Being an effective striker in a top league can be a challenge. Many talents have lost the plot, or their plot was figured out, and they lost the touch. However, here are two strikers who have shown their worth as top strikers in the Barclay's Premier League, while not being on top teams.

Clint Dempsey has become one of the best strikers in the premier league. In Fulham's match versus a tricky Newcastle side, Dempsey always seemed to be with the attack, and always seemed to have a hand in what Fulham were doing, which can't be said for many of the supposed top strikers in the Premiership, who sit and wait for the play to develop. Dempsey will always make a 'favourite player' list because of the tenacity he plays with. His dribbling is good for how rough he plays the game. His first goal came when the ball trickled across the face of the goal and he calmly tapped it in with his chest. For his second he was found on the back line, piercing them then turning on a ball to the far corner. And on his third he called for the ball, out-ran the two Newcastle defenders and touched it out of their way almost all in one motion. Slotting that one the same way he did with the second goal, Dempsey scored his second hat trick in successive home matches (his first came against Carleton in the FA cup). Dempsey is a Fulham hero. His style of play will go a long way in the league, as he will most likely move up the pecking order to a bigger club sooner, rather than later.

Robbie Keane, on his return to the top English flight after a brief absence, delivered on a massive level for his new team Aston Villa. In their game against Wolverhapmton, they looked like they were going to lose for much of the game. Down 2-1 after sloppy clearance from Wolves, Keane collected a pass just outside the box, turned, and sent an instinctive shot towards Wolves goalie Wayne Hennessey. Hennessey got a touch on that one, but wouldn't on the next. In the 84th minute, Keane collected a ball just outside the box and sent a scorcher bar-down. Keane has become a bit of a transfer joke in recent years, but once a team gave him the chance, you can see how effective he is. For much of the game, he sat in behind a natural poacher, Darren Bent, creating plenty of chances. Playing behind a striker is important, but having the ability to fire at will, like Keane does, makes the combination oh so deadly. Don't look now, but Keane has four goals out of the last six appearances for the L.A. Galaxy and Aston Villa.

Late Subs: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is under fire after he brought on Andrei Arshavin for newcomer Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain against Manchester United. While I can understand the decision, many Arsenal fans can't (including career Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan in the match postgame).