Premier League team of matchweek 20: New Year stars

The winger-converted-defender whipped in twice as many crosses as any other player at Old Trafford during a man of the match display.

Centre back: James Collins (West Ham)

Liverpool’s Christian Benteke endured a miserable afternoon in east London in the first top-flight game of the New Year, as West Ham United centre back Collins kept him quiet throughout an impressive 2-0 Hammers win.

Centre back: Laurent Kosciely (Arsenal)

As well as helping to keep a clean sheet for Arsenal in their match-up with Newcastle United, French defender Koscielny popped up with a poked close-range finish to secure all three points for an unconvincing Gunners side.

Left back: Patrick van Aanholt (Sunderland)

Jermain Defoe was the star of the Sunderland show as Sam Allardyce’s Black Cats overcame relegation rivals Aston Villa, but Dutch full back Van Aanholt was also impressive.

The Wearside wideman opened proceedings with the help of a deflection and has now scored two goals in his past seven Premier League appearances, after failing to fire in his first 42.

Right midfield: Michail Antonio (West Ham)

During that strong West Ham victory over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Antonio was the man to get the ball rolling at Upton Park, as he headed home past Simon Mignolet after beginning the move himself deep in his side’s own half.

Centre midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham)

The meteoric rise of this Tottenham midfield maestro continues to impress, with the 19-year-old once again starring heavily as Mauricio Pochettino’s Londoners moved ahead in fourth position.

Alli was sublime once again, showing great composure to tuck away the Spurs equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Everton during an all-round display which will get England fans excited about his future at Euro 2016 this upcoming summer.

Centre midfield: Yaya Toure (Man City)

Toure has been criticised previously in the top tier for his indifferent displays but the astute African midfielder was influential in Manchester City’s comeback over Watford, striking before Sergio Aguero’s winner to move two points within reach of Arsenal.

Centre midfield: Alex Tettey (Norwich)

Norwich City secured a hard-fought triumph over a sliding Southampton side thanks to a superb strike from midfielder Tettey, as the Norway international scored with his team’s only shot on target.

Left midfield: Anthony Martial (Man Utd)

With Louis van Gaal seemingly under pressure at Old Trafford, his young French prodigy Martial helped to ease any panic with a dazzling display, opening proceedings before delightfully assisting Wayne Rooney’s winner.

Striker: Diego Costa (Chelsea)

It seems Guus Hiddink is working his magic again as caretaker Chelsea coach, with Costa one of the Blues stars to rediscover his former fine form. The Spain international hitman set-up Oscar and netted himself against Crystal Palace to breathe new life into the previously stuttering club.

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