EPL 2016-17: Team of the Week - Gameweek 7
Gameweek 7 of the Premier League was a sedated affair with nowhere near as many goals scored as the week before. With players about to go on international break for a fortnight, it was Tottenham Hotspur who took everyone by surprise as they inflicted a two-goal defeat on a seemingly flawless Manchester City. Chelsea, meanwhile were back to winning ways as Manchester United squandered away the chance to record a home win.
With all the action of Gameweek 7 concluded, here’s a look at Sportskeeda’s Premier League Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper
Lee Grant
Manchester United could have easily won against Stoke City, had it not been for their keeper Lee Grant. Selected ahead of Shay Given by Mark Hughes in the absence of their regular keeper Jack Butland, Grant kept his team in the game for the entire first half. Three saves from close-range meant that the Potters were still in the game after halftime. Grant exhibited razor-sharp reflexes and impressive shot-stopping abilities.
Even though he was unable to keep a clean sheet, his numerous saves during the game ensured his team went away with one point against an apparently resurgent United.
Defenders
Cesar Azpilicueta
Playing on the right of a three-man defensive back line, Azpilicueta was back in his preferred position and understandably put on a more confident display. With an 81% passing accuracy, he was only second best to Kante for the Blues.
After two defeats and a draw in their last three Premier League games, Azpilicueta did well to keep the opposition out and maintain a clean sheet. Conte’s tactics had a positive impact on the Spaniard which showed in his calm defensive play.
Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny handed Arsene Wenger one of the scrappiest and most controversial goals of his two-decade tenure securing a literal last-minute win for the Gunners. A Maradona-esque ‘Hand of God’ goal from the centre-back helped Arsenal avert some uncomfortable questions about their form. The Frenchman even held on to a clean sheet making two blocks and recovered the ball a total of 10 times.
Jan Vertonghen
With very little to separate him and Toby Alderweireld, Vertonghen makes it into the Team of the Week because of more blocks. Vertonghen was a wall in front of his goal and did well to keep the Manchester City onslaught at bay.
With the likes of Sergio Aguero and Kelechi Iheanacho who seem always sure to score, hounding him, the Belgian centre-back kept his calm and did some fine defensive work.
Danny Rose
England international Danny Rose was in form for Tottenham against Manchester City. His impressive work rate kept Guardiola’s men at bay and did his part to further his team’s attack as well. It was his cross from near the halfway line that confused Kolarov into clearing it into the net.
Once Rose’s cross and Kolarov’s mistake put Spurs in the lead, the English left-back applied relentless pressure on the opposition that saw him come away with a victory and a clean sheet.