Based on the performances in the 10 matches played during Gameweek 10 of the Premier League, as well as utilizing stats from WhoScored, Squawka and TransferMarkt, here’s my team of the weekend:

Goalkeeper

Fabianski – [Swansea City] – Lukasz Fabianksi put in another impressive performance to keep a clean sheet against Everton this weekend.  The Swans keeper has been a big part of the Welsh side’s successes this season, as they currently sit in 6th.  His key saves frequently bail out his defenders, and it is largely because of him that they’ve conceded the joint second-least amount of goals in the league (10).  If his performances so far this season are any indication, Swansea City will be relying on him until May to keep them in the top half of the table.

Left-back

Clichy – [Manchester City] – Gael Clichy wasn’t supposed to start the Manchester Derby, and until Kolarov’s injury pre-match, he probably didn’t expect to be.  However, he put in an admirable shift, denying Angel Di Maria any joy when United attacked, and was rather deadly on his own forays forward.  His was the crucial assist for Sergio Aguero’s match-winning goal, and it was a fitting way to put a cap on an impressive outing.

Right-back

Clyne – [Southampton] – Nathaniel Clyne has become quite a player in the last 18 months.  Since leaving Crystal Palace for Southampton, the young man’s transformation into a dependable and consistent defender has come in leaps and bounds.  An integral part of the stingy Southampton defense, Clyne’s performances – on both sides of the ball – have been nothing short of excellent.  A member of a back line who have conceded just five goals all season, Clyne appears to relish one-on-one battles and has knack for knowing when to pressure the ball.  The Saints’ future successes could very well rely on their good defending, and Clyne’s consistency will only become more important as the season rolls on.

Centre-back

Vergini – [Sunderland] – Santiago Vergini, on loan from Argentine club Estudiantes, is slowly making a name for himself in the Barclay’s Premier League.  Having played 90 minutes in all but one match this season, Vergini is clearly a vital cog in Gus Poyet’s Sunderland machine.  At the weekend, Vergini stifled Frazier Campbell and Marouane Chamakh, marshaling his defense around his solid performance.  His strong play ensured the Black Cats got a vital three points, moving them out of the relegation zone – for the moment.

Centre-back

Jagielka – [Everton] – Phil Jagielka has been absolutely immense for the Toffees so far this season.  Scoring a 91st minute wonder-goal in the Merseyside Derby and having been clocked as the “fastest player in the BPL” one would say the English defender is having a standout season.  In Everton’s match against Swansea this weekend, Jagielka was an essential reason for the Toffees clean sheet.  He won all of his aerial duels, made a key interception late on to deny a Swansea counter, and made five clearances at crucial times.  Roberto Martinez praised him for his play following the draw, and will surely appreciate his defensive stability.

Center Midfield

Wanyama – [Southampton] – Victor Wanyama’s 40-yard strike at the weekend was voted for countless goal of the week competitions, and surely deserves the praise it is getting, but the Kenyan isn’t necessarily known for his goal-scoring.  What he provides at Southampton is a stability and a calmness in transition which allows the Saints’ more creative attacking players the freedom to exploit defenses.  Much like Matic for Chelsea, Wanyama breaks up opposition attacks, providing cover and an outlet from pressure for his back four.  His reliability and consistently stellar positioning has been a major part of Southampton’s stingy defensive record, and he will be expected to keep it up if the second-place Saints wish to remain competitive.

Center Midfield

Sissoko – [Newcastle United] – Moussa Sissoko, although he made a slow start after joining Newcastle in last season’s January window, has become a standout player for the Toon.  His presence in midfield has made the difference in Newcastle’s recent run of form, and his manager Alan Pardew seems to have realized it.  He can play in a variety of roles, having featured at both right and left midfield, on the wing and as a defensive midfielder.  In Newcastle’s victory over Liverpool at the weekend, he appeared to be everywhere, making tackles all over the field.  Expect him to be more and more influential for the Toon as the season progresses.

Left Midfield

[Stoke City] – Victor Moses, on loan at Stoke from Chelsea, hasn’t been as impressive as manager Mark Hughes would have liked this season.  That isn’t to say that he has been poor, but he hasn’t been as consistently effective over each 90 minutes as a player of his calibre should.  This weekend, he showed the kind of form which sees him terrorize defenders, pick up assists and get into scoring positions.  Scoring once and putting in a Man of the Match performance against West Ham, Moses will hope to replicate his play in the upcoming weeks.  Stoke City currently sit in 13th position, but numerically are one win from 6th – they’ll need the Nigerian to keep putting in impressive shifts if they wish to get there.

Right Midfield

Downing – [West Ham United] – Stewart Downing has been nothing short of excellent this season.  Playing in the coveted no.10 role, out on either wing, and generally linking or creating attacks, Stewart Downing has been in fine form.  Sam Allardyce’s squad, who have been slated for boring tactics and long-ball style attacks have surely proven they can play attractive football.  As West Ham’s impressive new look has been, Downing has been at the center of it.  His confidence is deservedly high, and his consistent play has been a major reason for the Hammers’ 5th place position.  Big Sam will hope he can continue to get the best out of the former Liverpool man, as he has been a revelation so far this season.

Forward

Sanchez – [Arsenal] – Alexis Sanchez has been worth every single penny Arsenal paid to Barcelona for his services.  The Chilean has scored in almost every competition he has featured in for the Gunners, and his infectious play has clearly raised the level of those around him.  In matches like the one against Burnley at the weekend, he consistently sets an example for his teammates, inspiring the entire squad to perform.  His penchant for scoring is only matched by his hunger to get on the ball.  If Arsenal were without him, it would be difficult to see where the spark he provides would come from.  His influence on the team is nothing short of essential and Arsène Wenger must be praying he can keep him fit.

Forward

Fletcher – [Sunderland] – Steven Fletcher put in an admirable performance for Sunderland in their victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.  His two goals were all the difference for the Black Cats who, with that win, moved away from the relegation zone and within three points of Liverpool and Tottenham who currently sit in 7th and 8th.  Fletcher’s double came from just three shots, and his header was so impressive it rooted Speroni to the ground.  If he can keep scoring, Gus Poyet’s Sunderland may surprise some teams and will surely be able to avoid the drop.