Manchester United and Manchester City playmakers also make the XI…
Here’s our Premier League team of the week, from another scintillating round of fixtures…
GK) Tim Howard – Everton
The American stopper kept a vital clean sheet against Arsenal, making one excellent save in particular against Lukas Podolski in the first half. If the Toffees win their game in hand, they’ll move ahead of Arsenal into fourth spot now.
DR) Antonio Valencia – Manchester United
Playing in an unnatural right-back role, Valencia shone at St. James’ Park, making consistent barnstorming runs up and down the right flank for the entire 90 minutes.
DC) John Stones – Everton
The young centre-back excelled against Arsenal, outlying his unbelievable potential. He dealt with the (mostly hapless) Olivier Giroud with calm and composure.
DC) Mamadou Sakho – Liverpool
Brought into the side to deal with the aerial threat of Andy Carroll, Sakho enjoyed a physical and domineering performance. Carroll did win some headers, but Sakho arguably got the better of their personal duel.
MC) Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Two penalties dispatched with aplomb put his side back to the top of the Premier League table with five games to play. His passing from deep was typically brilliant as well.
MC) Ross Barkley – Everton
Barkley came on for the injured Leon Osman after just ten minutes, and it was a blessing in disguise for Everton, with the young midfielder completely dominating Arsenal duo Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta.
AMR) Willian – Chelsea
A match winning performance from Chelsea’s multi-million Brazilian Willian. Not only did he work incredibly hard down his flank, but he scored the third goal which killed the game, putting pressure on Liverpool and City in the title race.
AMC) Juan Mata – Manchester United
Was this the day Mata finally marked his arrival as a Manchester United superstar? Probably. He bagged a brace from the no.10 position, which included a wonderful, curling freekick.
AML) Samir Nasri – Manchester City
Nasri tormented the Southampton defenders on countless occasions, and scored the game’s most important goal as well – when the match was poised at 1-1.
FC) Jason Puncheon – Crystal Palace
Puncheon’s really a winger, but his crucial brace away to Cardiff helped his side pick up a win that practically guarantees their safety. Palace are now seven points clear of the drop zone, with just six games to play.
