Lee Nicholls – Wigan Athletic – The 21-year-old was handed his league debut at short notice after the Lactics’ regular keeper Scott Carson suffered an injury in the warm up. Nicholls did not buckle under the occasion and helped Wigan to a point with a string of fantastic saves in the first half, the pick of the stops coming from Richard Woods’ point blank header late in the first half.
Kieran Trippier – Burnley – Another storming performance from the 23-year-old against arguably the strongest side in the league. Not only can the boy defend but he can pose a considerable threat going forward too, as QPR found out. A 20-yard freekick from the fullback caused havoc in the Rangers’ box forcing Clint Hill to head over his own bar; just before another superb pass from the young lad carved open QPR as Sam Vokes just failed to get the ball under control. A good performance all round.
Daniel Ayala – Middlesbrough – The Norwich loanee couldn’t have wished for a better debut performance, looking very sturdy in defence, helping his side to a clean sheet and grabbing a goal to help ‘Boro to a convincing 4-0 win against Doncaster.
Bryon Webster – Yeovil Town – Despite Nottingham Forest’s dominance in this fixture, Yeovil Town ran out at home 3-1 winners and Webster was vital to that result. He remained calm as the pressure from Forest grew and grabbed Yeovil’s second goal to steady the ship after good pressure from the visitors. He was particularly impressive in the 2nd half, with a strong aerial performance and clearing off the line when a Forest goal looked inevitable.
Craig Forsyth – Derby County – Another good performance from the young Scotsman, controlled and assured on the ball, helping his County side to a point against a resilient Birmingham City.
Albert Adomah – Middlesbrough – There was a lot interest during the summer concerning this man, and his last few games – five goals in three games – have started to prove just why. Adomah hit two this weekend, the first a sublime lob after he latched on to a pass from Kei Kamara and the second just before the interval as he rose to put away a diving head from close range.
Ed Upson – Yeovil Town – The midfielder netted two in the league’s surprise result of the weekend. The first required a bit of luck to beat Karl Darlow in the Forest goal as Upson’s volley took a deflection leaving Darlow no chance. There was no doubt about the second goal however, Upson drove forward and struck a thunderbolt from 20 yards into the bottom left corner. His corners threatened all game and a hatrick nearly came in injury time but for a superb block by Darlow.
Dan Gosling – Blackpool – A 25-yard-strike from the midfielder was nothing short of magical and the midfielder made sure he got about the play, carrying on his impressive form for the Tangerines.
Shane Ferguson – Birmingham City – The on loan Newcastle United midfielder had yet another good performance in the blue of Birmingham. He was full of running and looking determined to cause mayhem for Derby County. His main threat, as usual was whatever came from that left foot of his and his corners and crosses proved troublesome for County.
Kei Kamara – Middlesbrough – With the sacking of Tony Mowbray the ‘Boro have quickly found a new lease of life and thrashed Doncaster 4-0 this weekend, with Kamara central to the result. Setting the opening goal up for Albert Adomah with a blistering run from his own half and a wonderfully lofted pass, he also grabbed a goal himself in the 2nd half. The Sierra Leone international, who caused problems all afternoon with his movement, lost his marker at the back post and headed home a Grant Leadbitter freekick
Danny Ings – Burnley – The striker is quickly making a name for himself and added another two goals against QPR to his already impressive tally, making it 13 for the season. The young lad played a one-two with Sam Vokes before firing past Rob Green in the Rangers’ goal before scoring an 88th minute penalty to confirm the three points. That win gives Burnley a 3pt lead at the top of the Championship table.
