A shot-shy Dimitar Berbatov, why Alessandro Diamanti frustrates at West Ham and Mikel Arteta v Tim Cahill
Berbatov: silky, intelligent and shot-shy
Wayne Rooney’s absence for Manchester United meant Dimitar Berbatov played as a lone striker. While he was heavily involved in United’s build-up, the Bulgarian has none of Rooney’s thrust and only managed to one shot – blocked – in 90 minutes. Although United won, if Rooney’s injury keeps him out against Milan this week, Berbatov will need to perform as well inside the area as he does in the build-up.
Diamanti fails to sparkle for West Ham
Alessandro Diamanti polarises opinions at West Ham like no other player. While he offers the sort of unpredictable creativity and set-piece prowess that few other strugglers possess, he can be maddeningly inconsistent. Nothing sums this up more than his frustrating day against Bolton as he gave the ball away with worrying frequency in a shambolic defeat. Even though he scored West Ham’s consolation goal, his wastefulness was irksome.
Why Cahill’s absence isn’t affecting Everton
When Everton lost Tim Cahill to injury, they gained Mikel Arteta. They struggled without the Spaniard earlier this season, but Cahill’s absence has not hurt them too much. Although Cahill scores goals, he rarely gets involved in play and Arteta ran the show against Hull – and scored twice. With Cahill – and Marouane Fellaini – Everton tend to rely upon long balls too much. Packing the midfield with the likes of Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman makes Everton an attractive side to watch.
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