Ben Foster
The West Brom keeper was a huge reason for their win over in form Southampton at the weekend. He didn’t have many saves to make, but when he was called upon, he made some good stops. His dominance in his box was there for all to see as he often came to challenge aerially and his distribution was good throughout. This was the Baggies’ 11th clean sheet of the season, which ties Ben Foster with Iker Casillas for clean sheets this season, which is an incredible achievement.
Daryl Janmaat
The Newcastle right back has been one of the signings of the season and could be attracting interest from bigger clubs after his performances in the league. On Saturday, he assisted Papiss Cisse with a wonderful cross, giving the right back his sixth assist of the season, which breaks the record at Newcastle for the most assists for a defender. All of Newcastle’s plays went through the right back with his attacking play a real delight to watch. He also coped well with Scott Sinclair defensively showing that he can perform in both halves of the pitch.
Martin Skrtel
The Liverpool defender was once again on top form for the Reds as he dominated Edin Dzeko in the air and made a number of crucial interceptions to break up City attacks. Wilfried Bony also had no luck against the Serbian when he came on for City. He also showed a good mentality as he withdrew from a rash challenge on Sergio Aguero in the box, which would have cost Liverpool dearly. Skrtel has been liable to mistakes at times, but he has grown as a footballer, the last few weeks emphasize that as he is one of the best defenders in the league on form.
Fabricio Coloccini
The Newcastle captain has been inconsistent this season, which is unusual given he has been so good for them over the last few years. However, on Saturday he was back to his best against Aston Villa with his reading of the play being a real highlight. He made one crucial block towards the end of the game and his organisation of the defence was a big reason for their clean sheet. Newcastle will be hoping that the Argentine is now back to his best.
Kieran Gibbs
The Englishman has regained his place in the side from Nacho Monreal and gave a solid performance on Sunday to help Arsenal to a much needed clean sheet after the debacle against Monaco. He was solid throughout, giving Kevin Mirallas and Aaron Lennon no time on the ball and making a number of good tackles to prevent anything being created down his side. He also managed to get forward and was always an option on the left wing and showed at times that he can contribute in both halves of the pitch.
Charlie Adam
He may be an unusual choice, but the introduction of Charlie Adam at half time changed the game on Saturday. He nearly scored from distance, with his shot going just wide, he also came close from a free kick. While his deliveries from set pieces were dangerous and he added creativity that Stoke lacked in the first half. The telling contribution came as he put in a good cross which Peter Crouch headed in for the winner. The Scot could be pushing for a starting place if he continues to perform like this.
Mile Jedinak
Crystal Palace missed Jedinak when he went to play for Australia in the Asia Cup, and his importance was highlighted again on Saturday as he dominated the midfield area, setting the platform for his side to clinch a vital victory. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in the division as he can read the game well, make key interceptions, win the ball back, and win aerial duels given his imposing physique. The Australian also showed his excellent passing skills as he set up a number of attacks for his side.
Jordan Henderson
The midfielder was incredible against Manchester City, showing he can make telling contributions in big matches. His energy was amazing as he closed down City players all afternoon and showed the defensive part of his game as he made a lot of important interceptions. His link up play with the rest of the midfield was impressive and he scored a wonderful goal to give Liverpool a first half lead. He is beginning to step up and make a claim for the Liverpool captaincy in the summer, but he must be Jordan Henderson and not a lesser version of Steven Gerrard.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian is one of the in form players in the division, as he ran the Manchester City defence ragged with his dribbling and skill when on the ball. He had a slow start to the season, but he is now showing why he is regarded as such a talent. His goal was another wonder strike as it was against Southampton, while he also showed his ability to create chances for his team-mates. Liverpool are in a great position to finish in the top four again and if they do, their Brazilian would have played a huge part.
Mesut Ozil
The Arsenal midfielder was criticised in midweek for being lazy and not working hard enough, but he showed his class against Everton. He looked dangerous every time he was given the ball as he drove forward and caused the Everton defence plenty of problems. He showed once again that he could have telling impacts on games as he assisted both goals for Arsenal and created a number of other chances. He hasn’t been as good as many expected since joining the Gunners, but he showed his class on Sunday and this could be the start of a resurgence in the German.
Wayne Rooney
Manchester United have been disappointing this season and neither Robin van Persie or Falcao have scored the goals that people would expect from two world class forwards. However, Wayne Rooney has been excellent again this season and showed his class up front against Sunderland, scoring twice and leading the side well. The captain is one of the most consistent players in the division and one of the hardest workers as he continues to chase back and regain possession deep in his own half, despite being played as a forward. He showed his quality in front of goal against Sunderland and if United are going to finish in the top four, they will have to use Rooney as a striker as he guarantees goals.
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