Goalkeeper:
Costel Pantilimon
After coming in for the error prone Vito Mannone, the former Manchester City goalkeeper was excellent in goal. He provided a calming presence in the net, which was needed at Sunderland. He was dominant in the air, coming for crosses showing his confidence, while his save from Marouane Chamakh was world class, despite it leading to the own goal. The keeper now has a chance to secure the number one spot and performances like today will do that.
Defenders:
Nathaniel Clyne
The right back was excellent in front of a watching Roy Hodgson. His pace and power are his biggest assets as it allows him to recover and to prevent quick wingers beating him in the first place. He is also very physical allowing him to shrug attackers like Hatem Ben Arfa off the ball. The Frenchman is a huge talent, but Clyne defended against him with ease. Going forward, he is a huge threat with the ability to getting to the byline, and delivering some great crosses. He should be starting for England.
Ashley Williams
The Swansea captain once again showed why he is one of the most consistent centre backs in the country as he managed to lead his side to a clean sheet at Goodison Park, which is never easy. He managed to prevent Romulu Lukaku from getting an eye of goal, and dominated in the air. The Welsh international provides a solid base for Swansea, and if they continue to keep clean sheets, they will stay in the top half as they have the firepower to score goals.
Vincent Kompany
After questions were arising about the Manchester City defence, Vincent Kompany showed once again why he is considered one of the best defenders in the world. He managed to prevent Manchester United from having many clear cut chances, with Robin van Persie being subbed off for a youngster for his poor performance. The Dutchman wasn’t given much of a chance to impress and a lot of that was down to Kompany.
Paul Dummett
The Newcastle left back is really starting to establish himself as a Premier League player. He kept Raheem Sterling quiet all game, which is no easy doing as he stayed tight to the England international and made several key challenges. He also contributed going forwards, with his work down the left hand side playing a huge part in the winning goal. It looks like the Newcastle academy is starting to produce and Dummett symbolises that.
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