SoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as the Swansea City duo shine in their big victory and Son Heung-Min bags a double for Tottenham Hotspur.
Team of the Week formation: 4-5-1
Goalkeeper: Jack Butland (Stoke City)
Last week Jack Butland grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons as his error cost his side a vital victory and the crucial three points. This week, however, the young English stopper was keen to make amends. Stoke City travelled to fellow strugglers Southampton, with both teams desperate to win. While the game itself was not a classic, the goalkeeper vying for the England No 1 jersey was in fine form as he made a number of high quality saves to ensure his side kept their clean sheet and earned a vital away point.
Right Back: Matt Lowton (Burnley)
After a good start to the season, a knee injury sustained in November sidelined Matt Lowton for several weeks. Now back in the side, the English defender put in a stellar performance to help Burnley overcome a dogged Everton 2-1. Not only did he put in a tireless display down the Clarets’ right flank, he also managed to grab an assist as his perfectly weighted through ball was snapped up by Ashley Barnes for his side’s equaliser.
Centre Back: Mike van der Hoorn (Swansea City)
Swansea defender Mike van der Hoorn played a vital role in his side’s 4-1 demolition of West Ham United. Not only was the Dutch defender resolute in his defensive duties but he remained a constant threat to set pieces all through the game. After coming close on a couple of occasions in the opening stages, the defender finally got his name on the score sheet as he nodded home at the back post for the Swans’ second goal.
Centre Back: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Lewis Dunk was a rock at the back for Brighton & Hove Albion in their 2-1 win over Arsenal this past weekend. The Englishman may have scored four own goals this season so far but this time he made an impact at the right end of the pitch. A corner into the back post was neatly headed down by centre back partner Shane Duffy, and Dunk made no mistake rifling his shot home from close range. After Chris Hughton’s men scored their second, it was up to Dunk and the squad to ensure they held on for the much-needed three points. Despite conceding just before half-time, the Seagulls managed to hold on for a famous victory, largely thanks to the performance of Dunk.
Left Back: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Having established himself as Mauricio Pochettino’s first-choice left back this season, Ben Davies put in yet another solid display against Huddersfield United. The Welshman rampaged down the left flank for much of the game, providing Spurs with an added attacking threat while also ensuring that Spurs kept yet another clean sheet.
Right Midfielder: Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur)
The South Korean put in a stellar performance this past weekend as his two goals guided Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield. His first came as a Dele Alli pass split open the defence, leaving Son one-on-one with the keeper, and the attacker made no mistake as he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball home. His second came as an outrageous Harry Kane cross bypassed the entire Huddersfield defence to find Son at the back post, who nodded home.
Centre Midfield: Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
On for the injured Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan was in fine form as Manchester City strolled past Chelsea this past weekend. The German controlled the game from the middle of the pitch, smashing a couple of Premier League records in the process. The midfielder completed the most successful individual passes in one game (167) and took the most touches of the ball in one game (181). Gundogan’s midfield dominance proved essential in City’s 1-0 victory.
Centre Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool)
The former Arsenal man is beginning to establish himself as an important part of Liverpool’s central midfield and enhanced this reputation further with another standout performance in a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. His power, pace and drive from midfield was proving difficult for Newcastle to handle as the Englishman played a huge role in breaking down a well-drilled Rafael Benitez side with an assist to Mohamed Salah who opened the scoring.
Centre Midfield: Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea City)
The South Korean was the star of the show as his assist and goal guided Swansea City to a resounding 4-1 win over relegation rivals West Ham United. He opened the scoring with a driven shot into the bottom corner with just eight minutes gone. The midfielder then whipped in a dangerous corner which was met by Mike van der Hoorn to make it 2-0 and put his team in firm control.
Left Midfield: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
The young German midfielder’s stock continues to rise at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola as he put in yet another standout performance this past weekend. Using his pace and trickery, Sane produced moments of magic, which made a relatively dull 1-0 victory worth watching.
Striker: Troy Deeney (Watford)
Troy Deeney marked his 300th league appearance for Watford with a top performance and a goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over West Brom. The Englishman played in Will Hughes with 15 minutes left and the striker made no mistake as he waited for the keeper to commit, and smashed his shot in the opposite direction to secure the three points.
Photo: Andy Rain/Backpagepix
