Premier League Ups and Downs

The star performers and underachievers of the past week.

UPS

Peter Crouch, Stoke City

The striker will still harbour hopes of going to Euro 2012 with England, especially if Harry Redknapp takes over. Redknapp has signed Crouch three times and will have been impressed by a classic display against Crawley in the FA Cup.

David Nugent, Leicester City

Speaking of England forwards, Nugent - a former Premier League striker who has one international cap and one goal - scored the winner for the Championship side Leicester against the Premier League side Norwich in the FA Cup.

David Moyes, Everton

Moyes may not have much money to spend but he can certainly pick a loan signing. Two of them, Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe, scored in the FA Cup win over Blackpool. Another, Landon Donovan, has been instrumental in a seven-game unbeaten run.

DOWNS

Fernando Torres, Chelsea

A regular in this slot, the Spanish forward's slump is getting worse by the game. Torres was hauled off at half time of FA Cup tie at home to Birmingham City. His goal drought is past 20 games and he has only three in his last 34 matches.

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal

The French manager has plenty of admirers in the game, but his band of critics is growing. They gained cannon fodder with Arsenal exiting the FA Cup at Sunderland, and their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of AC Milan in the Champions League.

Antonio Valencia, Manchester Utd

The winger has been one of the best performers in the league in 2012, but he pulled a hamstring against Ajax. A month out, coupled with the return from injury of Nani and Ashley Young, is bad timing for him.