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Fulham midfielder
Papa Bouba Diop |
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January was a profitable month for West London with Fulham picking up 10 points to ease themselves away from the battle developing at the bottom of the table and Chelsea cementing their position at the head of the table.
Inspirational as 2005 got underway, Papa Bouba Diop has led Fulham by example with some excellent performances and grabbed goals in each of his last three Premiership games.
The 'Wardrobe' has become a cult hero at Craven Cottage, especially as his last two strikes have proved to be winning goals, securing the three points against Midlands sides West Brom and Birmingham City.
Diop's three goals came from just four shots on target and have raised his tally for the season to five making him The Cottagers' joint-second top scorer, in the Premiership, behind Andy Cole.
Another midfielder making the headlines during January was Shaun Wright-Phillips. Four goals - including a stunning strike against Arsenal - have boosted his claims to a starting berth against Holland for his country next month.
Frank Lampard continues to enhance his credentials. Two goals during January along with three assists (taking his tally to a league-high 14) meant he was involved in five of the eight goals The Blues netted during the month.
Bolton returned to form during January and so did goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. His 15 saves meant that the highly-rated shot-stopper repelled 94% of accurate shots fired at him during January.
In fifth place in Opta's rankings during the month was Chelsea's Didier Drogba. The Ivory Coast international fired in four goals to double his tally for the season.
| Player |
Team |
Opta Index |
| Papa Bouba Diop |
Fulham |
1861
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| Shaun Wright-Phillips |
Manchester City |
1846
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| Frank Lampard |
Chelsea |
1665
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| Jussi Jaaskelainen |
Bolton Wanderers |
1594
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| Didier Drogba |
Chelsea |
1407
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