SASoccermag selects the Premier League team of the week after round six which saw Paul Pogba and Manchester United hit form and Arsenal avenge past struggles with a demolition of Chelsea.
READ: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
This week’s formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Adrian (West Ham United)
Despite shipping three goals in West Ham’s pitiful loss to Southampton, Adrian can largely be credited with saving the Hammers from a far more humiliating defeat. Though perhaps outfoxed a touch easily for the Saints’ second, the shot-stopper’s quick reflexes and strong hands see him signalled him out for praise in an otherwise dismal Hammers performance.
Left Back: James Milner (Liverpool)
On a day when Liverpool performed well collectively, James Milner was the star of the show. Marauding up and down the flank and getting involved with all that was good from the side, the Englishman was essential in overrunning Hull City’s midfield to set up a dominant victory. He also slotted two penalties for good measure.
Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
Koscielny continued his excellent form for Arsenal as his athleticism, pace and composure acted as the perfect tonic to Chelsea’s dangerman Diego Costa. In truth, the Frenchman was rarely troubled by the Spanish hitman as he severely hampered the Blues’ attacking impetuous – creating the perfect platform for the side’s creative players to wreck havoc up the other end.
Centre Back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
Alderweireld has led what has been a sturdy Spurs defence in recent matches and did so again against Middlesborough as his excellent positioning and good reading of the game saw him snuff out plenty of danger. The Belgian also proved effective in the air in both his own box and his opponents, coming close to scoring with a powerful header.
Right Back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
Bellerin continues to enhance his reputation as one of the best right backs in the world with a clinical performance against Chelsea. Brilliant in his one-on-one defending and using his speed and athleticism to counteract the threat of Eden Hazard, Bellerin also thundered into space ahead of him at every opportunity, which led to the assist for Theo Walcott’s goal.
Centre Midfield: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Pogba finally produced the sort of form United fans had come to expect as he simply blew away Leicester City at Old Trafford. Acting as the heartbeat of the side, the Frenchman dictated the play with his passing and movement, while an occasional flash of creative flair set up numerous opportunities. The world record signing also scored with a thunderous header to earn his place in this team.
Centre Midfield: Steven Defour (Burnley)
Neat and tidy with the ball while breathlessly harrowing the opposition when out of possession, Defour was essential in helping orchestrate Burnley from the centre of the park. The Belgian’s fantastic delivery made the difference for his side as he notched a pair of assists en route to a 2-0 victory for his side.
Left Wing: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Son has been a revelation for Tottenham this season as he continues to notch goals at a remarkable rate. Frequently combining his dribbling, trickery and a turn of pace to wreck havoc, the South Korean’s new found clinical finishing was on show again against Middlesborough has he netted twice to power Spurs to victory.
Right Wing: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
The United youngster continued his remarkable scoring form for the side as he reacted quickly to a cleverly taken short corner to stick the ball into the back of the net. The forward’s speed and predatory instincts have made him a fixture in the Red Devils’ side as Leicester proved unable to keep tabs on the 18-year-old over the course of the game.
Striker: Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)
Unlucky not to have been on a winning side this week, Defoe’s striking exploits remain the lone light in Sunderland’s recent performances. The veteran continues to cause problems with his crafty movement and his deadly finishing, particularly given he is afforded few opportunities over the course of the game within the struggling Black Cats outfit.
Striker: Charlie Austin (Southampton)
Austin continues to grow into his role at Southampton as he delivered a clinical performance in Saints’ dismantling of the hapless Hammers. Having slotted his side into the lead with a brilliantly taken finish, the striker’s finesse pass perfectly dissected two players to set-up the on-rushing Dusan Tadic for the Saints’ second.
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