Life at the top.

Another interesting weekend within the premier league. A comparatively small game in recent times for Howard Webb, proved the pgmol right to trust their star man yet again. The penalty, converted by Gerrard, was a simple one for Webb even if it did appear that Darren Cann made the call partially before him. Cann, the top assistant at the world cup (bar mauricio Episnosa!) would have acted with the faith that he had his colleagues trust to make such a big call. The freekick for Liverpool's second was clear cut, the decision also being right not to show John O'Shea a red card. With a classic Andy Grayism there was "sufficient doubt" as to whether Torres would have been through on goal. Webb - 8/10

Another of the big calls came at the Stadium of light where Sunderland scored in the 95th minute to get a point against Arsenal. You have to feel for MR Dowd, his consistency never seems to be truly rewarded by the board and yet again this criticism cannot stick on him. The added time is stated as a minimum of 4 minutes ending any argument MR.Wenger could have had, enjoying the White hart lane board room experience for his troubles. - Dowd 7/10

The final big talking point comes during Everton v Newcastle, controlled by Andre Marriner. Marriner, who may wish to blame the sheer presence of Stuart Attwell, seemed to get the big decisions wrong. The attempt at an elbow by Fellaini, should in most schools of thought be punished by a red card, especially when seen by an official. However, an argument led by Pierlugi Collina, the closest refereeing has to a saint, would suggest Marriner got it right. Fellaini's palm when striking the defender was flat, not clenched as it would be when trying to exert force, suggesting any contact was petulant rather than malicious. However, not even Sir Pierlugi can save Marriner from the penalty decision with the tackle on Kevin Nolan late on. The main clue we have to contact is the movement of the ball, this was minimal, which would suggest Marriner "bottled" the decision infront of the Everton faithful. This wont benefit his cause for a Cup final this year, but wont kill off his chances just yet. Marriner 6/10

Clattenburg - 8/10
Taylor - 6/10
Mason - 7/10
Jones 7/10
Foy 7/10
Dean - 7/10
Probert - 8/10.