Premier League team of the week
There was just one person that kept Harry Redknapp and his QPR side waiting for another week to claim their first win of the season. Brad Guzan’s heroic attempts in front of the Aston Villa goal made sure that the visitors would have a point to take from a difficult evening at Loftus Road. After conceding a quick equalizer from Jamie Mackie where he couldn’t have done anything better, Guzan had a testing spell in the second half that saw him making seven saves on the night – few of those were purely instinctive and immensely crucial to earn a point for his side.
Special mention: Tim Howard (EVE)
Swansea doomed Arsenal at Emirates this weekend, as Angel Rangel put up another stellar show on the right flank. He managed to negate the threat posed by Podolski and Gibbs and went on to impose himself in several attacking moves – one of them proving decisive with a Michu goal in the closing stages.
Ryan Shawcross, the defensive leader for the Potters had another of those games where he could do nothing wrong. Shawcross kept West Brom quiet for most of the game, paving a route to a late win for the away side. Daniel Agger on the other hand was more than handful for the Saints’ attacking end, as he also fought his way forward to score a winner for the Reds. On a night when the Reds were unfortunate for the opening period with their shots bouncing off the goal frame, Liverpool fans should be thankful to Agger for delivering another of his trademark header goal, right when it mattered the most.
Talk about one of the best buys in the Premier League this season and Jan Vertonghen would definitely make it to the list. Since his arrival at Spurs, he hasn’t had enough time in his favoured central defensive position – yet it doesn’t stop him from performing consistently well. The Belgium was again to the fore with another composed performance at the back for in his side’s impressive win 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.
Special mentions: Ashley Williams (SC), Clint Hill (QPR), Gareth McAuley (WBA)
Sandro’s confident displays in the past few fixtures found a new gear this weekend with a long range finish that sealed an emphatic night for the Brazilian at Craven Cottage. With Dembele back in the grafting midfield role alongside Sandro, Spurs can look ahead to a decent run in the crucial festive season ahead.
Mohamed Diame starred on his introduction at half-time that inspired his side to a resounding win against a stumbling Chelsea side. Benitez wouldn’t have envisaged that the Senegalese at the break would bring another evening filled with horror for his side, as the midfielder scored the goal that led the Hammers to another home win this season.
Anthony Pilkington is in the form of his life, as the Canaries dominated the left wing against Sunderland this weekend. He made life difficult for Phil Bardsley and added another goal to his tally that led Norwich upto 12th spot on the league table.
Special Mention: Jonjo Shelvey (LIV), Marouane Fellaini (EVE), Ashley Young (MU)
Michu has been grabbing headlines for his goal-scoring this season and there were two more goals credited to his account at the Emirates. Michu showed finesse and immense confidence in the game where Laudrup’s side took control of the proceedings right from the kick-off. The Spaniard’s brace signified the clinical approach his side has been carrying in the past couple of fixtures and their manager couldn’t wish for anything better from arguably the best signing of his managerial career.
Ahead of the trip to Madejski stadium, Sir Alex asked for more goals from Wayne Rooney and the forward looked to have obeyed to the orders with immediate effect. One a night which saw Fergie being frustrated by some bizarre defending from his side, it was Rooney that led another United rescue to secure three points and an extended lead on the top of the table.
Spurs’ menacing striker, Jermaine Defoe resumed his promising stint at Fulham with another brace to conjure another win for his side. His prolific run maintained a smile on AVB’s face, as the forward single-handedly decimated the Fulham defence on the road to another scintillating performance.
Special mention: Robin van Persie (MU), Carlton Cole (WHU)
Here’s the eleven that dazzled this past weekend
