Based on the performances in the 10 matches played during the weekend of gameweek 16 of the Premier League, as well as utilizing stats from WhoScored, Squawka and TransferMarkt, here’s my team of the weekend:
Goalkeeper
De Gea – [Manchester United] – David De Gea put in a memorable performance in Manchester United’s match against Liverpool at the weekend. When a winning team scores three goals yet the majority of the praise goes to their goalkeeper, it is safe to assume that the man between the sticks had an impressive 90 minutes. This match was no exception as the United shot-stopper recorded 8 saves, five of which were from shots within the box and two of which were in the final 10 minutes of the contest. Louis Van Gaal’s United are now third in the table and just eight points behind league leader’s Chelsea. If they wish to continue their winning ways, they will need more impressive performances from De Gea.
Left-back
Luis – [Chelsea] – Filipe Luis has had a difficult time breaking into the Chelsea first team this season, at least in the Barclay’s Premier League. Not that he isn’t an immensely talented defender, which he is. It’s been difficult for the Brazilian to usurp his Spanish teammate, César Azpilicueta, who, despite being a right-back, has been used by José Mourinho on the left since last season. However, in recent matches, Luis has been preferred by his manager, and has repaid his faith with consistent strong performances. In Chelsea’s home victory against Hull City, Luis won the penalty before the first goal and his advanced role and quality interchanges with Hazard freed up space for the Belgian on numerous occasions. As his confidence grows, and as Chelsea’s fixtures pile up, we may end up seeing more of the Brazilian at left-back in the matches to come.
Right-back
Bellerin – [Arsenal] – Hector Bellerin had a standout performance for the Gunners this weekend at the Emirates. Whether flying down the right side taking on Newcastle defenders or protecting his goal with defensive clearances, the young defender seemed to be everywhere. Rarely called upon to start this season, he surely made a lasting impression on his manager Arsène Wenger, who is in dire need of reliable defenders at the moment. Preventing crosses from Newcastle’s wing players seemed his speciality – he blocked five attempts at service – and his nine clearances (four with his head) showed his commitment. Despite his impressive defensive stats, Bellerin was most effective going forward and completed five successful take-ons in the opposition’s final third and his assist for Olivier Giroud’s second goal epitomized his forays into the Toon’s defensive third. Overall, his positive play was a catalyst for much of Arsenal’s early success against Newcastle and it may just have made hims a more important asset for the club.
Centre-back
Keane – [Burnley] – Michael Keane, on loan from Manchester United, has been a major part of Burnley’s recent run of form. At just 21, the young defender showed a maturity beyond his years against Southampton, and set an example for his teammates. His 10 clearances were a team high, and he marshaled his team from the back, making six crucial interceptions and three blocks to keep Southampton at bay. Burnley are beginning to show a consistency at the back. Keane has started the past four matches, and, in that time, Burnley have only conceded four goals. It will not be easy, but Burnley’s success in the Premier League depends on the ability to remain consistent. In Michael Keane they have found a reliable cog in the defensive machine.
Center-back
Debuchy – [Arsenal] – Mathieu Debuchy suffered an unfortunate injury months ago from which he has only recently recovered. His natural position is at right back, and has proven himself a very capable defender. However, against Newcastle, Debuchy was called upon to play centre-back, as Arsenal’s injury list has piled up to include some crucial players, especially in defense. Debuchy performed admirably, making six clearances and winning all of his attempted tackles. His positioning was most impressive. Alongside Mertesacker, in a role he had yet to play, Debuchy looked comfortable, and his performance was vital for Arsenal’s victory.
Center Midfield
Lampard – [Manchester City] – Frank Lampard just doesn’t want to leave the Premier League – at least, not yet. And if he continues putting in a shift like the one at the weekend, his manager Manuel Pellegrini won’t want him to, either. The 36 year-old scored a trademark goal in Manchester City’s victory at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, and it proved vital as City ran out 1-0 winners. It is not the first time that Lampard has scored a crucial goal for his new club, and it may be enough to convince Pellegrini not to allow him to leave the club for New York City FC. Relatively quiet throughout the match, Lampard seemed to ghost into the box and scored from six yards out, showing that he can still do the business, no matter the age.
