SoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Alexis Sanchez and Sadio Mane shine during week 25, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Victor Valdes (Middlesbrough)
The Spanish stopper was in fine form this weekend as he managed to shut out an in-form Everton attack in his side’s 0-0 draw. Valdes pulled off a number of one-on-one saves to help Boro earn and important point in their relegation battle. The keeper was determined to keep his clean sheet and managed to help his team continue their impressive defensive run.
Right back: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
The former Chelsea defender was in scintillating form this weekend. The defender not only managed to help his side earn a clean sheet but he also provided two assists in his sides 4-0 rout of Sunderland. Bertrand worked tirelessly all game both going forward and defensively as his team walked away comfortable winners.
Center back: Alfie Mawson (Swansea City)
The young center back was a star performer for Swansea City this weekend. The Englishman opened the scoring with a thunderous volley after the ball was played back into the box after a set piece. Mawson also helped Swansea to an important clean sheet as they ran out 2-0 victors. His performance will undoubtedly see manager Paul Clement turn to the defender in heir relegation fight.
Center back: Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough)
Ben Gibson was a standout performer for Middlesbrough this weekend. The Englishman was not only an important player as he marshaled his defence to yet another clean sheet but he was also a huge threat fro set pieces forcing the Everton goalkeeper into a number of high class saves as he almost grabbed a winner for his side.
Left back: Martin Olsson (Swansea City)
Swansea’s January singing Martin Olsson put in a top quality performance this past weekend, showing exactly why Paul Clement was eager to bring him in. The left back was a rock in defence keeping Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez quiet all game. Olson not only helped his team to the three points but he also got his name on the score sheet scoring Swansea’s second goal with a well-taken finish.
Right midfield: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Back from the African Cup of Nations, Sadio Mane was thrown straight back into the team and he made an immediate impact. Mane opened the scoring for Liverpool in their big clash against Tottenham Hotspurs, after he was threaded through and finished calmly. Mane then made it 2-0 two minutes later, smashing home a shot after a goalmouth scramble. Liverpool will be overjoyed to have their African superstar back and hope his good form will continue.
Center midfield: Manuel Lanzini (West Ham)
Manuel Lanzini was a shining light for West Ham this weekend. The Argentine, who is looking to fill the boots of the departed Dimitri Payet, was at the heart of everything for the Hammers. Lanzini struck the post after his thunderous strike was tipped onto the bar by Ben Foster, however, Sofiane Feghouli was on the spot to tap in the rebound. The attacker finally got his goal with a cracking long-range strike which found the bottom corner. Although his team was denied the 3 points by a late equaliser, Lanzini’s form will encourage his boss Slaven Bilic.
Centre midfield: Joe Allen (Stoke City)
The Welsh International has been in fine form for Stoke this season following his move from Liverpool, which he continued this weekend. Allen was a constant threat going forward from midfield and after spurning a couple of chances finally got his goal with a cool finish to help his side to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Left midfield: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
In the team of the week yet again, Alexis Sanchez continues to shine for Arsenal. The Chilean was again the star performer for Arsenal as his two goals helped his team to a hard fought 2-0 victory over Hull City. Although there were doubts about his first goal, there could be none about the second as he dispatched the ball from the penalty spot to wrap up the game for the Gunners.
Striker: Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
The French forward has been in and out of Jose Mourinho’s team this season. He got his chance in the starting eleven this weekend and took full advantage of it as he terrorised the Watford defence. Martial provided the assist for Juan Mata’s opener before he grabbed his own goal after some good football from United. The young attacker would have no doubt impressed his manager and might find himself in the starting eleven next time out.
Striker: Manolo Gabbiadini (Southampton)
Southampton’s new signing has made a dream start to life at the club. He scored last weekend on his debut and this weekend he eclipsed that performance scoring two goals in his team’s 4-0 victory. Gabbiadini opened the scoring with a quality header and then made it 2-0 with a delightful turn and finish from inside the penalty area. It looks as though Southampton have made yet another quality acquisition.