SportsClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez guide Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Manchester City and a Danny Welbeck brace fires Arsenal to victory over Southampton writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Formation 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (West Ham)
The English shot-stopper may have lost his place in the side a couple of months ago, but he found himself back in the starting eleven for Saturday’s clash against Chelsea and he made sure he took his opportunity. Hart played a key part in West Ham’s 1-1 draw against their London rivals pulling off a number of high-quality saves to keep his team in the game before Javier Hernandez’s equaliser.
Right back: Cedric Soares (Southampton)
The Portuguese international put in an accomplished display as his Southampton side suffered a 3-2 loss to Arsenal. Although Soares performed his defensive duties with his usual determination and commitment, it was his attacking influence which sees him make the team of the week. The right-back grabbed himself two assists, first crossing in for Shane Long to fire the Saints 1-0 up and then he found Charlie Austin in the box with a low driven cross who scored the equaliser. Although Arsenal went on to win 3-2, Soares’s performance can’t be overlooked.
Centre-back: Phil Jagielka (Everton)
The veteran defender put in a resolute performance to ensure his Everton side came away with a point in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool. The defender led from the front, putting his body on the line to safeguard his goal, keeping a vital clean sheet in the 0-0 draw.
Centre back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
The Spaniard was the standout performer for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday. The defender started the game strongly and opened the scoring after the ball fortuitously fell at his feet from a corner, he accepted the gift and rifled home his shot. As the game went on Azpilicueta’s leadership and determination in leading the Blues backline was vital to them gaining a point from the game.
Left back: Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Despite nearly conceding a late penalty against Manchester City in his side’s 3-2 victory, the England international put in another display filled with the competitiveness and determination which has characterised his season. The defender not only put in a number of crunching and important tackles but also provided an attacking threat going forward.
Right centre midfield: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
After putting in a below-par performance along with the rest of his teammates in the first half of the Manchester derby, Pogba and his team were 2-0 down and facing an embarrassing afternoon. The Frenchmen then stepped up in the second half, producing arguably his biggest performance of his Manchester United career to date by scoring two goals as they came from behind to win 3-2. Pogba proved too much for the City defence to handle as his power and pace driving forward from midfield went unmatched as he grabbed United’s opener and then the equaliser just two minutes later.
Centre midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Danish midfielder was yet again a vital performer for Spurs as they beat Stoke City 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. Eriksen grabbed not one but two goals ― although Harry Kane tried to claim the second goal ― to ensure his team picked up a vital three points away from home.
Left centre midfield: Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United)
The Newcastle United midfielder has been in great form recently and continued this run of form against Leicester City by steering his side to a victory that could well secure safety for the Magpies. Shelvey got his side’s opening goal in their 2-1 victory as his well-placed shot found the bottom corner as he rounded off a sweeping counter-attack.
Right wing: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
The English winger put in a top-class performance to help his side to a 2-2 draw away at Bournemouth. The attacker was full of energy and looked a constant threat and he managed to grab his side’s second goal with a stunning strike into the top corner from just outside the box. Unfortunately for Zaha and Palace, they conceded a late equaliser, but the away point will certainly help in their fight for survival.
Striker: Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)
He may not be a regular for the Gunners, but the former Manchester United man put in a high-quality performance by scoring two goals and grabbing an assist in his sides 3-2 win over Southampton. Welbeck had a hand in his side’s opening goal as his deft flick found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the box, who then had an easy finish. Welbeck’s first and Arsenal’s second came not long after when the striker smashed in a shot from distance. Then after being pegged back by a Southampton equaliser, Welbeck won his side the game with his back-post header in the 80th minute.
Left wing: Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United)
The Chilean winger, as with Pogba, put in a second-half display of the highest quality to help his side come from behind in their 3-2 win over Manchester City. Sanchez had a hand in all three goals, firstly he was heavily involved in the build-up play which led to Pogba’s first goal. He then played a brilliant ball over the top to find the run of the French midfielder who headed home the equaliser. The former Arsenal man then whipped in a great free-kick which was met by Chris Smalling to score the United winner.
Photo: Nick Potts/BackpagePix
Follow Dean Workman on Twitter: @DeanoWorks
