Premier League team of matchweek 17: Treble of stars at the double

Centre back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Azpilicueta has thrived in his new role as the right-sided central defender in Antonio Conte’s back three, and he helped the Blues claim a third successive 1-0 win on Saturday as his side beat Crystal Palace away.

The Spaniard also set up Diego Costa for the sole goal of the match from a brilliant cross out wide.

Centre back: Winston Reid (West Ham)

Along with the post, Hammers vice-captain Reid put in a solid shift at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

West Ham have now recorded two wins and as many clean sheets in a row, largely thanks to the New Zealander.

Left back: Patrick van Aanholt (Sunderland)

Van Aanholt’s effort at the weekend was perhaps the most crucial of any in this team, though, as his strike just after half time against Watford gave the Black Cats a first win in three.

Sunderland are now just one point away from safety, after previously looking in a far more precarious position.

Right wing: Jesse Lingard (Man Utd)

Lingard has been a bit-part player for United this term, playing nine times in the league, but his all-round display on Saturday evening helped them on their way to a 2-0 win.

The Red Devils academy graduate’s pin-point cross from the right inside just five minutes set up Zlatan Ibrahimovic to simply nod in from close range.

Centre midfield: Mark Noble (West Ham)

Hammers senior players certainly led by example on Saturday, as both vice-captain Reid and skipper Noble put in decent shifts.

Penalty specialist Noble concerted from the spot yet again late on in the game, to help his side battle past fellow strugglers Hull City.

Centre midfield: Marten de Roon (Middlesbrough)

Boro summer signing De Roon’s form this season was good enough to earn himself a maiden Netherlands cap last month, and he was at it again this weekend.

The 25-year-old midfielder scored last for Middlesbrough in a 3-0 win, and also ensured a clean sheet for his side, who are four points above the drop zone.

Left wing: Jay Rodriguez (Southampton)

Rodriguez is now beginning to show glimpses of his former self, as he continues to regain form after a long spell on the sidelines last season.

The England cap started up front, but we’ve put him in his more familiar position out wide, and he well and truly delivered by bagging a brilliant brace for the Saints against south coast rivals Bournemouth.

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd)

Ibrahimovic continues to defy his age (35), as his double against in-form West Brom saw his tally go up to 16 goals in just 25 matches in all competitions for Man Utd.

The superstar Swede headed in from Lingard’s cross early, before scoring from a superb solo move to finish off the game in the second half.

Striker: Alvaro Negredo (Middlesbrough)

Another forward to net two this weekend, Negredo is now starting to find his scoring boots after striking both in the first half.

The Spain international, on loan from Valencia, broke the deadlock before putting Boro 2-0 up thanks to a penalty.

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