Middlesbrough’s point at Arsenal sees them dominate this XI, with players from Newcastle and Sunderland also included.
It was a mixed weekend of results for the north-east’s ‘big three’, with one win, one draw and one defeat mustered between them.
Middlesbrough’s draw felt almost like a victory such was the unexpected nature of it, as Aitor Karanka’s men battled superbly to claim a goalless draw at Arsenal in what was their best performance since returning to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Sunderland remain at the foot of the table after going down 1-0 to a 94th minute strike by Winston Reid on their first ever visit to the London Stadium. Pressure is growing on David Moyes at the Stadium of Light, and with Arsenal up next this is a testing time for the Scottish boss.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are enjoying life in the second tier and ended up sealing a routine 3-0 victory over Ipswich after surviving some nervy moments with a one-goal lead.
So who makes the cut for the region’s team of the week?
Goalkeeper – Victor Valdes
The former Barcelona stopper rolled back the years with a vintage display at the Emirates, keeping the Gunners at bay with a series of first class saves to help Boro preserve their precious point.
Middlesbrough’s Victor Valdes (L)
Right-back – DeAndre Yedlin
Newcastle fans have been eager to see more of the American, who was rewarded with a start by Rafael Benitez after impressing in recent weeks.
The 23-year-old did not disappoint, as he burst into numerous forays forward and carried out his defensive duties diligently. Will now battle it out with a Benitez favourite in Vurnon Anita to become the Spaniard’s first choice at right-back.
Centre-back – Ben Gibson
The Boro youngster is rapidly making a name for himself having coped admirably with the step up to the Premier League, and Saturday’s match was the latest in his string of impressive performances.
Gibson was everywhere Boro needed him to be at the back, whether it was throwing himself into challenges, organising the back four or winning his aerial duels. The defender is certainly one to watch as the season develops.
Centre-back – Lamine Kone
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action
The only Sunderland player to make the team of the week after another limp display by the Black Cats, Kone was back from injury and his return made a difference to his side’s defence.
The 27-year-old can count himself unfortunate to have ended up on the losing side after a commanding performance – although he signed a new contract in September, more performances in this manner combined with Sunderland’s poor league position could see the vultures circling again come January.
Left-back – George Friend
Friend is a popular figure at Boro – and with good reason – but has struggled on occasion this season, notably against Wilfried Zaha and Dimitri Payet. With an in-form Theo Walcott up against him on Saturday, travelling fans may have been nervous about his ability to cope.
They need not have worried, as Friend stood up excellently to the challenge posed by the England winger and rampaging full-back Hector Bellerin. Keeping a clean sheet at the Emirates is no mean feat, and Friend played a key role in helping his side achieve just that.
Right midfield – Adama Traore
The winger was making his first Boro start in North London, and the former Aston Villa man caught the eye with a dazzling display on the right hand side.
Arsenal’s Petr Cech saves from Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore
His pace was evident throughout, and Traore nearly capped his full debut with a goal but was denied by Petr Cech. The 20-year-old’s impact was hailed by Boro fans on Twitter after this most impressive performance.
Centre midfield – Jonjo Shelvey
The 24-year-old is a class above in the Championship and proved it again on Saturday with another controlled display in the win over Ipswich at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey’s range of passing is unrivalled in the second tier, and the former Swansea man plays an integral role in keeping Newcastle moving forwards. Though talk of an England recall may be premature, the midfielder is proving to be a joy to watch for Magpies fans at this moment in time.
Centre midfield – Adam Clayton
Having played a key role in Middlesbrough’s promotion, Clayton was back to his best in the midfield battle that developed at the Emirates on Saturday.
Middlesbrough’s Adam Clayton in action
The 27-year-old formed an effective partnership with Marten De Roon in North London and, like his team, delivered his best performance of the season in arguably their toughest test yet.
Left midfield – Matt Ritchie
Saturday was not a vintage display for Ritchie, who was not as effective as he has been on Newcastle’s wing, but the Scottish international still managed to provide the moments of quality that put the game to bed.
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie
The winger set up Ayoze Perez for Newcastle’s second goal and then added the third himself with a neat finish in the space of five second half minutes to ensure the three points stayed on Tyneside.
Striker – Ayoze Perez
Dwight Gayle has claimed the headlines in front of goal for Newcastle so far this season, but Saturday was Perez’s time to shine.
Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his teams second goal
With their top scorer having a quieter day than usual, Perez filled the void with a goal in the first minute before adding a second with a composed finish in the second half. A good day’s work for the striker, who will play a key role for Benitez’s side this season.
Striker – Alvaro Negredo
The Boro man still looks to be lacking in confidence and missed a couple of good chances at the Emirates, but the Spaniard worked his socks off as part of a committed team performance.
Defending from the front is crucial in games such as Saturday’s at the Emirates, and though his finishing still touch continues to desert him Negredo can be satisfied with the effort he put in. Karanka will be hoping that one goal will set the former Manchester City striker off on a prolific run for his side.
Who would you have selected for this week’s north-east XI? Leave your comments below.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
