• Premier League Plays of the Day

Plays of the Day: In defence of King Kenny

Alexander Doni flapped for Aston Villa's opener © PA Photos

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In from the cold
Pepe Reina had strung together a quite impressive run of 183 consecutive Premier League appearances for Liverpool, prior to his stupid red card at Newcastle last week. As a result Liverpool's deputy keeper Alexander Doni not only had to find his gloves, but also some directions to Anfield for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, so it was no surprise when he came flapping for Villa's opener - scored by Chris Herd.

Jose Enrique might want to brace himself for another stint between the sticks in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Miss of the day... maybe of the season
Kenny Dalglish is getting flak from all quarters for Liverpool's depressing run of form, but some of it simply isn't his fault. Take the first-half chance that fell to Dirk Kuyt at Anfield, who had the simple job of tapping home from two yards... maybe one-and-a-half. The Dutchman fell on his backside as he did his best Andy Carroll impression, somehow missing the target - by a distance.

Djimi Traore would have buried it.

Dalglish's defence?
The Merseysiders laid siege to the Villa goal in the second half at Anfield and three times they hit the woodwork, once through Luis Suarez, once through Craig Bellamy and then again through Daniel Agger. Liverpool have now hit the frame of the goal 28 times in the league this season - nine times more than any other team. Maybe Kenny needs to play himself?

Ful of admiration
Clint Dempsey's brace at Bolton now means the American has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season. No other Fulham player has managed more than 13 in a single Premier League campaign, not even the great Steve Marlet.

Clint Dempsey's first was a stunner for Fulham © PA Photos

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The officials have had a mare
Decisions even themselves out during the course of the season... or so they say. But try telling that to Wigan after their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Latics were doing everything right an hour into Saturday's contest, but you simply can't legislate for a linesman who cannot see a clear offside when one occurs. The decision was so poor to allow Branislav Ivanovic's goal that EVERY Wigan player surrounded one official or another.

Grant Holt for England
Other than Wayne Rooney, no Englishman has scored more Premier League goals than Grant Holt this season. Not Peter Crouch, not Darren Bent, not Jermain Defoe and most certainly not £35m Andy Carroll. The Norwich man netted his 13th to help the Canaries draw 2-2 with Everton at Carrow Road. Paul Merson describes Holt as Norwich's Teddy Sheringham, surely worth a punt at Euro 2012?

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