English Premier League team of the week
A week of highly anticipated Premier League action has drawn to a close. The results during the opening week were more or less on expected lines, barring Arsenal‘s upset at the hands of Aston Villa. Chelsea along with the two Manchester outfits- United and City, went on to record near perfect starts with impressive wins over Hull City, Swansea City and Newcastle United respectively.
The other top-4 challengers in Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur managed to scrape past their opponents in narrow 1-0 wins. Norwich City and Everton were involved in an exciting 2-2 draw, with a couple of exceptional performances from both sides.
While Fulham and Southampton pipped Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion respectively, by a solitary goal, West Ham United had a more resounding performance against newcomers Cardiff City in a 2-0 win.
Despite some not-so-big-names doing their bit in the teams’ success, a lot of high-profile names running with high expectations came to the fore.
Here’s my pick for the team of the week, going with a 4-4-2 formation:
GK: Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic of Stoke City in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Stoke City at Anfield on August 17, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Despite his opposite number Simon Mignolet grabbing all the headlines, for a terrific double save off a Jonathon Walters’ penalty late into the game, it was Begovic who kept Stoke City in the game with many more saves, all of supreme quality. If not for Begovic, Stoke could have slumped to a heavy defeat, marking a sour start to the Mark Hughes era.
RB: Stephen Whittaker
There was good competition for the right-back spot, with both Steven Whittaker of Norwich and Seamus Coleman of Everton putting in brilliant shifts. Though Coleman has risen to be one of the best full-backs in the league, Whittaker takes this week’s spot for his heroic performance for the Canaries.
His brilliant runs down the flank, to go with his goal and an assist, helped Norwich salvage an important point against an impressive Toffees outfit.
RCB: Nemanja Vidic
Vidic has been a stellar performer for United over the course of his long tenure at Old Trafford, and despite injuries, his authority has not faded. Vidic showed just why he is regarded as one of the top centre-backs in the world last weekend. Swansea broke forward on numerous occasions and it was Vidic, both in the air and on the ground, who put the brakes on the opposition and stamped his authority. It was a commanding performance from the Serbian.
LCB: Jan Vertonghen
The Belgian looks equally good at the centre or left of defence. Vertonghen has become an integral part of the Tottenham defence since joining last season after the departure of Ledley King and an ageing William Gallas. Vertonghen was not only astute in defence, but pushed forward with ease, helping his midfield and front-line as well.
Vertonghen looked assured at the back and was at ease passing the ball, clearing it or going in fully for the aerial duels. Newcomers Crystal Palace went on attack rarely, but pounced on each loose ball, and Vertonghen was on his feet to keep away any danger.
LB: Luke Shaw
The young left-back is surely the future of England. Having featured in 22 games last season, the 18-year-old has matured into a modern day full-back, comfortable in both the attacking third and his his own defensive zone.
Luke had a host of telling runs down the left against West Brom, and it was his brilliance in the final third that got Southampton a late penalty, and more importantly, three points to kick-start their season.