Premier League team of matchweek 14
The Premier League yet again provided thrills and spill galore this weekend, with several high profile scuffles, comebacks, hilarious own goals and even added-time early baths for some. But, as ever, there were also top class performers who carried their clubs, so see who stood out enough to make Coral’s Premier League team of matchweek 14.
This week, high scorers from north London dominate the side…
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
Lloris wasn’t kept very busy by Swansea City, but kept it tight at the back as Tottenham got back on track. His solid presence ensured a clean sheet and made him one of just three goalies to boast that over a weekend filled with goals.
Right back: James Tomkins (Crystal Palace)
A centre back by trade, Tomkins looked a valid choice at right back this week, helping keep Southampton quiet and even scoring to contribute along with Christian Benteke to a crucial 3-0 win.
Centre back: Marc Muniesa (Stoke City)
We’d have loved to have selected Gary Cahill here, but unfortunately the Chelsea centre half’s sublime finish went into the wrong net. So, instead, we went with a defender who did score at the right end, and that was forgotten Potters man Muniesa.
The Spaniard instigated the attack which he himself finished and aided Stoke in shutting out Burnley, a result which propelled Mark Hughes’ side into the top half. It also happened to be Muniesa’s first PL goal. Not bad.
Centre back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
Another Spurs star to celebrate signing a new contract this week, Vertonghen manned the fort well without Toby Alderweireld, helping Tottenham keep a clean sheet in his usually composed style. A cornerstone of any Tottenham success.
Left back: Patrick van Aanholt (Sunderland)
Under David Moyes, Van Aanholt is finally looking like a left back rather than a lost winger and put in another top performance against Leicester City, attracting plaudits as he provided dangerous width.
As the Black Cats collected another important three points the Dutch defender is becoming ever more important in the relegation scrap.
Right midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
Danish playmaker Eriksen was stationed wide last week as he drifted inside to score a cracking consolation for Spurs, and that goal appears to have sparked his season.
It was more of the same for the pass-master this matchweek, as he helped mastermind a demolition job on Swansea, providing an assist for Heung-Min Son and chipping in with two further goals himself. In form.
Central midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Elegant Emre Can’s silky super strike would have seen him nab this spot, but the German has to take some responsibility for Liverpool shipping four goals too.
So, instead we’ll go for Fabregas, who must have gone some way to convincing Antonio Conte of his merit, with a trademark defence-splitting pass to open up Manchester City for Diego Costa’s levelling goal in the eventual 3-1 win.
Central midfield: Francis Coquelin (Arsenal)
The story of Arsenal’s success this weekend wasn’t just due to their attacking players, as Coquelin continues to be a reliable anchor allowing the superstars confidence to bomb forwards. Kept things ticking over classily.
Left midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
Oxlade-Chamberlain can take this chance to cement his place in Arsenal’s best XI, as the England wingman excelled on the left as the Gunners thumped London rivals West Ham United 5-1. Linking up with a player further down this list superbly, as well as scoring a stunning goal and assisting another, gives Oxlade-Chamberlain a spot here.
There’s also a nod to Bournemouth impact substitute Ryan Fraser for inspiring a Cherries comeback against Liverpool too, with a goal and an assist. Well played.
Centre forward: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
What can you say? A quintessential Sanchez performance. The electric Chile international sparked into life for Arsenal with a hat-trick within just over 14 minutes to tear West Ham to shreds. As if it couldn’t get better than his brace last week.
His last, a lovely chip, was the pick of the bunch but Sanchez also had a say in opening proceedings as he supplied the also excellent Mesut Ozil for the first goal. Simply devastating and he continues to be almost unplayable since switching to the striker position permanently.
Centre forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Spurs fans can breathe a sigh of relief as their side finally showed clinical finishing on Saturday to dismantle Swansea 5-0, with hitman Kane in ruthless form with a brace. A coolly taken spot-kick and sweet finish for the second ensure the Englishman leads our line.
