EPL Wrap-up: Week 5

I must first start off with an apology. I missed the week 4 wrap-up because of a conflict with the real world.

So to start off let's look at the big game of the week. The Manchester Derby that pitted Man U vs. Man City. Lots of excitement with Man City's undefeated start and questions of how good Man U will be after losing Ronaldo. This game lived up to the billing with even some fisticuffs afterward between hot headed welshman Craig Bellamy and a fan. Man U and Man City battled back and forth for the entire 90 and some extra. Darren Fletcher appeared to put Man U up for the win but then previously mentioned Bellamy put home an equalizer in the 90th. The game is surely over right? Don't think so fast. You forgot that the Red Devils have an true blue english legend on the team. Michael Owen call back days of past to put one home in the 96th. Man U won 4-3 in a thriller.

Chelsea played the hot starting, but since cooling, Totteham. The Blues took care of business easily with Drogba capping of a shut out victory with a 3rd goal for Chelsea. Chelsea wins 3-0 with solid defense and you know they are going to score. Drogba has been one of the most impressive scorers to start this season. Seems he is never missing the back of the net. Game highlights are here.

Arsenal bounced back from the disappointing Man City loss to pound Wigan 4-0. Defender Thomas Vermelean put home the 2 first goals, making that 3 on the season for him. Impressive for a defender. Emmanuel Eboue and Cesc Fabregas put home the time 2 goals making it a solid come back win for the Gunners. Arsenal needed to gain some confidence back after losses to Man U and Man City. If they are going to get back into the top 4 then they will have to keep winning and right the ship.

Liverpool snuck by 1-win West Ham 3-2. A less than impressive effort by the Reds. Fernando Torres put two goals in to lead the Reds to victory. Liverpool has had less than impressive efforts many times this season, but they still find themselves in the top 4 of the table, so I can't bash on them too much.

Top of the Table:

1) Chelsea
2) Man U
3) Liverpool
4) Manchester City
5) Aston Villa

Awards:

Best Team: Chelsea - A very impressive endline to endline win against Tottenham. Scoring 3 goals and not allowing 1 against the #6 team in the league is a good show.

Worst Team: Hull City - This team added a lot of offense in the transfer period (Jozy Altidore and Jan Vennegor of H) but they haven't been able to score and have lost 3 straight.

Biggest Surprise: Burnley - eventually if they keep up the winning they won't be a big surprise, but for this week beating Sunderland 3-1 earns them the spot.

Biggest Disappointment: Sunderland - After having an impressive start they dropped a game to Burnley. Now I have bashed almost everyteam that has dropped a game to Burnley this season and maybe I am mistaken. Maybe its time to start thinking of Burnley as legit....eh, not just yet.

Player of the Week: Michael Owen - Yes, some players scored multiple goals this week. Some had great all around games. But in a BIG game at a BIG moment, Owen came up HUGE. His one goal in the 96th minute gets him the award.

Check in every Friday for a new EPL wrap-up.

--Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent