Based on the performances in the 10 matches played during the weekend Gameweek 15 of the Premier League, as well as utilizing stats from WhoScored, Squawka and TransferMarkt, here’s my team of the weekend:
Goalkeeper
Alnwick – [Newcastle United] – Jak Alnwick, Newcastle’s 21 year-old backup keeper, probably never imagined he’d be making his league debut against Chelsea at the weekend. But, when he was called upon, he performed admirably, more than rising to the occasion. His five saves were crucial to Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat of the league leaders, and his denial of Costa’s fizzed left-footed effort epitomized his desire to help the team win.
Left-back
Jenkinson – [West Ham United] – Carl Jenkinson, who is on loan from Arsenal this season, played a key role in the Hammers’ defeat of visitors Swansea City, who are known for their attacking prowess. Jenkinson managed to keep Jefferson Montero relatively quiet (no small feat), and was confident and dependable on set-pieces despite sometimes matching up with Swansea’s Wilfried Bony. As Arsenal’s injury worries increase, and if he continues to impress with West Ham, Wenger will likely be keeping a spot open on his first team squad once Jenkinson’s loan spell is over.
Right-back
Janmaat – [Newcastle United] – Daryl Janmaat is no stranger to the Team of the Week honors and, clearly, after his efforts to deny Eden Hazard any joy during Chelsea’s loss at St. James’ Park, he is once again a deserved member of the elite XI. Bought as a replacement to Mathieu Debuchy, who left Newcastle for Arsenal, it could be argued that Newcastle were lucky to acquire the Dutchman. To frustrate Eden Hazard for part of a match is commendable – to have done so over the majority of the 90 minutes is downright impressive. It is a testament to Janmaat’s excellent defense that Hazard’s best chance was had when he had switched to the right.
Center-back
Coloccini – [Newcastle United] – Fabricio Coloccini, like his teammate Janmaat, played out of his skin against Chelsea and was a major reason for the upset at St. James’ Park. Defending as if he would not tired, Coloccini marshaled his defense against the Blues’ bombardments, somehow managing a block or deflection on almost every through ball or shot. Diego Costa knows just how frustrating the Argentina defender can be, as he blocked two of Costa’s goal-bound efforts, and beat him in the air numerous times. A late knock he picked up would be the only negative part about his match at the weekend and he deserves his place in the best XI.
Center-back
Clark – [Aston Villa] – Ciaran Clark has had to really step up in the center of defense for Aston Villa. With Nathan Baker out for two months, and Ron Vlaar slowly returning from his calf injury from the most recent international break, Clark had to fill some rather large shoes in the Villa back line. And so he did. His tracking of Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa was top class, but he did not only have an impact on the defensive end. Clark also scored a vital goal in Villa’s 2-1 win and manager Paul Lambert will be thanking his lucky stars that he’s found someone to depend on in the absence of two integral members of the Villain’s back line.
Center Midfield
Colback – [Newcastle United] – Jack Colback was probably excited to learn that Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic was not in the side for the Blues’ trip to Tyneside. Not necessarily known for his advanced runs in to the opponent’s box, Colback made frequent inroads against league leaders, forcing a fine save from Courtois and penetrating a back line and central midfield that has not faced such decisive attacking play often this season. Colback’s through ball was the deciding assist to Sissoko and it was the perfect illustration of his effectiveness in midfield at the weekend.
Center Midfield
Nzonzi – [Stoke City] – Steven Nzonzi, a member of a Stoke side long known for physical play, break-up fouls to slow other teams’ run of play and the like. However, against Arsenal, his passing and technical ability rose to the fore, proving that he has far more quality in his locker than most give him credit for. It was a bit telling, days before the match, that Nzonzi told the Telegraph he would like to beat the visiting Gunners with good football and not physical play. Clearly he feels that his side are up for that sort of battle, as well.
Right Midfield
Sissoko – [Newcastle United] – Moussa Sissoko has been playing quite well this season. As an attacking midfielder, he is powerful, technically sound and has an eye for the assist, as Chelsea found out in their visit to St. James’ Park. On the other side of his game, he is strong in the challenge, fit to run the full 90 and clearly dedicated to the Toon. His effort alone was worth mention against the Blues and John Obi Mikel will no doubt remember it. Newcastle are the only side to beat the current league leaders and they did so convincingly. Sissoko was a major part of that win.
Left Midfield
Bolasie – [Crystal Palace] – Yannick Bolasie is enjoying his football these days. Having confidence is crucial to the success of any footballer, no matter their position. But when it comes to an attack-minded wing player like Bolasie, having confidence means the willingness to try things in matches that most wouldn’t. His outrageous drag and flick to get around Christian Eriksen was one such move normally reserved for the training ground. However, the form he is in has lead him to have such immense belief in himself, and for good reason. Not two weeks ago, he produced an outrageous control and flick to get around Liverpool’s Lovren. If he keeps it up, this won’t be his last Team of the Week nomination.
Forward
Carroll – [West Ham United] – Andy Carroll has had his ups and downs in the Premier League. Out for a lengthy time period in efforts to return from injury, Carroll repaid manager Sam Allardyce’s faith in spades. Scoring a brace typical of his style of play, Carroll banged in two towering headers, and created the third with a classy flick-on. Allardyce has had success without the big target man, and he must be overjoyed to now have another means of attack, and one who is quite different to his other forward options. If West Ham wish to remain in the top four, they will need Carroll to have matches like this more often.
Forward
Cissé – [Newcastle United] – Papiss Cissé, who scored two goals in Newcastle’s defeat of Chelsea at the weekend, is no stranger to scoring big goals against the Blues. Who could forget his outrageous outside of the boot winner at Stamford Bridge years ago? Once again, Cissé was deadly in front of net, scoring two past against a Chelsea side with a particularly stingy defense. Executing a counter attack is difficult, and it shows a real belief in one’s teammates for a player to sprint downfield expecting to receive the ball. Cissé embodied that belief, getting on the end of a late Sissoko cross to finish of the visitors.
