Based on the performances in the 10 matches played during Gameweek 9 of the Premier League, as well as utilizing stats from WhoScored, Squawka and TransferMarkt, here’s my team of the weekend:
Goalkeeper:
Adrian – [West Ham United] – Adrian has been a major reason for West Ham’s positive displays this season. Currently sitting in fourth place, just one point behind Manchester City, the Hammers have been in fantastic form having won their last three matches. The third, the match during which Adrian cemented his place in the Team of the Week, was against City. Making several key saves, particularly those to deny Toure and Jovetic, Adrian safeguarded his side’s lead in admirable fashion. Despite letting in a David Silva wondergoal, the Hammers’ shot-stopper definitely deserves his place in this week’s team.
Left-back:
Baines – [Everton FC] – Leighton Baines has been receiving plenty of positive scrutiny over the last 18 months. Featuring in the England national team and for his club Everton, Baines has regularly put in world-class performances for the Merseysiders. This past week was no exception. Playing against Burnley, Baines was heavily influential in the Toffees’ attack, providing an assist for Samuel Eto’o’s first goal. He also made a crucial block to deny Burnley a goal-scoring opportunity. His efforts were a major catalyst for Everton’s successes on the day.
Right-back:
Isla – [Queens Park Rangers] – Mauricio Isla, since transferring to QPR on a season-long loan from Juventus, has struggled to find the form which found him make this week’s Team of the Week. However, Harry Redknapp will surely enjoy seeing him reach his potential as QPR have been struggling at the bottom of the table. In Monday’s victory at home, however, Isla made an immediate impact, quieting Agbonlahoro and stifling Cissokho’s runs forward from defense. He was also present on the offensive side of the ball, providing quality interchanges with Leroy Fer and linking up well with Vargas. Isla completed 5 take ons against against Villa. Consistency is something Redknapp’s QPR have lacked this season. This week, Isla showed he could be the man to provide it.
Center-back:
Hangeland – [Crystal Palace] – Brede Hangeland, since making his transfer to Palace from relegated Fulham, was never expected to be a difference-maker, as he really struggled at the London club before they were sent down a division. Under new manager Neil Warnock, however, Hangeland has shown he still has plenty left to provide. Scoring a first-half goal for Palace and generally being a rock in defense (despite his team conceding twice late-on), the huge Norwegian ensured Palace would at least take a point from a match they almost ended up losing.
Centre-back:
Collins – [West Ham United] – As integral as Adrian was in West Ham’s defeat of Manchester City, Collins may have been even more so. Making two huge blocks in the area to deny City scorers, Collins was a one-man wall in defense marshaling an incredibly stingy back four. Collins also did his best to deny a very in-form Sergio Aguero (who scored four in his last match), and his presence in defense managed to keep the Argentine from getting onto the scoresheet. An immense performance in an important match helps him earn this week’s honors.
Center Midfield:
Matic – [Chelsea FC] – Nemanja Matic may have invented a new position for central and defensive-minded midfielders. Few at Chelsea, or in the BPL in general, have witnessed a transfer emerge as such a dominant force. Bossing many a midfield battleground, Matic has quickly become a favorite of José Mourinho, and the Portuguese tactician would be smart to put his faith in the Serb. Almost appearing casual in his dispossessing and marking of opposition players, Matic provides an assurance in Chelsea’s midfield which allows the more creative players, like Fabregas and Oscar, space and time to flourish. His performances in big matches is what sets him apart, performing extremely well in Chelsea’s recent draw in Manchester. His sheer size is a major factor on set pieces – both on defense and offense – and it makes him incredibly versatile.
Center Midfield:
Song – [West Ham United] – When Alex Song’s loan transfer from Barcelona to West Ham was announced, many scratched their heads. No disrespect, but the clubs are on two rather different levels of talent and prestige, at least in recent seasons. Still, I, and many others, should eat any words which doubted his ability to make a difference for the Hammers. His performance against Yaya Toure’s Manchester City this past weekend was nothing less than stellar. From the first whistle, he was all over the Ivorian, pressing high and also tracking back to disrupt the flow of the City offense. If his efforts from the weekend are consistent, Big Sam will be sure to rely on the Cameroonian as the season progresses.
Right Midfield:
Sanchez – [Arsenal FC] – That Alexis Sanchez would have success in the BPL was no surprise, as his transfer was greeted with glee from Gunners fans and dread from opposition fans. He has been in scintillating form, as well, scoring in almost all of the matches he has featured in for the Arsenal. This weekend was no exception, as he scored both in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland. He may have been gifted both goals, as Wes Brown and Vito Mannone had a forgettable 90 minutes, but he still needed to finish them off. Keeping a cool head, Sanchez raced in on goal after Brown’s mistake, calmly scooping over Mannone to score. Late in the match, an awful Mannone first touch saw the ball trickle into Alexis’ stride, which he cooly dispatched past the scrambling Mannone. His awareness and hunger for goals will likely see him win more matches for the Gunners.
Left Midfield:
Silva – [Manchester City FC] – David Silva has been in rare form this season. In a City team which has looked less than Champions-calibre this season, Silva has been a consistently bright spark. His tireless effort to get on the ball often results in Manchester City’s best play. Even when City aren’t firing on all cylinders, the Spaniard does his best to provide for the team, and such was the case at the weekend. Facing five West Ham players, Silva managed to cut his way through with a scything run, showed some magnificent close control with his left foot to leave opposition defenders in the dust and scored a delicious curler from just inside the box. It wasn’t enough to get his team back into the match, but there is no denying Silva’s quality and his deserved place in this week’s team.
Forward:
Bony – [Swansea City FC] – Wilfried Bony has made a relatively slow start to the season, but it appears he is starting to find his feet. Scoring two against Leicester City at the weekend, Bony produced a commanding peformance, and one which resembled the majority of his play last season. Garry Monk will be pleased, as the Ivorian striker helped him earn his first win in six matches. The Swans have struggled for goals so far this season, and they’ll be looking to Bony to continue his contributions. If he plays like he did against Leicester, Swans can expect him to improve upon his tally and continue to lead from the front.
Forward:
Eto’o – [Everton FC] – Samuel Eto’o has had an interesting time while playing in the BPL. Featuring for Chelsea last season, the Cameroonian former Barcelona man was impressive at home, yet failed to emulate the same form on the road. For Everton, he may have settled in better than for the Londoners, as he has seemed sprightly and confident since joining the Toffees. Scoring two goals in Everton’s 3-1 road defeat of Burnley, Eto’o seemed to have rolled back the years. Both goals were impressive, and showed a desire and hunger that managers love. Roberto Martinez will also take heart in having a match-winning forward, as Everton have struggled for results so far this season. If he continues his form from the weekend, Eto’o may end up being a vital part of Everton’s successes.
Agree or disagree with the players picked? Let us know in the comments section below.
