SASoccermag selects the Premier League Team of the Week as the likes of Dimitri Payet, Dele Alli and Diego Costa impressed as the London club’s excelled.
Team of the Week formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Lee Grant (Stoke City)
Lee Grant frustrated Manchester United fans the world over this weekend as his stunning individual performance earned his Stoke side an important point against the Red Devils. Making just his second ever Premier Leauge appearance, Grant made a succession of fine stops to deny United, who on another day could have easily hit five.
Left Back: James Milner (Liverpool)
Another game, another reliable goal-scoring performance from James Milner. The now ex-midfielder never looked out of place as he completed the Reds’ comeback from the penalty spot. Tough and largely composed at the back, Milner’s clever movement up and down the flank helped create crossing opportunities as well as space for his teammates.
Centre Back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Vertonghen continued his resolute form at the heart of the Spurs defence as his excellent aerial ability, toughness and clever reading of the game went a long way to nullifying the impact of Manchester City’s star forward Sergio Aguero. With Spurs having to contend with far less of the ball over the course of the match, Vertonghen’s constant vigilance helped keep City’s chances to a bare minimum.
Centre Back: Ben Mee (Burnley)
Despite a controversial goal condemning his side to a late defeat, Mee was as solid as a rock at the back for Burnley as helped frustrate Arsenal until the dying seconds of the contest. Never looking troubled by Alexis Sanchez’s skills and halting numerous attacks with important tackles, the centre back was also indomitable in the air over the course of the entire game.
Right Back: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)
Clyne demonstrated his all round utility in a Liverpool shirt on Saturday as his speed and adept one-on-one defending helped blunt a spirited Swansea side. The defender also made himself useful going forward as he burst up and down the flank at every opportunity, helping to provide width for the side as they clawed their way back into the contest.
Left Wing: Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
Payet showed his class once again in a struggling West Ham side as his magnificent solo goal earned the Hammers a much-needed point. Creative on the ball and adept at keeping the opposition guessing, the Frenchman’s goal came as he dribbled past just about the whole Middlesbrough team before finally slotting into the far corner.
Centre Midfield: Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur)
Helping steady the ship of the Spurs midfield, Wanyama was at his uncompromising best against City on Sunday as his determined tracking, hardiness and athleticism went a long way to counteracting City’s passing rhythm and general fluency. A constant thorn in the Sky Blues’ side, the Kenyan never let his opponents’ rest on the ball.
Centre Midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Dele Alli showed the City midfield what they were missing as his clever feet and willingness to dart forward caused the off colour City defence all sorts of problems. Often helping to quickly transition Spurs from defence to attack, Alli’s decisive finish off a characteristic surging run from deep put Spurs firmly in control of the contest.
Right Wing: Victor Moses (Chelsea)
Victor Moses proved he deserves his chance with Chelsea as he put in an impressive performance out wide. Threatening with his trickery and pace, the Nigerian was a constant outlet for the Blues as they completely dominated Hull City. Never afraid to take on his marker, the wing provided cross after cross from the flank as Chelsea steadily wore their opposition down.
Striker: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Firmino’s clever movement and unpredictability proved crucial for Liverpool on Saturday as he was a constant headache for the Swans’ defence. The forward’s tendency to find space made the difference for his side as he scored a crucial header to equalise while he also won the penalty that assured the Reds the full complement of points.
Striker: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Costa continued his fine form as he sparked Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Hull. Constantly looking to get in behind the opposition defence and firing up the side with his aggression and determination, the striker created the first goal for Brazilian teammate Willian before helping himself to a superb goal of his own with a majestic curling effort.
