Simon Mignolet
The Liverpool goalkeeper was once again superb on Sunday against Southampton, making a number of impressive stops on the way to yet another clean sheet. After a poor start to the campaign, the Belgian has really improved and is probably the current in form goalkeeper in the Premier League. His distribution was shaky to start with, but it improved as the game progressed. He was perhaps lucky to stay on the field as he was shown to handle the ball out of the area, but it was always going to be a tough one for the officials to give. On that occasion, it was a wonderful piece of awareness from the keeper to stop the hosts from scoring, even if he did so illegally.
Branislav Ivanovic
The Chelsea defender scored yet another goal at the weekend which gave his side the lead against Burnley. Although they didn’t get the three points, his goals are getting his side points and that shows just how vital he is to Chelsea’s hopes of winning silverware this season. He is dependable in defence and one of the best players aerially in the league, while his powerful runs forward cause problems for all defences.
Martin Skrtel
The Liverpool defender was on top form against Southampton, dominating Graziano Pelle in the aerial battle. Southampton did revert to long balls a lot due to the away side’s relentless pressing, but the Slovakian international was too good in the air for the hosts to get any success that way. There were a few moments of panic for Skrtel as Eljero Elia got in behind the Liverpool defence a few times, but overall he was good and was key to the away side’s victory.
Jason Shackell
The Burnley defender put in a hugely important display at Stamford Bridge, as he helped his side earn what could be a crucial point. He has been in good form this season and after spells in the top flight before, he is starting to show that he could be consistent enough to play at this level for the next few years. He put in a number of good tackles, while he never let the opposition have too much space on the ball. He wasn’t overawed playing against one of the top clubs. He showed leadership and was a big part of Burnley getting a positive result.
Aaron Cresswell
The West Ham left back shone again at White Hart Lane, and it isn’t surprising to hear that some want him in the England set up. However, competition is fierce in the left back spot at the moment. The defender got the assist for the opener with a wonderful piece of play in the opposition half and it once again showed his capabilities as an attacker, while his defensive display was also impressive. He is 25 which is older than some might think, given he went under the radar until this season, but he is finally making his mark in the top flight.
Esteban Cambiasso
The Leicester midfielder has brought a lot of class to the club this season, consistently playing well in the middle of the park. At times this season, he has looked out of place in the Leicester side as he has tried through balls and passes which are just too good for his teammates. He sees spaces which few players see, and has on occasion forgotten that he is now playing in a relegation threatened side and not a Champions League outfit. However, at Goodison Park, he was brilliant. His passing range was key in setting up attacks and his calmness allowed his side to keep possession. The Argentine international also managed to score his side’s opening goal, which was pivotal in their comeback.
Ki Sung-Yueng
The Swansea midfielder once again got onto the score sheet and gave a solid performance against Manchester United. His goal was well taken as he ghosted into the area to tuck Jonjo Shelvey’s cross past David de Gea. It was an instinctive goal and highlighted that Ki can have an impact in the attacking half. His passing and link up play was also excellent throughout. He is showing consistency this season and it’s difficult to see why he was allowed to leave on loan last season as Swansea are a lot better with the South Korean in the side.
David Silva
The Manchester City player was exceptional this weekend and ran riot against a very poor Newcastle side, but don’t let that take away from the Spaniard’s performance. He managed to get two goals, which were both taken expertly well. However the best piece of skill didn’t come with one of his own goals, but with the assist for Edin Dzeko. The midfielder played a wonderfully weighted ball over Fabricio Coloccini giving his team mate the easiest task of putting the ball into the net. Manchester City face a huge test against Barcelona during the week. If Silva is on form, they just might manage to beat Messi and Co.
Philippe Coutinho
The Liverpool midfielder put in a good display against Southampton, scoring a wonderful goal from distance to give his side an early lead. The Brazilian is improving with every game this season and showed his quality with a number of nice touches in the opposition half. His vision is up there with the best creative midfielders in the league and he could be vital for his side as they chase a second successive top four finish. Liverpool struggled early on in the season and so did Coutinho, but now both are hitting form, with the midfielder looking like he is going to score plenty more goals this season.
Danny Welbeck
The Arsenal attacker showed a lot of positives to his game on Saturday as he tries to gain a starting spot in the Gunners side. His running was tireless throughout as he continued to chase Palace defenders, while he showed some positive touches with the ball at his feet. His pace and strength caused the home side plenty of problems, while the timing of his runs was great, with one earning the penalty for the first goal. Welbeck has long had potential to become a top player for club and country, he needs to get a place in the Arsenal team and performances like these will help him do just that.
Harry Kane
The Spurs striker once again pulled his side out of the mire to gain a point after falling two goals behind against London rivals West Ham. Kane scored a late goal after missing the penalty, but his overall impact on the side is clear. He is the leader of this side on the pitch with many of his team mates looking at him for inspiration despite his tender years. England has to be looking at the striker, as nobody eligible for the Three Lions is in better form than Kane. He was a threat all game, hitting the post with an early effort. It looks impossible to stop this man at the moment.