Hertha Berlin had 63% of possession, 12 attempts but with only two on target. Leverkusen's excellent defensive organization and counter attacking ability secured all three points for them at the Olympiastadion. Crucial to Leverkusen was Phillip Wollscheid. The towering 6'5 inch German centre back made an astonishing 20 clearances throughout the game including 12 headers, keeping Berlin at bay.
Antonio Cassano Napoli 0-1 PARMA
Like the above mentioned game, the home side (In this case Napoli) had 63% of possession but still lost by a solitary goal. Parma had to play for majority of the game without the ball so when they had it they had to keep it. Antonio Cassano was crucial to this. He was an excellent outball for Parma, receiving the ball on 52 occasions and making 36 successful passes bringing others into the game. He was also fouled 5 times winning his side free-kicks, bringing them higher up the pitch. In addition to this he managed to create 4 chances for his side and scored the all important winner, inflicting Napoli's first league defeat under Rafa Benitez.
Jon Flanagan Everton 3-3 LIVERPOOL
Liverpool's stand out performer in the derby at the weekend. Unlucky to be beaten in the air for Everton's third but this in no way reflected badly on his overall performance. Normally a right back, Flanagan coped very well on Liverpool's left up against a very good winger in Kevin Mirallas. He made 9 tackles throughout the game which was the highest of any player, and also made 4 interceptions. Not long back from serious injury, Flanagan will surely now experience a run in the team following the news that Luis Enrique will be out for up to 10 weeks.
Arturo Vidal Livorno 0-2 JUVENTUS
Juventus manager Conte has had a little bit of a midfield conundrum this season. He plays 3 midfielders across the middle usually Pirlo anchoring behind the more advanced pair. Marchisio's injury at the start of the season put Pogba into the starting XI and the Frenchman has done superbly to retain his place. Now that Marchisio is fit again Conte has to relegate one of his 4 midfield stars to the bench or play Marchisio wider where he is less effective on the game. At the weekend however he went with the Chilean Arturo Vidal in the centre of a three man defence. In short, he was excellent. When in possession of the ball Vidal would become the Libero. Moving out of defence and conducting play. He completed a staggering 100 out of 106 attempted passes and was one of the reasons Juventus where in complete control of the game. Livorno managed just 30% possession and had one attempt on target. Defensively he also done a good job making 5 tackles, 4 interceptions and 3 clearances.
Jesus Navas MANCHESTER CITY 6-0 Tottenham
Last season in the Premiership Jan Vertongen was the best centre back. He was played at left back on Sunday and even though that is not his most comfortable position, nobody could have imagine how poorly he would have played. This was down to the efforts of Jesus Navas. He opened the scoring with a lovely finish after 14 seconds and finished the game getting the 6th in the last minute. His first start since the 4-1 mauling of United in September Navas tortured Spurs, he managed to get 2 for himself, and set up Aguero for the 3rd.
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