"Showed how indispensable he is" – The Sun
"Proof he is the man to lead England this summer" – Daily Telegraph
"Two typically clinical finishes" – The Times

Michael Owen started 2001 slowly – and ended it with three trophies, a hat-trick in Germany and the European Player of the Year award.

Liverpool and England will hope 2004 goes the same way. Troubled by a hamstring injury, Owen hadn’t hit top form until Sunday’s 4-0 win against Blackburn.

Owen scored twice and nearly got a hat-trick. Both his goals were instinctive first-time strikes, the first from an Emile Heskey pass, the second a terrific hit from El Hadji Diouf’s ball into him.

That’s 16 goals now for Owen in a supposedly poor season – with theopportunity of more to come.

If he carries on scoring like this, he might not need to move elsewhere for Champions League football – his goals will secure Liverpool fourth spot.

"I am pleased Michael got his goals. He and Emile Heskey worked their socks off," said a delighted Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier. We are sure Sven was smiling as well!

Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards

Paul Scholes 4

Steven Gerrard 3
Frank Lampard 3
Wayne Rooney 3

James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Jermain Defoe 2
Michael Owen 2
John Terry 2

Shola Ameobi 1
Dean Ashton 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Anthony Gardner 1
Emile Heskey 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Kevin Nolan 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Darius Vassell 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1

TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.