TFGSoccerclub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Zlatan stars for United, Lukaku continues rich vein of form and Son nets brace for Spurs.
GK: Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
The Belgium keeper was in fine form for Liverpool this past weekend as they travelled to take on Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium. The goalkeeper pulled off two point-blank saves at crucial points in the match which helped guide Liverpool to a 2-1 victory and gain the vital three points.
Right back: Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspurs)
The Englishman, who is deputising for right back Kyle Walker, was in fine form this weekend as he helped Tottenham to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Watford. The defender was rock solid in defence and chipped in with an assist to ensure Spurs maintain the pressure on table toppers Chelsea.
Centre back: Phil Jagielka (Everton)
For the second time in as many games Phil Jagielka makes the team of the week. The Everton stalwart put in yet another crucial display against Leicester City as he managed to grab the important third goal in their 4-2 victory. Jagielka also played a vital role in ensuring that Everton shut out the Foxes in the second half and picked up the all important three points.
Centre back: Mamadou Sakho (Crystal Palace)
It seems ludicrous that Liverpool, who have struggled defensively all season, refused to play Sakho and eventually shipped him out on loan to Crystal Palace in January. Since the move, the Frenchman has been in great form and he was at it again on Monday night as he played an important role, as the rock in the middle of defence to ensure that Palace kept a clean sheet and ran out 3-0 winners over Arsenal.
Left back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
When Antonio Conte signed Marcos Alonso, there were undoubtedly question marks over the former Sunderland man’s ability. He has, however, proven all doubters wrong this season and has been a standout player in Chelsea’s title challenge. The Spaniard was again in fine form against Bournemouth this weekend as he valiantly defended his left flank. Alonso also sealed the points for Chelsea as he scored a perfect free-kick, caressing his shot into the top corner. Alonso’s performances this season have undoubtedly put him in line to be a part of this year’s team of the season.
Right midfield: Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
The South Korean was the star performer in Tottenham’s rampant display against Watford this weekend. Son assisted Dele Alli for the opener before scoring his side’s third and fourth goals either side of half-time. The midfielder has made a claim for a starting spot in the team even with the return of star man Harry Kane.
Centre midfield: Jordy Classie (Southampton)
The Netherlands international has struggled to make a massive impact while at Souhampton but put in a quality display this last weekend to help his side to a tight 1-0 victory over West Brom. Classie scored the only goal of the game as his thunderous striker from the edge of the box flew into the top corner on 25 minutes. Classie will be hoping to kick on and force his way into a regular starting spot.
Centre midfield: Ngolo Kante (Chelsea)
A player who does not score goals, provide assists, or display outrageous skill but has been receiving praise from football fans and pundits alike all season. The Frenchman was again a star player for Chelsea as he ran the game from the middle of the park breaking down play and even chipped in with an assist for Eden Hazards goal.
Left midfield: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The Belgium international was yet again one of the standout performers this gameweek. The attacker was a constant threat for Chelsea as his movement and pace caused all sorts of problems for the Bournemouth defence. Hazard scored Chelsea’s second goal of the game as he rounded the keeper after a delightful through ball from Ngolo Kante, making the score 2-0. After the 3-1 win, Hazard will look to continue his fine form and lead Chelsea to the title.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
The big Belgian has been in unstoppable form when playing at Goodison Park this season. So on Sunday when the Champion Leicester travelled to Goodison, another big performance was expected. Lukaku did not disappoint as he scored two goals which helped guide Everton to an impressive 4-2 victory and put Lukaku further ahead in the golden boot race.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)
After serving a suspension, Zlatan was back in the midweek clash against Everton where he scored a vital penalty to earn United a point. Then on Sunday the big Swede continued to prove that age is just a number as his superb performance lead Manchester United to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Zlatan opened the scoring as he turned his defender on the edge of the box and then curled one past the helpless Jordan Pickford in the Sunderland goal. Zlatan then provided the assist to Marcus Rashford’s late strike to ensure United keep up the pressure on their top 4 rivals.
Photo: EPA/Peter Powell
