Osaze: I'm Born Again!

 

--Eagles star feeling revitalised at Stoke,outscores Gerrard

Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie says he has been reinvigorated since his January move to the Britannia Stadium.

The 32-year-old made the switch to Staffordshire in the last transfer window after spending just four months at Welsh outfit Cardiff City, with Kenwyne Jones moving in the opposite direction.

Odemwingie has scored three times in seven appearances for Stoke, including a brace in Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham.

The former West Brom man says he has rediscovered his confidence under the stewardship of Mark Hughes, and is thankful for having the opportunity to showcase his talent.

"That's (playing games) been key," he told reporters. "When a player lacks confidence it's a huge difference. When I came, they gave me the chance to play 90 minutes.

"When you have the backing, the players believe in you, it makes a difference.

"You're not playing on the pitch thinking they might substitute me now. I feel relaxed.

Meanwhile Odemwingie has been adjudged the top scoring player at the weekend with eight points after playing a part in all three of the goals the Potters put past West Ham.

Odemwingie was credited with the opener after deflecting home Peter Crouch's volley before setting up Marko Arnautovic and sealed the 3-1 victory in the 79th minute.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard converted two penalties, worth six points, in the 3-0 derby win over hapless Manchester United.

Gerrard found the bottom corner from 12-yards either side of half-time and even missed a third spot-kick as Liverpool confirmed their title credentials by embarrassing their old rivals.

Spanish schemer David Silva collected five points for a goal and an assist in Manchester City's 2-0 win at Hull.

The championship challengers were reduced to 10-men in just the 10th minute, but closed the gap on leaders Chelsea with a comfortable win.

Rickie Lambert also tallied five points despite starting on the bench for Southampton when Norwich visited the south coast.

The England striker was on target within a minute of coming on and was awarded an assist when Jay Rodriguez gave the Saints an unassailable lead.