Pantilimon – Costel Pantilimon was excellent at the weekend as Sunderland recorded their fourth straight win in the North East derby, and their third at St James’ Park. Their goalkeeper broke into the side late after Vito Mannone’s poor start. He made several key saves on Sunday, with two against Sissoko being particularly excellent. He was dominant in his box throughout, and Newcastle got no joy out of balls into his box.
Debuchy – The right back is continuing to make an impact in the Arsenal side and has been a huge plus since returning from injury. Arsenal have had their share of defensive problems, but Debuchy has been excellent since returning and even filled in well at centre back when he was required. He scored a good goal at the weekend, if he adds more goals to his game, he will be an asset for the Gunners this season.
Yoshida – Southampton returned to winning ways at the weekend against a very good Everton side who have underperformed this season. They have had injury worries over recent weeks and that has seen them drop a few places after an excellent start. There were doubts around the back up players in the side, but Maya Yoshida played very well this weekend, making several key challenges at the back, while he also scored.
Reid – West Ham again showed their class at the weekend as they overcame Leicester with comfort. Their defence has been a key reason for their excellent start to the season with Winston Reid being pivotal to that. The New Zealand international has attracted interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool, and it’s easy to see why from Saturday’s performance as his reading of the game was superb. He was equally dominant in aerially challenges and challenges on the floor.
Young – Louis van Gaal has dealt well with his side’s defensive woes in recent weeks and has consolidated their place in the top four in the process. Despite a disappointing draw against Aston Villa, Ashley Young played well against his former club. He has had a lot of criticism come his way during his spell at Old Trafford, but he has looked good in an unfamiliar role in the absence of Luke Shaw. He provides a good option going forward, as he showed in the assist of Falcao’s goal.
Larsson – Sebastian Larsson has been a consistent player for Sunderland this season and his tireless work rate and ability on the ball shone through on Sunday. He was all over the park, making key interceptions and providing cover in defence and an outlet in attack. His delivery was dangerous as well, with one super ball almost allowing Steven Fletcher to score.
Toure – After a slow start, Yaya Toure is beginning to return to the form that we associated with him last season and that is a huge relief for Manchester City as they need goals with their striking crisis. Toure can be that man and he showed that at the weekend as he added to his tally for this season, while his box to box all action display created a lot of problems for Crystal Palace.
Fabregas – Cesc Fabregas stood out as the best player in Chelsea’s side on Monday as he scored and assisted John Terry’s goal. The influence he has on matches can’t be rivaled by many players in world football and a move away from Barcelona was much needed. He has made a huge difference to Chelsea’s starting eleven and another marvelous display on Monday highlighted that.
Silva – David Silva is the most important player for City at the moment with the likes of Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero injured, and Yaya Toure will be going away to Africa in the new year. He has always been a creative player and he has goals in his game as he showed on Saturday when he bagged a brace. The way he got between the lines was excellent and he needs to avoid injuries if City are to fight Chelsea for the title.
Austin – Charlie Austin has been a revelation this season and he could be on the brink of an England call up after the amount of goals he has scored for QPR. His goals could be the reason for QPR staying up. He scored an excellent hat-trick to turn around a 0-2 deficit showing his class at this level. West Brom are a well organised side and Austin’s individual class is why QPR got the win.
Kane – Tottenham are slowly coming into the season after a number of disappointing results at White Hart Lane, and their main goal threat has come from Harry Kane, who scored again at the weekend. His work rate and goalscoring instincts have allowed him to overtake Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor in the pecking order. Although Spurs may opt to sign another striker in January, Kane has broken through this season and could earn an England call up sooner rather than later.
