Team of the Week and Weekend Wonders: Week 22

What a weekend! I don't think anyone could have predicted such drama and excitement in the Premier League fixtures we were treated to. There are certainly many talking points and we will be covering them all! There was a staggering 35 goals in the Premier League this weekend, and that includes the scoreless draw at Carrow Road!

So with all the Premier League teams playing their fixtures, we have a full house to make all our selections from. This is going to take a while...

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper: John Ruddy (Norwich City)

Ruddy was in exceptional form against Chelsea, allowing Norwich to earn a fantastic draw and a clean sheet against Chelsea. The Norwich City stopper pulled off some remarkable saves during the game on the rare occasions his defence allowed the Chelsea attack through.

Right Back: Gretar Steinsson (Bolton Wanderers)

The Icelandic defender gave the performance of his season, using his experience to ensure a solid defence and expoiting the lapses by Liverpool on the right hand side. The Bolton defender capped a fantastic performance with a stunning goal to ensure the game was safe for Wanderers.

Centre Back: Zak Whitbread (Norwich City)

Our second Canary, who also had a very impressive game against Chelsea. Whitbread hasn't featured as much as he'd like for Norwich, but the defender made a great claim with his powerful stature and composed clearances ensuring the point for the Canaries.

Centre Back: Jolean Lescott (Manchester City)

Another good game for Lescott, who got on the score sheet for Manchester City against Tottenham. The former Everton man will have once again given reasons for inclusion in England's Euro 2012 squad, aiding the inexperienced Savic and helping City to a well earned three points.

Left Back: Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

Evra has certainly been the centre of attention for a number of weeks for a number of reasons, but against Arsenal he recieved it for the right reasons, doing very well to contain Theo Walcott and press a make-shift Gunner back four. The United captain led his side very well and was awarded Man of the Match for his performance.

Right Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

A first appearance for Oxlade-Chamberlain in our team of the week and it was thoroughly earnt by the young English winger. Chamberlain was the source of all good things attacking for Arsenal, providing pace, width and creativity for a side which battled against United. The boos from the fans following his substitution show how important he was to the game.

Centre Midfield: Akros Buzsaky (Queen's Park Rangers)

A fantastic week for Buzsaky, earning himself a recall to the QPR side and also a place in our team of the week following a brilliant game. The midfielder's range of passing kept Rangers pressing and his simply stunning free-kick showed the pure quality of the lad.

Centre Midfield: Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton Wanderers)

Wanderers' captain for the day Reo-Coker gave an inspirational performance to lead his side to a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. The former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder scored the second goal and bossed the centre of the park with pure determination and showed the grit necessary for Bolton's relegation battle.

Left Midfield: James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)

A very determined Morrison helped WBA go and beat Stoke at The Britannia this weekend and in the process broke the hodoo the Potters had over the Albion. Morrison could've scored a hat-trick in the first half if not for the woodwork and saves from Sorensen, but the Scottish winger got the goal that gave WBA the deserved lead.

Centre Forward: Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

The highest scoring American in English Premier League history added another three goals to his talley against Newcastle, scoring a fantastic hat-trick to give the Cottagers a memorable 5-2 victory. Dempsey gave the Newcastle defence the run around in the second half and thoroughly deserved his three goals.

Striker: Robbie Keane (Aston Villa)

Welcome back Robbie Keane. The Irish striker showed that he can still do a job in the Premier League with two wonderful goals against Wolves, showing off his goalscoring instint and convincing Alex McLeish to consider signing him on a permanent deal.

The Weekend Wonders

Manager of the Week: Mark Hughes (Queen's Park Rangers)

Hughes knew exactly what was needed at Loftus Road and to be fair to the former Fulham manager he has delivered so far. Hughes hasn't needed to change the team to much and yet the players are responding well, earning the side a 3-1 win over Wigan. Other special mentions must also go to Martin Yol of Fulham, who took his side to a fantastic 5-2 victory over Newcastle and to Bolton manager Owen Coyle for their victory over Liverpool.

Goal of the week: Craig Gardner (Sunderland vs Swansea)

Crikey, this could take a while. We were treated to some extraordinary strikes this past weekend in the Premier League, so instead of the usual three choices, I've got seven for you. First, the goal of the week by Craig Gardner, who's looping half volley from 25 yards was just simply sensational, beating Michel Vorm. Next in the list we have Gareth Bale, who's equaliser for Tottenham against Manchester City curled beautifully past Joe Hart. In third place in Robbie Keane's second goal against Wolves. The Irishman took a quick touch to control the ball only to then piledrive it into the top corner off the crossbar. Then we have two fantastic strikes from Danny Gutherie and Tommy Smith of Newcastle and QPR, respectively, who smashed in from distance. Rodallega's freekick for Wigan also makes the list and Sessengon's well placed shot from a tight angle completes the set. Phew!

Howler of the Week: Fernando Torres (Norwich v Chelsea)

I just knew Torres was longing to get his award back. The Spaniard is becoming a specialist in this department and once again didn't disappoint after failing to score from seven yards. His Chelsea team-mates kept laying on the passes for Torres, but the striker seems to not be able to score. I'm forced to think of the old saying "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." Other candidates for this prize go to the usually prolific Robin Van Persie for his miss against Manchester United early in the second half when it looked easier to score, and to Thomas Sorensen of Stoke for his mess-up of Morison's shot, which gave West Brom the lead.

Controversy of the Week: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur)

I think we can all agree that Ledley King's poor challenge on Balotelli was worthy of a penalty. However, should the Italian even have been on the pitch? 'Mad' Mario has already been booked when he came into contact with Scott Parker (cue Irresistible Force v Immovable Object), leaving the England midfielder on the ground. However, it appeared that Balotelli then kicked Parker in the face. Whether accidental or not (His eyes were following the ball) it was dangerous play from the Italian and maybe should've been a sending off, meaning he wouldn't have been on the pitch to win the penalty.

 Special mention must also be given to the first penalty at Craven Cottage, when Santon appeared to foul Duff on the edge of the box, yet the referee awarded the penalty. The result? A resurgent Fulham scoring five goals and defeating Newcastle.

Mitch's moment: All of it

For the first time, I genuinely don't know where to look for my Moment. The entire weekend of Premier League action was simply fantastic. We were left with many talking points, a fistful of goals and I personally am not disappointed.

Do you agree with The Team of the Week? How about the Weekend Wonders? Whatever your opinion, we'd love to hear from you.

Don't forget to follow Mitch on Twitter, @MitchWaddon.

Mitch now has a new football blog, discussing events throughout the week. Check it out at mitchwaddon.wordpress.com