Premier League Team Of The Week Featuring Arsenal & Manchester City Stars – Gameweek 10

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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Midfield:

Mehdi Abeid

On his Premier League debut, Mehdi Abeid dominated a midfield of Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson. His powerful build allows him to put himself about, which is crucial for a Premier League defensive midfielder. He was also neat in possession and showed some good bursts into the Liverpool half. Abeid was equally as impressive against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup, it looks like Newcastle have a player on their hands.

Victor Wanyama

The Kenyan was a powerhouse in the middle of the park for Southampton, winning the battle against Mo Diame, which is never an easy task. His reading of the game was superb as he made key interceptions and challenges throughout the match, while his passing was on key. His goal was excellent as his quick thinking and skill allowed him to lift the ball into the net, it’s a chance many players would have put over the bar.

Stewart Downing

He was exceptional on Saturday, providing the heartbeat for the West Ham side, and he was one of the key figures that led the Hammers to recovering from a two goal deficit. His passing range was decent, while his driving runs through the middle of the park pierced Stoke open at times. Downing made the assist for Enner Valencia’s goal with a superb cross, before his powerful finish leveled things.

Alexis Sanchez

 

Once again the little Chilean sparked Arsenal to a victory with two clinical finishes, one with his head and one with his feet. His positioning and the timing of his runs is very hard to defend against, while on the ball he is brilliant and is able to change the game in an instant. He will have to show it more in big games as the season progresses, but he looks like a player that could reignite Arsenal as a trophy challenging force.

Wilfried Zaha

The winger caused Sunderland a lot of problems as he burst through their midfield too many times for comfort, it looked like the ball was glued to his feet at times as he evaded challenges with ease. His pace and close control make him a danger to any back four, Sunderland looked scared of him at times, while his ball led to the Palace equaliser. His side may have lost, but it looks like he may finally be adjusting to the Premier League.

Sergio Aguero

He may not have been at his best, but Sergio Aguero scored the vital winning goal in the Manchester derby. World class player produce in the big matches and that’s what the forward did on Sunday. The match was even bigger than normal, due to City’s poor form of late, but their talisman has given them a huge boost going into a season defining week with the Champions League. He was tricky to defend against with his tight ball control.