Center Midfield
Cazorla – [Arsenal] – Santi Cazorla had a standout performance against Newcastle at the weekend. Perhaps it was because it was his birthday, perhaps it was that Arsenal were playing at home, or perhaps it was because he hadn’t scored in 29 matches. Either way, the small Spaniard was full of trickery and guile, terrorizing Newcastle defenders and providing many an option for his teammates. His connection with Alexis Sanchez was by far the move of the match. Cazorla laid the ball off to the Chilean and made a darting run into the box, looking to get a return pass. The pass came and he had the awareness and class to delicately chip the ball into his stride over the outstretched leg of Collocini, and, as if to make things more difficult, finished off the move with a confident chip over Alnwick into the side netting at the far post. It was a fantastic move, and summed up his impressive performance on the day. He finished off the match with a Panenka penalty, bringing his tally to two. Wenger will be thanking his lucky stars if he can keep Santi in this form.
Center Midfield
Barkley – [Everton] – Ross Barkley has often been dubbed as the future of the English midfield, yet many say he is inconsistent and not yet mature enough. Today he silenced his naysayers with an impressive performance in a position not normally his own. In for the injured Gareth Barry, Barkley partnered Besic in a holding midfield role, pulling strings for the Everton offense from a deeper position, and to good effect. Winning all four of his take-ons, Barkley dominated the QPR midfielders, and marauded past two of them on the way to scoring a goal. His goal was the best way to illustrate a commanding performance and one which will not have gone unnoticed by manager Roberto Martinez. Perhaps the future is now for Ross Barkley.
Right Wing
Eriksen – [Tottenham Hotspur] – Christian Eriksen is yet another Spurs player who is becoming ever more reliable as the season wears on. Eriksen’s match-winning goal and first-half assist to Harry Kane were the difference-makers for the North Londoners, as they left South Wales with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The Dane has a certain style to his play, and his eye for a cutting pass help keep him consistently in manager Mauricio Pochettino’s team sheet. He has also developed a good understanding with Harry Kane, who he will undoubtedly continue to assist as the young striker’s finishing has been spot on. Despite being played out of position on the wing in recent matches, Eriksen has nonetheless shown his class and ability to positively affect matches. Both are vital qualities in an attacking midfielder; he has them in abundance.
Left Wing
Hazard – [Chelsea] – Eden Hazard has been making waves in the Premier League. Ever since last seasons, Hazard has consistently been the most fouled player in all of Europe’s top leagues and has completed the most successful take-ons in all of Europe’s top leagues this season. He is without a doubt one of the most prolific attacking players in the Premier League, and the world. This season, his performances have been vital for Chelsea. Against Hull City at the weekend, and for the second time in the last three fixtures, Hazard added a goal and an assist to his season’s tally, having his way with Hull defenders time and again as he looked to create an opening or find a final pass. In this form, he is nearly impossible to defend, and Chelsea will continue to rely on his attacking prowess as they make their title charge.
Striker
Giroud – [Arsenal] – Olivier Giroud has missed much of Arsenal’s season due to injury, and started his first match just over two weeks ago. It could be expected that he may need time to ease back into the pace of the season, but it seems he has found his feet. Scoring twice in Arsenal’s convincing home defeat of Newcastle, Giroud looked to be enjoying his football. His first goal was a towering header, for which he bested Collocini and left Alnwick with no chance. The second goal was something special – the slightest of flicks from a fizzed in cross by Bellerin was all the Frenchman needed to direct the ball on goal and past the helpless keeper. Giroud needed a goal to get his confidence back up, but two surely couldn’t have hurt. He will be looking to improve upon this weekend’s performance in the fixtures to come.
