Premier League team of matchweek 16: Palace, Hornets provide sting

Centre back: Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)

Left back: Erik Pieters (Stoke City)

Another Stoke star here, but Mark Hughes’ men deserve recognition after thwarting the Hammers. Pieters shut down that left flank doggedly and got in the way of battering ram Andy Carroll at a vital moment.

Central midfield: Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)

Central midfield: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

What a return for the Reds skipper! It was as if Henderson, causing disruption but also contributing fine distribution in the middle of the park, had never been away.

Despite driving Jurgen Klopp’s engine room, the tenacious midfielder also got his timing right for a tap-in to help stem the tide in a torrid draw for Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion.

Central midfield: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

Forward: Joshua King (Bournemouth)

King put the icing on the cake of what has been a cracking two successive matchweeks for the Cherries with a tireless display against former club Manchester United. The Norwegian followed the script by tormenting the Red Devils’ young rearguard, before netting the memorable winner at Dean Court.

Forward: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle United)

Levelliing quite late on, the typical poacher’s finish after a fumble in Spurs’ box put a spring back in the Toon Army’s stride.

Forward: Idion Ighalo

An unsung hero so often this season, but hitman Ighalo is a vital cog behind the Hornets’ surprise Premier League rise. The determined striker struck the only goal against Sunderland and, terrifically, it was his 10th of the term already.

Related

Take a glance at our previous teams of the week, or check out our Premier League page.