Premier League Team Of The Week Featuring Chelsea, Spurs, Man City & Former Arsenal Star – Gameweek 7

Goal Keeper:

David de Gea:

There have been doubts about David de Gea this season as Manchester United still adjust to the new regime, but the goalkeeper was superb this summer and in an age in which the Spanish goalkeepers are on the decline, de Gea has a great chance of becoming international number one. He made several good saves at the weekend, including a world class save from Leon Osman in the last minute, while he also stopped Leighton Baines from the spot.

Defence:

Branislav Ivanovic:

Arsenal were far from the team that rolled over at Stamford Bridge last season and they looked more dangerous going forward. However the Chelsea defence coped well and Branislav Ivanovic once again showed his composure at the back. He offers a lot in the right back position as he is solid, strong, dominant and he can go forwards and make a few contributions. He made a lot of good interceptions and tackles this weekend.

Vincent Kompany:

Manchester City looked a lot better at the back this weekend and it was a brilliant performance from the captain that really aided that. The Belgian is without doubt the best central defender in the league and he showed that as he gave a dominating performance to give his side a platform to win away from home. They lost this fixture last season, therefore it was no means a certainty that they were going to win, especially with their own defensive frailties, but they did and the performance of Kompany was a big reason for that.

Eliaquim Mangala: 

The Champions’ defence was so impressive that I felt the need to include both central defenders. Mangala had an awful game last week against Hull, it was brave for Manuel Pellegrini to keep him in the side, but he did just that and the Frenchman repaid his manager with an excellent display. The recovery from last week shows the mental strength of Mangala. Alongside Kompany, he will thrive and City could have the best defence in the league, making them serious contenders to retain their title.

Danny Rose:

Tottenham managed to beat an in form Southampton which was an achievement, while Danny Rose continued his good form this season. He has been excellent both defensively and offensively as his pace causes lot of problems, while it also allows him to make up for any defensive errors he makes. Last season he was disliked by the Spurs’ supporters, now he has confirmed himself as first choice ahead of Ben Davies, which may be a result of Mauricio Pochettino’s style of play.

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Midfield:

Cesc Fabregas: 

Although Diego Costa is scoring the goals, it has been Cesc Fabregas who has been the most impressive addition this summer for Chelsea. His passing range was once again fantastic against Arsenal, as he dictated play, while creating a lot of positive situations for Chelsea. The Spaniard also got an assist on Saturday, making it 7 for the season.

Alex Song:

West Ham have made an incredible signing in Alex Song who is fast becoming one of the best defensive midfielders in the division again. He may not do the headline grabbing things, like scoring goals or creating them, but he is one of the best at retrieving the ball and he has a great eye for a pass, which allows him to put his side on the front foot. Many were surprised West Ham managed to sign him and if he continues to play like he did on Sunday, it’s difficult to see the Hammers keeping him.

Eden Hazard:

Eden Hazard gave one of his performances of the season on Sunday as he tortured the Arsenal defence at will. He went on one brilliant run, which saw him run past several Arsenal defenders, before drawing a penalty. It was some exceptional individual talent and he then got up and slotted away the penalty. The Belgian is simply unstoppable in that form.

David Silva: 

David Silva was central to everything that Manchester City did on Saturday as he got into the pockets behind the midfield and pulled the strings, creating several great opportunities for the Champions. He may not have got an assist or a goal, but his creativity put Villa on the back foot, allowing City the space to create their two goals.

Wayne Routledge: 

Wayne Routledge is a player who should really be in the England squad, ahead of players like Andros Townsend, while club team-mate Nathan Dyer should also be in the reckoning. Routledge was class at the weekend, beating Daryl Janmaat on several occasions, and he took his goal with ease. His direct running will always cause problems in the Premier League and he has come on a lot since joining the Swans.

Attack:

Papiss Cisse: 

After two seasons with little luck in front of goal, it looks like Papiss Cisse is back to the form he showed when he came to the Premier League. He scored two poachers goals at the weekend. He has all but saved Alan Pardew’s job with two braces in three matches, the Senegalese striker is back. Newcastle are in a precarious situation at the moment, but with an in form Cisse, they will soon climb the table. He has the best goals per minute ratio in the league this season, showing just how deadly in front of goal he has been.