The week 29 of the English Premier League had started with the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and it's strange to look back at it and realise that most of the proceedings at the weeken were marked by suicidal decision-making.
Francis Coquelin provided us the first glimpse of this hara-kiri mentality, but he wasn't the only one. Southampton's captain Jose Fonte, who over the past couple of seasons has demonstrated his defensive prowess, was also sent off for denying Sunderland's Fabio Borini a clear goal-scoring opportunity. His partner in defense Virgil van Dijk rescued a point for The Saints, but Fonte's rash decision-making was out of character.
The Everton-West Ham tie was perhaps the most frustrating and the most exhilarating of the weekend. Romelu Lukaku scored a brilliant opener, and followed it up with a deft touch to set up Aaron Lenon's goal, to give Everton an imposing two-goal advantage. Only for Kevin Mirallas to make two silly challenges and receive marching orders. Post this even Lukaku seemed to be in a shock as he missed a penalty and then witnessed West Ham storm back to score thrice.
It just got worse on Sunday, as first Liverpool's James Milner and then last week's hero Manchester United's Juan Mata both let their teams down. Fortunately for Milner, his error didn't cost the team as a 94th minute penalty gave Liverpool a much needed win. No such luck for Mata, as Manchester United's chances of finishing in the top four took a significant beating as they lost to West Brom.
It could be that having to play three matches over the past two weekends might have taken its toll on the players. However, some of the tackles and challenges that resulted in red cards were so silly that it just can't be acceptable to the clubs and their managers.
