Based on the performances in the 10 matches played during the weekend of Gameweek 17 of the Premier League, as well as utilizing stats from WhoScored, Squawka and TransferMarkt, here’s my team of the weekend:

Goalkeeper

Pantilimon – [Sunderland] – Costel Pantilimon, who signed for Sunderland from Manchester City on a free transfer, endeared himself forever to the fans of the Black Cats. Performing admirably in the Tyne-Wear derby, Pantilimon made a lasting impression in the minds of Sunderland fans, likely for years to come. His seven saves, including the crucial one to deny Ayoze Perez a certain equalizer, was a pivotal moment. At 6’8″, Pantilimon is an imposing keeper, and the Romanian used his size to his advantage well claiming four crosses to deny Newcastle scoring opportunities. Sunderland currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, and will expect Pantilimon to continue performing admirably if they wish to retain their place in the league.

Left-back

Cresswell – [West Ham] – Aaron Cresswell, West Ham’s impressive left-back formerly of Ipswich Town, has been rather good in the past weeks, if not the entirety of the season. Involved on both sides of the ball, Cresswell has exhibited an understanding of when to go forward and when to defend. Scoring last week, Cresswell almost turned provider at the weekend, completing two take-ons in dangerous positions. Equally important, the young defender won all of his tackles [3] and all but one of his aerial duels. If he continues producing efforts like this one against Leicester City, he may be an attractive commodity to bigger teams come the end of the season.

Right-back

Zabaleta – [Manchester City] – Pablo Zabaleta was quite possibly Manchester City’s most successful attacking threat during the first 45 minutes against Crystal Palace. In typical fashion, Zabaleta was racing forward down the right flank, constantly putting Palace defenders under pressure whether on the overlap or through his incisive passes. Completing two take-ons and winning all of his tackles, Zabaleta lead by example and it helped motivate his teammates to succeed. In fact, his assist to David Silva was the key pass which helped break the deadlock. After that, City never looked back.

Centre-back

Fonte – [Southampton] – Jose Fonte has proven himself to be a very dependable defender, capable of marshalling the troops in front of him and making the necessary challenges to deny scoring chances. Against Everton at the weekend, Fonte managed seven tackles, two of which were while he was the last man protecting the goalkeeper. Making just one foul, the Portuguese controlled the dangerous frontmen from Everton and never looked out of his comfort zone. Expect Fonte to continue to dictate Southampton’s stingy defense as the season continues.

Centre-back

Okore – [Aston Villa] – Jores Okore, who missed much of last season due to injury, has made a noticeable impact on Villa’s defense in recent matches. Against Manchester United at the weekend, Okore was integral in Aston Villa’s five-man back line and his presence on Villa counters proved essential for Paul Lambert’s men. Villa went ahead following Benteke’s fantastic finish but Okore’s quick transition from tackle to immediately helping to spark the counter-attack was just as crucial for the Villains. Hopefully, Okore can remain healthy for the entirety of the season.

Center Midfield

Touré – [Manchester City] – Yaya Touré, believe it or not, was being written off by some pundits earlier in the season, who labelled him slow, uncommitted and unfit. Those people are probably eating their words as the Ivorian has come on strong in recent weeks, proving an integral part of the Citizens moving within three points of leaders Chelsea. In City’s victory over Crystal Palace, Touré put in a Man of the Match performance, scoring once from five shots, winning plenty of tackles in midfield and completed both of his take-ons to put City in dangerous forward positions. Manuel Pellegrini, who suggested that Touré’s early season form was but a blip, is probably feeling quite justified after sticking with the marauding midfielder.

Left Miidfield

Hazard – [Chelsea] – Eden Hazard is in scintillating form for the Blues. In Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Stoke, Hazard terrorized Stoke’s defenders time and again prior to contributing an assist to Fàbregas to seal the win. Completing five take-ons, the young Belgian was also fouled numerous times, twice spending considerable time down injured after reckless challenges from Stoke City’s defenders Ryan Shawcross and Phil Bardsley. To the delight of his manager, Hazard wasn’t only concerned with the offensive side of play. Working hard to get back and defend, he also made three key tackles to deny Stoke any joy in attack. Chelsea fans will hope he can remain healthy  for the remainder of the season as his involvement is crucial in their forays forward.

Right Midfield

Lamela – [Tottenham] – Erik Lamela, until recently, hadn’t fully justified his £30m transfer fee after making the move from Rome to London. Perhaps he’d been trying to adjust to the Premier League, or perhaps it was the new system of play to which he needed to grow accustomed. Whatever it was, opposing teams should be aware that Lamela has found his feet at Tottenham Hotspur. His confidence has clearly grown (that rabona in the Europa League was a perfect example), and he has taken on more of a responsibility for Tottenham. Scoring the winning goal against Burnley was a clear indication of his ability to take on the task of winning matches and Mauricio Pochettino will continue to look to him.

Center Midfield

Silva – [Manchester City] – David Silva has been a major part of Manchester City’s success over past seasons, and this year has been no different. His ingenuity on the ball and intelligent interplays with City’s creative players have made him stand out in a team full of talent. In City’s match against Palace, Silva scored twice from four total shots, providing two necessary goals for a team with three injured strikers. Silva also has a knack for possessing the ball under pressure. Not known for his abilities in the air, the diminutive Spaniard also won two of his aerial duels, showing just how committed he is. Pellegrini will look to his most dependable players as the season wears on, and Silva is without a doubt on of them.

Right Forward

Austin – [QPR] – Charlie Austin is experiencing an amazing run of form. Already having notched 11 goals, Austin looks set to challenge the likes of Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero for the Golden Boot. Crucially for QPR, Austin scored a hat-trick in a comeback victory against West Bromwich Albion, helping the Londoners climb away from the relegation zone. If QPR continue to struggle, Austin may end up being tempted by clubs who are no doubt monitoring his progress. If he keeps his form up, it’s doubtful he’ll still be wearing the hoops come the end of season, and maybe even in January.

Left Forward

Benteke – [Aston Villa] – Christian Benteke may have been a forgotten man to some, but certainly not the Villa fans. A series of injuries has curtailed his impact and what made him of the most sought-after strikers in the league last season.  However, it looks like he’s slowing finding form again and he put on a show against Manchester United at the weekend. His strike to beat David de Gea was as skillful as it was imaginative, as he curled it around several players into the helpless United keeper’s top corner. It was an illustration of the Belgian’s confidence and faith in his own ability and will surely be heartening for Paul Lambert and his 12th place side.