field of play, or shouting at officials or was it kicking the ball away?

In our opinion, he should have gotten a red instead of a yellow for an intentional swing at his opponent in the first half already. Why is it when we see an apparently honest, hard working player, they turn into monsters?

Spoilt brats is all Hot or Not has to say but we couldn’t leave you without our miss of the week.

Step up Gabriel Abonglahor, one on one with the goalkeeper, he is in the box, the keeper is stood still, he is so close he can’t not score, no wait, he has dragged it a metre wide. I’m not sure who is more shocked, Gabby or David James?

Well that is Hot or Not for now but we are all looking forward to another cracking weekend’s action. Will this columnist be proved right or will we all be left to think again?