Premier League ups and downs this week

We look at those who had a exceptionally good or bad day on the field as the Premier League enters the final stretch.

UPs

Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea

Can the Italian do anything wrong right now? He has navigated Chelsea to the final of the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as putting them on course for a top-four finish. It would be harsh not to give him the job full time.

Dave Whelan, Wigan Athletic

Few chairmen would have kept faith with the manager after their team found themselves anchored hopelessly to the foot of the table. But Whelan did with Roberto Martinez and looks set to be rewarded with another season in the top flight.

Nathan Dyer, Swansea City

He should be a contender for a revamped England team under Roy Hodgson. He registered another goal and an assist on Saturday, showing why many rated him higher than Theo Walcott during their days together at Southampton.

DOWNs

Joey Barton, QPR

This apparent "leader of men" was missing in action as Chelsea overwhelmed QPR in midfield. He snarled at Howard Webb when the referee cautioned him and few would have blamed Webb for showing a second yellow for disrespect.

Philippe Senderos, Fulham 

Everton had only scored 21 goals in their previous 17 games at home but some benevolent defending from Fulham allowed them to help themselves to another four on Saturday. Senderos had an afternoon to forget.

Alex McLeish, Aston Villa

Randy Lerner, the owner, must be wondering what possessed him to appoint a manager who had taken their cross-city rivals down last season. One goal and two points in four games has left Villa in a relegation mess.