Juan Mata celebrates his goal against Tottenham.  Pic: Andy Rain/EPA
Juan Mata celebrates his goal against Tottenham. Pic: Andy Rain/EPA

Premier League: Ups and Downs - Week 8



We take a look at the three stars on the rise, and the three satellites plummeting to Earth, after the last round of English Premier League matches...

GOING UP

Juan Mata, Chelsea

The Chelsea midfielder gave the perfect response after his disappointment over his omission from the Spain squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers: a man-of-the-match display and two goals in the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Phil Jagielka, Everton The England national squad need a solid defender, since the ignominious departure of John Terry, and Jagielka is seizing the opportunity with both feet, and even his head. Against Queens Park Rangers he rescued Everton four times and almost scored twice.

Mark Noble, West Ham The former England Under 21 captain is targeting a senior squad call up, and Saturday's performance against Southampton, where he scored a brace, will definitely help his cause.

GOING DOWN

Vito Mannone, Arsenal

The Italian goalkeeper started the season as third choice, but with injuries to Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianksi he has an opportunity to shine. So far he is failing. The Gunners lost to Norwich City, and they have the Champions League and Tottenham to face in the coming week.

Aston Villa strikers The Midlands side are hovering just above the relegation zone, and if they expect to climb out of danger they need to learn how to score. So far this season they have scored six goals in eight games, the same number Demba Ba, Michu and Robin van Persie have netted on their own.

Mark Hughes, QPR Eight games, no wins. The home side started brightly, with a goal after two minutes, but then faded quickly. After an own goal brought the teams level, they failed to take advantage of Everton being down to 10 men for the final 30 minutes.

Do you agree?  Let us know - and check out our team of the week selection here

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.