Our weekly guide to the Premier League figures on Santa's good list, and those on the naughty list...
GOING UP
Anthony Pilkington, Norwich City
Last month, the forward scored the winner against Manchester United, the club where he started. He netted again in a 2-1 win over Sunderland to extend his club’s unbeaten run to a record eight games.
Sandro, Tottenham Hotspur The Brazilian has scored only two goals for Spurs, but they have been special. His first, two years ago, was a 35-yard volley against Chelsea. On Saturday, he opened the scoring in the 3-0 win at Fulham with a 30-yard scorcher.
Michael Laudrup, Swansea City The Danish manager is challenging West Brom's Steve Clarke for best coach of 2012/13 after guiding Swansea to seventh place and reviving their initial form as they beat Arsenal away on Saturday.
GOING DOWN
Manchester United defence
Sir Alex Ferguson has threatened to play himself in next week’s Manchester derby if his current back four cannot improve. They shipped three goals in 23 minutes at Reading. Rafael was replaced early, but the entire defence was at fault.
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal Usually defiant, even he sounded deflated after the home defeat to Swansea City, which featured a supporters' protest, hinting that he may consider his position at the end of the season. On Friday, the club chairman, Peter Hill-Wood, suffered a heart attack.
Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur Move aside Luis Suarez, there is a new diving champion in town. Bale, the winger, is taking simulation to a whole new level after the Liverpool striker, having been booked in consecutive games for diving
And don’t forget our picks for this week’s Premier League team of the week below. Do you agree? Let us know:
