Alex is top Gun

Sunday, 05/02/2012

Premier League

by Daniel Tyler

ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Arsenal

Arsenal entered the weekend without a win in their previous four league games, leading to under-fire boss Arsene Wenger calling for a ‘much improved’ display at home to Blackburn Rovers.

And his troops duly delivered, crushing their Lancashire visitors 7-1.

The North Londoners looked like the Arsenal of old, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie linking up like the old deadly trio of Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry.

Although Van Persie grabbed another three goals in his fantastic season he was outshone by young Chamberlain.

The former Southampton man put in a performance full of pace, movement and quality way beyond his tender years.

At just 18 the winger showed great composure to notch his first two Premier League goals, adding to his ever-growing reputation.

Championship

MATT PHILLIPS, Blackpool

Another young England winger turned in a top performance that puts Blackpool right in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot.

Matt Phillips struck twice late-on as the Seasiders came from behind to defeat fellow promotion hopefuls Cardiff 3-1.

The 20-year-old showed fantastic shooting ability for the first with a pinpoint strike and wonderful composure for his second, finishing well when through on goal.

The former Wycombe man has shown tremendous form since returning from a loan spell at Sheffield United earlier in the season, scoring nine goals for Ian Holloway’s side.

The Tangerines are undefeated in five league games and move up to fourth in the division, only four points behind second-placed Southampton.

Leagues 1 & 2

League One

MATTY WHICHELOW, Wycombe Wanderers

With just one win in their previous six league games, strugglers Wycombe were in desperate need of a victory against bad travellers Tranmere.

And a victory is what the Chairboys got, as they came from behind to record a vital 2-1 win.

The star of the show was debutant Matty Whichelow.

The on-loan Watford man scored the equaliser and set up the winner for Gareth Ainsworth, making the 20 year-old an instant fan’s favourite.

Garry Waddock’s side now sit one point and one place above Walsall who move into the relegation places.

League Two

ALEX MACDONALD, Plymouth Argyle

With the big freeze hitting all but one of the fixtures in League Two it left the players of struggling Plymouth and high-flying Southend to fight it out for Shoot’s player of the week.

And once again the award goes to another debutant, this time Plymouth’s Alex Macdonald.

The on-loan Burnley man scored an 88th minute equaliser as the Pilgrims scored two in the closing four minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw.

The 21-year-old had only been on the pitch 18 minutes, but produced that bit of quality which could prove the difference in the Green Army’s fight to stay in the football league.

A point moves Carl Fletcher’s side to within one point of Dagenham and Redbridge who occupy the final safety spot.

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