You could sense it coming. And Andy Carroll finally makes it to the Team of the Week with a glorious brace against Manchester City.

Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan)

At times, Al-Habsi has single-handedly kept the Latics in games this season and he nearly did so again with yet another commanding performance in goal against Chelsea. It was only a scrappy goal that undid him in the end. Wigan would be sure-shots for relegation if not for the Oman shot-stopper.

James Collins (Aston Villa)

Times have been tough at Villa Park recently with calls being made for Gerard Houllier to be taken to the guillotine. Collins did his coach a huge favour by scoring the winner against Newcastle - a result that saw the Midlands club row five clear of relegation. The Welshman was solid at the back as well, ensuring the much-depleted Magpies didn't get too many chances to shoot.

Chris Smalling (Manchester United)

While Nemanja Vidic has taken most of the defensive honours for United, Smalling has proven himself an able understudy to Rio Ferdinand - whose season has been marred by injuries. The former Fulham man put in yet another assured performance at the back as United tightened their grip on the title with a 2-0 stroll over his former club.

Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal)
It has been a sobering season for Eboue, with the Ivorian struggling to hold down a regular place in Arsene Wenger's side. He took full toll of the chance that game his way against Blackpool though, blasting a goal in and putting in an energetic performance in defence as Gunners put their March woes behind them.

Phil Bardsley (Sunderland)

There have been complaints that free-kick techniques are on the decline in the Premier League. That notion would have been smashed on Saturday, when Bardsley found the perfect mix of violence and precision to stun West Brom. The Baggies did win the game, but Bardsley's stunner was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Leon Osman (Everton)

Osman put an all-star midfield performance as Everton destroyed Wolves at  the Molineux. He was at the heart of both defence - making a goal-line clearance early in the game, and attack - putting in a superb cross to find Jermaine Beckford for Everton's opener. An outing par excellence.

Martin Petrov (Bolton)

Petrov was given acres of space in the midfield by Hammers - and made life hell for the defenders with some amazing wizardry. The Bulgarian stretched the defence all over the pitch, which allowed Daniel Sturridge to get into pockets of spaces and work his own magic.

Nani (Manchester United)

The tantrum-prone winger might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it was the beautiful side of his game on display against Fulham. His feet were too quick for the Fulham men, who seemed to go cross-eyed just staring at his scissoring legs. Two assists were just desserts for the Portuguese.

Daniel Sturridge (Bolton)

Chelsea may be having problems up front, but their on-loan star has no such worries. Sturridge continued his rich vein of form by scoring a brace as Bolton beat West Ham on Saturday. The first was a sumptuous effort that came out of virtually nothing and the second a nicely slotted goal from the edge of the area. A star in the making, truly.

Andy Carroll (Liverpool)

Talking of stars, Andy Carroll finally makes his much-awaited appearance in the Team of the Week with his best performance for the Reds to date against Manchester City. His first goal was a hammered left-footed shot that beat Hart for speed and his second a trademark header that nestled into the corner. Liverpool's new number nine has truly arrived.

Robin van Persie (Arsenal)

From talks of a quadruple to slim hopes of winning one trophy, it has been a depressing month or so for Arsenal.Van Persie finally brought some cheer to the supporters with a lethal display that undid the Tangerines. The Dutchman laid one on a plate for Abou Diaby and then grabbed one for himself as Gunners kept their title hopes alive.