Three points in the bag and I must have lost at least three pounds in sweat as the temperature levels hit critical in the west side.

It was difficult to see where claret polyester shirts stopped and angry red arms started as the thermometer nudged the high nineties in east London.

But the sunshine was the perfect backdrop to Big Sam’s “samba” football as West Ham ground out a result against Villa.

It was flashback time watching Villa who played like Gianfranco Zola’s Hammers – plenty of possession in their own half but no clue when it came to an incisive pass.

We haven’t quite twigged that part of mimicking the Spanish game over here.

Anyone can pass between centre backs in their own half with no pressure on the ball.

The real trick is keeping the ball while going forward which is something Paul Lambert’s men need to learn quickly if the level of service to Darren Bent last week is anything to go by.

Villa feature in our staking plan this week where Everton can return from the Midlands with another win.

The Toffees shook off their reputation as slow starters to make it a miserable Monday night for Man Utd and they form the first leg of our double.

Next I’m keen on the chances of Man City away at Liverpool at odds against.

The Reds were a shambles last week and City are the last side you want to play when everyone is getting used to a new style of football.

The Everton/Man City double pays a touch under 5/1 with Paddy Power and that looks well worth a go.

Away from football it was another stunning performance from wonder horse Frankel at York this week which saw him stretch his unbeaten run to 13.

Frankel really is amazing to watch and surely a promoter will be looking to match him against Usain Bolt in the not-too-distant-future.

A race over 100 or 200 metres between the world’s fastest man and horse would be an incredible event.

And if Bolt won too easily we could always handicap him next time by making him carry a jockey.

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Running Total for all 2012 bets to a £10 stake:   +£279.00