Below, Coral football writers pick out our pick of players that impressed us most for our Team of the Week…
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
Danish stopper Schmeichel kept his 10th clean sheet of the season and a couple of crucial saves along the way to help the Foxes extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, as his side beat Watford 1-0 away.
Right back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
Although the Gunners conceded two goals, young Spaniard Bellerin helped set up two goals to draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane despite the visitors being down to 10 men for more than 35 minutes.
Centre back: Gareth McAuley (West Bromwich Albion)
Manchester United may have been down to 10 men too, since Juan Mata’s dismissal after just 26 minutes, but still McAuley had to be at his best to ensure the Baggies kept out the top four-chasing Red Devils.
There were plenty of red cards shown this weekend, and the Saints had one too as Van Dijk’s partner at centre half, Jose Fonte, was given his marching orders after 79 minutes when the score was still 0-0. Sunderland scored soon after, but the Dutch defender’s late effort ensured a crucial point for the hosts.
Left back: Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth)
The Cherries continued their late surge in the season to further distance themselves from the drop zone as they beat Newcastle United away 3-1. Daniels was solid in defence, before making sure all the points were Bournemouth’s late on by finding the net.
Right wing: Diafra Sakho (West Ham United)
Needing to score three goals in the last 12 minutes against Everton for victory, Senegal attacker Sakho played a big part in making sure the Hammers achieved that, as he scored the equaliser and set up goal and set up Dimitri Payet’s winner.
Centre midfield: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City)
Swansea’s bid for survival was boosted as Sigurdsson’s strike after an hour against fellow strugglers Norwich City was ultimately the difference in south Wales.
Centre midfield: Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
Payet has been one of the best Premier League players of the season, and he produced yet another fine performance at Goodison Park, hitting the winner and setting up another during West Ham’s terrific comeback.
Left wing: David Silva (Manchester City)
Man City eased the pressure off themselves after a recent slump in form by smashing Aston Villa for four, as they are now just five points behind Spurs in second with a game in hand. Silva’s contribution was highly important once again as he provided two assists for his teammates.
Striker: Joshua King (Bournemouth)
King hasn’t scored many this season, but his goal and assist at St James’ Park see his side now 11 points above the relegation zone.
Striker: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
When fit, Aguero is one of the most lethal players in front of goal in the world, and his two goals against Villa helped City to a 4-0 win. The Argentine was unlucky not to hit a hat-trick, though, after missing a penalty.
