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EPL 2016-17: Team of the Week - Gameweek 12

Jordan Pickford saves Mbokani’s header

Gameweek 12 of the Premier League kicked off with the most anticipated fixture of the weekend between Manchester United and Arsenal but it was just a disappointment. Southampton finally put a stop to the goalscoring machine that is Liverpool, allowing Chelsea to move up to the top of the pile.

But, the biggest winners of the week were Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion. The Black Cats finally moved out of last place and the Baggies made their way into the top half of the table.

As the Premier League picked up after another international break, here are the players who make it to Sportskeeda’s Premier League Team of the Week:

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford

When Sunderland keep a clean sheet, it is always a big deal especially when they are defending a three-goal lead. Pickford had a challenging night as he was called upon to do his part for the team after Defoe and Anichebe had given them a strong foundation.

He kept out three great attempts from Davies, Mbokani, and Livermore in the second half, helping his team not only to a victory but also a rare clean sheet. 

Defenders

Seamus Coleman 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Seamus Coleman of Everton celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Swansea City at Goodison Park on November 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Seamus Coleman celebrates scoring Everton’s equaliser

The Toffees’ forewent their clean sheet in the first half when Gylfi Sigurdsson scored from the spot after being brought down by Phi Jagielka. However, Everton’s right-back Seamus Coleman literally rose to the occasion and delivered his team from a home defeat when he headed a loose ball in right at the very end.

As the Irish international saved his team from embarrassment, Swansea was denied their first win of the season. 

Nathan Ake

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth (C) scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth at Bet365 Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)
Nathan Ake scores on his debut for Bournemouth

Nathan Ake made his first Premier League start for Bournemouth and he made it one to remember as his goal earned Bournemouth an important away victory. The young defender on loan from Chelsea was seen out of position a few times but he did well to recover as the 12-year-old showed great promise.

Stoke City did a poor job od marking him as he rose without a care to head in Junior Stanislas’s free kick past Stoke keeper Lee Grant.

Jose Fonte

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Jose Fonte of Southampton (L) stretches to block Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool (R) shot during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Jose Fonte (left) blocks a shot from Philippe Coutinho (right)

Keeping Liverpool out has been a tough task so far this season but the Saints pulled it off rather well even if it was at the expense of isolating their own striker. Jose Fonte looked solid as he made six clearances against Liverpool apart from two blocks and three interceptions.

The Portuguese defender can consider his team’s point well-earned as they held a dangerous Liverpool to a draw. 

Patrick van Aanholt

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Patrick van Aanholt of Sunderland in action with Dieumerci Mbokani of Hull City during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Hull City at the Stadium of Light on November 19, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Patrick van Aanholt (right) vyes for the ball with Hull’s Mbokani (left)

The Sunderland defender had a great game against Hull City as they won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light. The left-back created more chances than any of his other teammates and that was just him going forward.

The Dutch footballer had an even better night defensively as he made a total of eight recoveries and 2 blocks. He even managed to make an assist for Victor Anichebe in the second half.

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