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TT's Prem Picks: Tevez back in the swing

Carlos Tevez's resurgence, Roy Hodgson's future and Wolves' ticking clock feature in TEAMtalk's review of Saturday's Premier League action.

Last Updated: 15/04/12 at 21:36 Post Comment   

Tevez: Swing when you're winning

Tevez: Swing when you're winning

On Saturday evenings throughout the 2011/12 season, TEAMtalk's writers are presenting their Premier League Picks - the special moments, star performers, stunning matches or shocking incidents from the day's action which we expect to dominate the headlines.

We'll be watching all the action unfold on the live TV feeds which are piped into TEAMtalk Towers from grounds up and down the country.

Once you've read through our choices for April 14, let us know your opinions by adding a Comment below.

Zero to hero as Carlito gets his way

Carlos Tevez was the star of the show as the striker's hat-trick fired Manchester City to a 6-1 victory over Norwich City. Tevez may well have redeemed himself in the eyes of many City fans with his show at Carrow Road.

The hitman was persona non grata at City after he refused to warm up in a Champions League clash at Bayern Munich last September. He then went AWOL to Argentina - where he was often seen on the golf course - before returning to Manchester and first-team training in February.

Love him or hate him, you can't deny Tevez has quality. It would be ironic if, after everything that has happened this season, Tevez's form proves to be the catalyst for City to win the Premier League title.

And to cap it off, Tevez celebrated his treble by running to the corner and swinging an imaginary golf club!

Sam Nightingale

Baggies need to focus on pinning down Roy

In truth, not many column inches will be dedicated to West Brom's industrious 1-0 win over QPR on Saturday, in a game which is more costly to Rangers' survival hopes than it was beneficial to the Baggies.

QPR live on to fight another day in their battle against the dreaded drop but they were very much second best against a West Brom side who could have been forgiven for already having their heads on the beach in Spain.

But Roy Hodgson is far too professional for that, and the very fact that Albion are miles clear of the relegation shake-up this season is testimony to the fantastic job he has done at The Hawthorns.

The club are soon to begin contract talks with the 64-year-old, with his contract due to expire in the summer and his re-signing could be the most important of the summer in the Black Country.

The veteran boss has made no secret of his wish to manage his country, but I don't think England will come calling for Hodgson. That said, I think life at West Brom suits him down to the ground where the pressure isn't all that great and expectation levels can be easily managed. James Marshment

Games running out for Wolves

On the face of it, a 0-0 draw at Sunderland isn't a bad result. However, when you are Wolves and are cast adrift at the foot of the table, the point really wasn't good enough as the Black Country strugglers now have to win at least three of their four remaining games to have any chance of survival.

In a lacklustre fixture, the home side had the majority of possession in the first half but couldn't carve open a surpringly-sturdy Wolves defence, which had a steely look for a change thanks to the endeavours of captain Richard Stearman and Christophe Berra.

James McClean looked fatigued down on the left in what has been a promising first year in the Premier League for the Sunderland youngster and the two up front, Nicklas Bendtner and Stephane Sessegnon, were snuffed out too easily.

The best chance of the first half, however, fell to the home side when a pacy counter attack saw the ball break to Seb Larsson on the right-hand side. Larsson played the ball to Sessegnon who quickly found McClean with space within the left-hand side of the Wolves penalty area but instead of drilling the ball into the far post the Irishman sidefooted the ball with his left foot which hit the near side-netting.

The introduction of Matt Jarvis in the 62nd minute rejuvenated Wolves who could've taken the lead when Sylvain Ebanks-Blake was beautifully played in by Steven Fletcher but the striker fired wide. Fletcher began to show some nice touches and should've scored in the 66th minute when Stephen Ward's terrific cross found the head of Fletcher but Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet made the save.

With 17 minutes to go, McClean spurned a tremendous chance for the hosts as Larsson's cross found it's way across the box, eluding the Wolves defence but the winger's diving header was kept out well by Wayne Hennessey.

The hosts could've bagged all three points in the 89th minute when Sessegnon's low drive cross found Larsson who guided his shot over the bar.

The 0-0 scoreline was a fair reflection for both sides, but how Wolves could live to regret the chances they missed, which could have turned one point into a morale-boosting victory.

Marc Murley

Rovers rolling in the deep

Swansea bounced back from four successive defeats in the Premier League with their 3-0 home win over Blackburn.

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored again for City and Brendan Rodgers will surely try and complete a permanent deal for the midfielder, who is currently on loan from Hoffenheim.

Rovers have now lost their last five league matches and are in real trouble. Their terrible form could not have arrived at a worse time. Blackburn's cause was hit by the withdrawal of Grant Hanley (ankle), Junior Hoilett (hamstring) and Yakubu (knee) during the match and Steve Kean will be hoping all three can quickly return, but on recent form, I really fear for Rovers.

Blackburn have lost key players such as Christopher Samba and Ryan Nelsen during the course of the season and those departures look to be catching up with them.

Sam Nightingale

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