SoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Cesc Fabregas shine with thrilling displays, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Goalkeeper: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace)
The Welsh stopper put in a top-class performance to ensure his team kept a clean sheet and in the process earned an invaluable victory. Crystal Palace have struggled to keep clean sheets as of late and the performance against Middlesbrough will give Sam Allardyce’s men renewed hope in the relegation battle.
Right back: Seamus Coleman (Everton)
A regular feature in this team, Coleman put in yet another quality display this weekend. The attack-minded full back got forward and provided the assist to Idrissa Gueye’s opener. The Irishman was not only solid in defence but was a constant threat when going forward as he continues to star in the Toffees unbeaten run.
Centre back: Gareth McAuley (West Brom)
The West Brom defender bagged himself yet another goal this weekend in his side’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth. McAuley scored what proved to be the winner, when Arter Boruc miscued a punch from a corner and as the ball fell at the feet of the defender he gladly rifled it home. That was McAuley’s second in goal in two weeks and sixth goal of the season.
Centre back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Belgium international was in fine form for Spurs as he helped his team to another three points. The defender was solid in defence and was a threat from set plays as he struck the cross bar with a thunderous strike. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old defender had to go off early with a knock and Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to he will be fit to start on the weekend.
Left back: Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace)
Th new Crystal Palace signing proved exactly why his manager was so desperate to bring him to the London club. The former Chelsea nd Sunderland defender has made an instant impact as he gave his side the lead when his volley found the bottom corner. The Dutch defender worked tirelessly to ensure his team kept a clean sheet and gained a vital three points.
Central midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
The Spanish maestro has struggled for game time this season, but having found himself back in the starting eleven, Fabregas put in a vintage performance for Chelsea. The former Arsenal midfielder was at the heart of Chelsea’s attacking threat and he put his side in the lead when he ghosted into the box to poke home Pedro’s cross on his 300th appearance. The midfielder was a constant threat as he hit the crossbar with a thunderous strike and then provided the assist for Chelsea’s second as his pass found compatriot Pedro who found the back of the net.
Central midfield: Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
The combative midfielder was a star performer for the Toffees this weekend. Not known for his goals, Gueye put Everton in front with his first goal for the club when he finished off a great move following a Coleman cross. Gueye then resumed his normal duties as he was vital in breaking down any attacking threat from Sunderland to help guide his team to a 2-0 victory.
Left midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Danish midfielder continued his fine form this season with his excellent display against Stoke as Spurs ran riot at White Hart Lane. The mercurial ace provided the assist for the second and third of Tottenham goals which were both scored by the in-form Harry Kane. Eriksen now has thirteen assists for the season and is part of everything that is keeping Spurs in the race for a automatic spot in the Champions League next season.
Right midfield: Pedro (Chelsea)
The former Barcelona man seems to finally be finding his feet at Stamford Bridge as he put in another great performance in his side’s 3-1 win over Swansea. Pedro provided the assist for the opener as Fabregas poked home his cross and then put his side back in front when his driven shot was spilt in by the Swansea goalkeeper to make it 2-1. With another quality display, the winger will be growing in confidence by the day as he proves to be a man for the occasion under Antonio Conte.
Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
The English striker was the standout performer in the Premier League this weekend bagging himself yet another hat-trick as he moved to the top of the scoring charts. Kane opened the scoring as he smashed home from inside the box on 14 minutes. The English striker’s second goal came just after the half hour mark as he volleyed home from an Eriksen cross. He then wrapped up his hat-trick as his long-range strike following a free kick was deflected in.
Striker: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
The English striker put in a top-draw display in a vital game for the Champions against Liverpool. The club controversially sacked manager Claudio Ranieri in the build up to the game and after dropping into the relegation zone after other results did not go their way, a big performance was needed and it was Jamie Vardy who stood up. Vardy opened the scoring as he was slipped in behind and made no mistake in sliding his shot past Simon Mignolet to score Leicester’s first goal in the Premier League in 2017. Vardy then wrapped up the game with a clinical header just after half time to make it 3-0 and earn a vital three points for the Foxes despite Philippe Coutinho’s consolation goal.
Follow Dean on Twitter: @DeanoWorks
