A veteran striker put on a show in the German Bundesliga, while the English Premier League offered soccer supporters everywhere thrilling games and goals to watch over the weekend. Here are SBI’s picks for The Weekend’s Best (as voted by SBI’s editorial staff):
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
CLAUDIO PIZARRO (Werder Bremen). The 37-year-old Peruvian forward showed the Bundesliga he still has what it takes to compete at a very high level. Pizarro scored four goals in two games this past week for Werder Bremen, including a hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen last Wednesday and a spectacular game-winning goal vs. Hannover 96 over the weekend.
Honorable Mention – Sergio Aguero, Darwin Quintero, Cristiano Ronaldo
TEAM OF THE WEEK
WEST HAM UNITED. The Hammers began their week against one of the English Premier League’s best in Tottenham, and secured a crucial 1-0 win. Three days later, West Ham was on the brink of dropping three points to a talented Everton side, but scored three goals in the final 12 minutes of regulation to earn a total of six points this past week. The two wins keep the club’s UEFA Champions League qualification hopes alive.
Honorable Mention – Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Sassuolo, AS Roma
MATCH OF THE WEEK
TOTTENHAM 2, ARSENAL 2. Saturday’s North London derby did not disappoint. Two incredible goals, including a back-heel flick, and a Francis Coquelin red card headlined the tie at White Hart Lane. Both EPL sides desperately needed all three points to remain in the race for the league title, and Arsenal looked ready to hold onto the 1-0 lead before the Gunners were reduced to 10 men. The Spurs quickly scored two goals after gaining the advantage, putting Arsenal in a massive hole on the road, but Chilean star Alexis Sanchez earned his side a crucial point with an equalizer.
Honorable Mention – FC Augsburg 3 – 3 Bayer Leverkusen, Deportivo 3 – 3 Malaga, Everton 2 – 3 West Ham United
GOAL OF THE WEEK
FREDRICO HIGUAIN (Columbus Crew). The Argentine beat out many incredible strikes from across the Atlantic with a sensational bicycle kick against reigning MLS Cup champions, the Portland Timbers.
Honorable Mention – Claudio Pizarro, Harry Kane
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What did you think of this weekend’s action? Agree with SBI’s picks? If not, who did you see as this weekend’s best?
Share your thoughts below.