Coral’s Heroes and Villains: Super Sanchez and Mourinho moan

It’s Monday morning again, which can only mean one thing; it’s time for Coral’s round-up of this matchweek’s Heroes and Villains. Once more, the Premier League did not disappoint, providing superstars and poor performers galore.

Read on to find out who deserves a pat on the back, and which larger than life characters could be set to walk the plank..

Heroes

Five by five
Incredible Sergio Aguero appeared to delight in proving doubters wrong, as the electric Argentine attacker turned a barren patch into a purple one, with five fine poacher’s finishes to sink Newcastle United (11/10 for relegation).

Having gone one down to the Magpies, Aguero donned his cape to save City from another loss, contributing a cracking quintet of goals. A diving header, finishes from inside and outside the area plus a terrific tap-in undid Steve McClaren’s men.

Sadio Mane means business
There’s now no mystery as to why Man Utd were reportedly chasing magic Mane this summer. The Southampton star’s speed, determination, lovely link-up play and lethal finishing was once again the driving force behind the Saints’ sparkling forward play. Being the inspiration behind a shock 3-1 win and terrorising Chelsea’s defence was all in a day’s work for the Senegal dangerman.

Villains

The Portuguese’s finger of blame was once again squarely pointed at the FA, referees, anyone, of course, but the defeated Chelsea boss. Highlights included Mourinho stating: “I repeat, if the FA wants to punish me, they can punish me. They don’t punish other managers, they punish me, but it’s not a problem for me.

“I want to make it clear. One, I don’t run away.

“Two, if the club wants to sack me, they have to sack me because I’m not running away from my responsibility and my team.

“Three, even more important than the first and the second, I think this is a crucial moment in the history of this club. Do you know why? Because if the club sacks me, they sack the best manager that this club has.”

Boruc’s Bournemouth blunder
The Cherries gifted rivals Watford a point after Artur Boruc delivered the ball on a platter to lurking predator Odion Ighalo, who pounced on the sloppy pass to poach an equaliser.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe stated afterwards that “there is no blame attached to Artur [Boruc]”, but that howler will surely haunt the Polish post protector for weeks to come.

Arsene Wenger’s men hit United with a surprise offence, quick out of the blocks to blitz three goals past the Mancunians. It was not all due to Arsenal excellence, however, as the Red Devils’ rearguard were woeful, and an ageing midfield overrun.

“It was more than half my team that was not doing what we had agreed in our game plan,” complained Louis van Gaal afterwards of his losing side.