SoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Eldin Jakupovic denies Saints and Gary Cahill, Pedro shine for Chelsea.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Eldin Jakupovic (Hull City)
With every game of vital importance to Hull City’s survival, clean sheets have become the foundation of Marcos Silva’s reign. Jakupovic has played a huge role in this defensive stability and the stopper was at it again this weekend pulling off a number of fine saves including a late penalty save which ensured that his side kept another clean sheet and gained a valuable point away from home against Southampton.
Right-back: Kieran Trippier (Spurs)
Mauricio Potchetino has made a habit of rotating his full backs this season and this weekend it was the turn of Kieran Trippier to take the field in the North London Derby. Trippier stood up and put in a quality display as he managed to keep Alexis Sanchez quiet, something not may defenders can do. Trippier was solid at the back while also carrying an attacking threat as Spurs beat their fierce rivals 2-0.
Centre-back: Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
The England international has been in sublime form as of late and he continues his good form this past weekend against Everton. Cahill helped lead his side to an impressive 3-0 victory by providing the defensive quality to keep Romelu Lukaku at bay and he scored Chelsea’s second goal of the game which turned out to be a vital moment as it helped kill off any Everton fight back.
Centre-back: Jose Fonte (West Ham)
After making a well-publicised move from Southampton to West Ham in January, Fonte has struggled to find his feet in an inconsistent West Ham team. This weekend, however, Fonte proved why he was brought to the club with an outstanding defensive display in his side’s 0-0 draw away against Stoke City.
Left-back: Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Although Burnley have been incredible at home this season, the same could not be said about their away form. This weekend however as they travelled to face high-flying Crystal Palace, Burnley put in an away performance which all but secured their safety. One of their standout performers was left-back Stephen Ward, who not only guided his side to a clean sheet but also provided the assist for Ashley Barnes’s opener.
Right-midfield: Pedro (Chelsea)
The Spanish individual has often been in the shadow of Chelsea’s main men Eden Hazard and Diego Costa and has not received the praise he often deserves. The former Barcelona man, however was Chelsea’s star man in their 3-0 win over Everton this past weekend. He opened the scoring with a sublime curling strike from outside of the box and was a constant threat as he stretched the game making it difficult for the Everton defenders.
Centre-midfield: Gyilfi Sigurdson (Swansea)
The Icelandic midfielder has undoubtedly been Swansea’s main man this season, his assists and goals have been valuable in keeping his side in the relegation battle. Sigurdson was again the star of the show as his late free kick earned Swansea a point at Old Trafford as his side drew 1-1 with Manchester United.
Centre-Midfield: Emre Can (Liverpool)
The German midfielder put in a top quality performance as his wonder goal led his Liverpool side to a tight 1-0 victory over Watford. Liverpool struggled to break down the Watford defence until Can made a late run into the box and produced a bicycle kick which saw the ball fly into the top corner. No doubt a contender for goal of the season but more importantly for Liverpool, the three points.
Left-midfield: Joshua King (Bournemouth)
Norwegian international, Joshua King has been in outstanding form since the turn of the year and he continued this level of performance against Sunderland this past weekend. King was a constant threat to the Sunderland defence and finally broke the deadlock with a late winner for the Cherries. The goal proved to be the final nail in the Sunderland coffin as the 1-0 loss saw them being condemned to relegation.
Striker: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The Argentine striker had to be at his best to help his side come from behind twice to secure a draw against Middlesbrough. Aguero first equalised from the penalty spot after Leroy Sane was brought down. Aguero then provided the assist to Gabriel Jesus’s late equaliser which ensured City secured a late point which could prove vital in their pursuit of an automatic Champions league berth.
Striker: Alvaro Negredo (Middlesbrough)
The former Manchester City man went up against his old side in a must-win for his current relegation threatened team. Negredo was the star performer as he scored the opening goal and then provided the assist as Boro went 2-1 up. Unfortunately, despite Negredo’s efforts, Boro could not hold on as the game finished in a draw.
