From a Manchester United midfielder to Liverpool’s next legend, here is a combined XI of the best performers in gameweek 12 of the Premier League.
Gomes
Goalkeeper – Watford
The Brazilian stopper is 36 years old but in is playing as well as he ever has. Gomes was supreme against West Ham. He made 5 saves, some of them incredible, to preserve Watford’s clean sheet.
Laurent Koscielny
Centre-back – Arsenal
Finally we got a glimpse of the “old” Laurent Koscielny as, reunited with Shkodran Mustafi, the French defender dominated Spurs’ attack at the Emirates and secure victory for Arsenal.
Shkodran Mustafi
Centre-back – Arsenal
Dismissed talk of a summer move as poppycock, and Arsenal fans will be delighted to hear that after his excellent performance against Spurs. 1 goal, 2 interceptions and 14 effective clearances put him in this team.
Nathan Aké
Centre-back – Bournemouth
His display against Huddersfield will confound Chelsea fans who will wish they could have seen this Aké in blue. He put in 14 effective clearances, 2 blocks, 1 interception, and 100% tackle success.
Jonjoe Kenny
Right wing-back – Everton
Everton’s young right-back was caught out after 50 seconds for Crystal Palace’s first goal, but rebounded to put in a superb performance. A league-high 8 interceptions stands out, as does 6 effective clearances, 4/6 tackles-won and 1 chance created.
Paul Pogba
Central midfield – Manchester United
The majestic Paul Pogba returned to Premier League action and instantly made Manchester United (and the league) better. Set-up the first goal, scored the third and ran the show from start to finish.
Kevin De Bruyne
Central midfield – Manchester City
De Bruyne’s goal was the kind of thing you just don’t see anymore. A straight-as-an-arrow strike from the edge of the box that rose perfectly still at lightning speed into the top of the net. Manchester City’s midfield general is almost in a class of his own in the division.
Ashley Young
Left wing-back – Manchester United
No one ever thought Ashley Young was going to be this good as a full-back for Manchester United, and yet here we are. Young completed 3/6 crosses, created 2 chances (1 assist), won 4/4 tackles and made 3 interceptions and 3 effective clearances.
Mohamed Salah
Right-wing – Liverpool
What more can you say about Salah? Two goals, the first a gorgeous curling effort from the edge of the box and the second a wonderfully clipped finish, handed Liverpool a much-needed win.
Eden Hazard
Left-wing – Chelsea
The Champions’ brilliant Belgian is slowly whirring to life again. Won 7/8 dribble attempts and was involved in three of Chelsea’s four goals. His composure to ’round the goalkeeper for his first is worthy of inclusion alone.
Callum Wilson
Striker: Bournemouth
It’s not every day that you get to score a Premier League hat-trick, even rarer is the occasion that you can do it from just 4 shots. Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson did both against Huddersfield. Take a bow, son.
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