Sunderland fully deserved to beat Liverpool while Premier League goalkeepers get their day under the sun.

By Eugene YS Han

HEROES

SUNDERLAND
Beach ball or no beach ball, Sunderland's victory over Liverpool proved they have the potential to challenge the big boys in the league. It's a shame the thunder has been taken away from Steve Bruce's side following the infamous beach ball incident. After all, they had out-played their more illustrious opponents Liverpool and could have scored more than one goal. Sunderland could have had two scalps in two weeks if they had managed to keep their lead at Manchester United last week. But it seems that that match had taught Sunderland a valuable lesson of keeping a lead and closing the game off. Things are also looking good for Darren Bent as he played himself into England contention with another goal for his new club. He could have had more if not for Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina's numerous saves.

ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa's season continued to prosper as they collected another Top Four scalp following a 2-1 win over Chelsea. Villa's win was made even more impressive when you consider they had two new signings in the centre of defence: Richard Dunne and James Collins. They not only helped to repel Chelsea's attacks, they also scored the goals to sink the Blues. Veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel also did his part in goal by making several fantastic saves after conceding early on to Didier Drogba's lucky strike. Villa boss Martin O'Neill and his coaching staff should also take some credit for their set-pieces. Note to Fabio Capello: Ashley Young would be a valuable addition to the England squad for his set-piece deliveries.

GOALKEEPERS
EDWIN VAN DER SAR / SHAY GIVEN / JUSSI JASSKELAINEN
It was another weekend of goals as only two teams kept clean sheets. But some goalkeepers deserve special mention for their displays between the sticks. Manchester United fans have been having headaches about Ben Foster's recent displays but Edwin van Sar's timely return to fitness has given them a massive boost (especially with a game against Liverpool coming up). In his first competitive match since the Champions League final in May, he showed how United missed his assured presence in goal. Although he was helpless for Bolton's goal, the Dutchman kept United lead with a couple of magnificent saves. Equally magnificent was Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen who usually excels against United. Bolton could have lost by six or seven goals if not for the Finn's heroics. No disrespect to Bolton but it's almost criminal that Jasskelainen is not playing for a higher profile club his talent deserves. That was what people used to say about Shay Given as well. But now he has joined a club that can match his ambitions and talents. Given again proved his value to Manchester City with a world-class save near the end of the game against Wigan to protect City's point. This hard-earned point against a Wigan side that had just beaten Chelsea could prove valuable at the end of the season.

BLACKBURN
The first Cotton Mills derby in the Barclays Premier League was won by a David-Dunn inspired Blackburn side over their fierce rivals Burnley. Rovers had suffered a heavy defeat to Arsenal in the last roundand they were keen to return to winning ways. Local boy Dunn continued his fine start to the new season with his fifth goal to grab a crucial equaliser and helped pull the strings in Blackburn's attack. If only he can steer clear of injury problems. New loan signings Franco di Santo (loan) and Pascal Chimbonda gave their home supporters some cheer after they scored their first goals for the club. Rovers and Sam Allardyce will be hoping the momentum generated after their derby win can carry over to their next two league games. They will be up against Chelsea and then Manchester United.

ZEROES

LIVERPOOL & BEACH BALLS
Football clubs across Britain will have Liverpool to thank for as the FA clamped down on errant objects on the pitch. Before kick-offs, match stewards have now started to remove beach balls, balloons or any other objects from the field of play. The new 'movement' will be too late to bring Liverpool and Rafael Benitez much cheer though after they suffered their fourth league defeat - a usually fatal blow to any title hopes. In truth they were second best against Sunderland and they have generally struggled against quality opposition this season. Liverpool do have a decent first eleven but their second string players have been abysmal. The Reds are still plagued by off-field problems which involved spats between the co-owner and the manager and speculation over the club's financial future. On the field, the early season verdict is they have no strength in depth and off the field, they do not have the money to plug the gaps. Are Liverpool then still considered title contenders in the first place? They have been victims of their own expectations brought about by their historical pedigree and popularity. These expectations were raised sky-high after last season's 'near-miss' in the league. In truth, Liverpool overachieved last season and this season they have been found out.

CHELSEA
Chelsea looked disinterested, disjointed and directionless during their shock defeat to Aston Villa. It was their second successive away defeat in the league after their reversal at Wigan. The form of certain players are beginning to be affecting Chelsea. Frank Lampard continued his goal drought after failing to find the net for ten straight games now. In defence, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho again played like strangers and failed to marshal the defence well during corners. Villa defended well to cut off the supply-lines to Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. Only Deco played well as the little Portuguese shone in the play-maker role. Questions has to be raised about Carlo Ancelotti tactical nous for his failure to have a Plan B when Plan A doesn't work. Chelsea are still too narrow and predictable to defend against. Also, Ancelotti's substitutions during this game were questionable. He brought on Branislav Ivanovic instead of Juliano Belletti or Salomon Kalou both of whom have scored late goals for Chelsea in the past. And Ancelotti curiously only sent Joe Cole on in the 85th minute of the match. The midfielder couldn't do much with just six to seven minutes to play. Just what was Ancelotti thinking?

MARK HUGHES
Manchester City lost the chance to make up ground on the league leaders after a 1-1 draw at improving Wigan. Although the City of old would have appreciated the point earned, the City of new should have picked up points at lowly clubs if they are to challenge for the top. So it's surprise to hear City manager Mark Hughes warning the Big Four (again) that they have lost their invincibility and that they will drop points against other clubs. It seems like Hughes are trying to hide his club's failure to win by making this headline-grabbing statement. With such an array of attacking talents, City still failed to break down Wigan and they again had Shay Given to thank for the point earned at the DW Stadium. Perhaps Hughes should acknowledge his team's shortcomings rather than launching potshots at others.

(SOME) BIRMINGHAM CITY FANS
Is there something about playing Birmingham that brings the worst to Arsenal? Firstly, some Birmingham fans at the Emirates stadium sang chants and heaped praise on Martin Taylor - Taylor's tackle led to Eduardo's leg-break two seasons ago. It caused Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to slam the fans' chants as 'stupid' and discontent among the Arsenal supporters. Then Theo Walcott who was making his long-awaited return to first-team action was hurt in a challenge with City's Liam Ridgewell. He has since been ruled out for four weeks. Arsenal may have won this game but Birmingham are becoming their top bogey side in recent years.

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