Team of the Week in the English Premier League (Matchday 4)
The last weekend of football was preceded by an international break, and as a result everyone was eager for the football to kick off this weekend. And no one was disappointed by what they saw. We saw plenty of good and exciting football across the league. Here is the team of the week in a 4-3-2-1 formation:
GK-Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Liverpool at Liberty Stadium on September 16, 2013 in Swansea, Wales. (Getty Images)
He was excellent against the Swans at the Liberty stadium. He made 5 good saves out of which a couple were world class. He dominated his box and was good in anticipating danger. Even though he conceded two goals, he was the best keeper over the weekend.
LB-Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)
Since returning from Sunderland, Rose has been magnificent for Tottenham. Against Norwich too he put in a splendid showing. He was constantly bombarding up the left flank and was equally quick in getting back to cover. His tackles were assured and he formed a brilliant combination with Andros Townsend.
CB-Sebastian Bassong (Norwich City)
He ended up on the losing side against Spurs, but was brilliant in the match all along. He produced two last ditch blocks to prevent what looked like certain goals and led the Canaries’ defence as they struggled against a Spurs side in full flow.
CB-Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Though not very flashy, Jagielka was brilliant against Chelsea. He won every header and did not let anyone in a Chelsea shirt get past him. He was simple yet efficient in defence and put in a first-class performance. He made a couple of key interceptions too and hardly put a foot wrong.
RB-Fabio (Manchester United)
He started for Manchester United after a long time and looked impressive. He is better than his brother Rafael when it comes to attacking and was constantly seen exchanging passes with Antonio Valencia down the right flank. He was pretty good in defence too and was never exposed.
CDM-Gareth Barrry (Everton)
On his debut for the Toffees, Barry was magnificent. He provided a strong shield in front of the back four and made a couple of very good tackles, one on Juan Mata and one on Samuel Eto’o, the latter of which prevented a certain goal. He linked up brilliantly with his team, and even though his passing was not exciting, it was efficient, as he kept the ball rolling at all times and was always available for a pass.
RCM-Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotpsur)
The Dane was in good form as he started the match for the North Londoners. He showed efficiency of movement and passing and made perfect passes all day. He had a decisive role in both the goals scored by Spurs and was the Man of the Match for me.
LCM-Charlie Adam (Stoke City)
The former Blackpool man seems to be enjoying himself under the new regime of Mark Hughes. Against Hughes’ old club, Manchester City, he was simply omnipotent. He was everywhere – taking shots, putting in through balls, fizzing in crosses and breaking down City’s passing. He showed how good his much feared left foot is and was the best player on the pitch.
LAM-Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Mesut Oezil of Arsenal during the match at Stadium of Light on September 14, 2013 in Sunderland, England. (Getty Images)
Many expected him to have an immediate impact and he did not disappoint. He started off the game linking up neatly with Jack Wilshere, playing efficient one-twos. Then he put Theo Walcott clean through on goal twice in a span of 13 minutes. Ultimately, it was his grounded cross that was swept in by Olivier Giroud for Arsenal’s opener. He left the Sunderland defence chasing shadows with his movement and showed what a quality player he is.
RAM-Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Ramsey at the moment could give a lesson or two to Theo Walcott about finishing. He finished off two beautiful moves with sumptuous strikes and looked very much the finished product he has threatened to be since the last couple of seasons. Apart from his goals, he linked up really well with Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere, and for me was the best player of the weekend.
CF–Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a free kick during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on September 14, 2013.(ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)
The English striker was sporting a cushioned headband that made him look like a Saudi prince from afar. He started the game and played really well. As Sir Alex Ferguson looked on, Rooney looked to be slowly coming back to his best and showing his true class. He capped off a perfect game with a brilliantly curled free kick that would have reminded Sir Alex just how good the Liverpool born United striker is.
Do you agree with this team? Who else do you think deserved a place in the side? Let us know in the comments section below.