Aston Villa, Arsenal, Wigan Athletic, Everton, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester United players feature in our XI.
Happy Monday morning, it’s that time again when I announce the Here Is The City team of the week. It’s been another exciting weekend of Premier League football (Stoke – Sunderland aside) and many players have impressed for their respective clubs.
We’ve seen the return of key players from long term injuries, controversial refereeing decisions and the celebration of honourable centurions. Now for another celebration, of those who excelled most to make it into our team. So here it is, enjoy!
GK: Brad Guzan – Guzan retains his place in my team of the week from last week following yet another impressive performance for the Villans. Had to be at his best all afternoon to keep Norwich’s attacking threat out, and that he conceded just the once despite a second half onslaught proves just how good his performance was. Could be key to Villa’s season hopes.
Unlucky to miss out: Joe Hart
RB: Bacary Sagna – Returning to the side for the first time in the league this season, Sagna had the unenviable task of stepping into the boots of the impressive Carl Jenkinson but did so with aplomb. Displayed a great attitude towards attacking and offering Arsenal an extra attacking dimension, whilst retaining sit of the importance of his defensive duties. Excellent return.
Unlucky to miss out: Jose Bosingwa
CB: Ron Vlaar – Tasked with marking Norwich’s dangerman, Grant Holt, Vlaar’s power proved too much for the striker who endured a frustrating afternoon. With Bennett losing his head, responsibility to marshall Villa’s inexperienced defence fell on the summer signing. Nevertheless the Dutchman thrived under the pressure and could walk away with his head held high.
Unlucky to miss out: Michael Turner
CB: Ivan Ramis – A wonder strike grabbed my attention initially, but then when I focused on Ramis’ all-round performance, it was hard to argue his inclusion. Andy Carroll has been on fire for West Ham but Caldwell and Ramis kept the striker quiet all Saturday afternoon with fantastic positioning and strength. As for the goal, even the best of strikers would’ve been delighted with that.
Unlucky to miss out: Robert Huth
LB: Leighton Baines – Don’t let the own goal fool you in to thinking Baines had a poor game. Unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, Baines didn’t let the slip up affect the rest of his game and demonstrated excellent full back skills in getting up and down the left touchline. There simply is no better left back in the league right now, and not many in the world in all honesty.
Unlucky to miss out: Jan Vertonghen
WG: Juan Mata – It’s tempting to simply copy and paste what I write about Mata in this column on a weekly basis such has been the impressive nature of the Chelsea mans form, which continued once again against United. As Chelsea began to mount a fantastic comeback everything went through Mata once again, creating opportunities for fun. His free kick was exceptional too, and general technical ability is second to none.
Unlucky to miss out: Michael Kightly
CM: James Perch – Perhaps a surprising selection into this weeks team, but Perch displayed against West Brom a willingness to fit in wherever Pardew requires filling and perform to his best ability. Didn’t shirk on tackles, proving an effective shelter to the defence, despite failing to contribute so much going forward. Arguably the Premier League’s most underrated player.
Unlucky to miss out: Chris Baird
CM: Jack Wilshere – Like his teammate Sagna, the game against QPR signalled a long awaited return to action following injury. When Wilshere came off after 60 minutes, fans were left drooling at a performance full of vigour & intent. Ball retention was fantastic and the young Englishman barely misplaced a pass all afternoon. Could form a superb partnership beside Arteta.
Unlucky to miss out: Leon Osman
WG: Shaun Maloney – Man of the match against West Ham, Maloney caused Wigan’s opposition problems all day utilising his understanding with Kone and Di Santo regularly. As an attacking unit Wigan were decisive, penetrative and positive, attributes that certainly could be thrown at Maloney’s performance. Created chances at will and a pass completion rate of 93% rounded off a fantastic display.
Unlucky to miss out: Gareth Bale
ST: Luis Suarez – Once again Suarez’s controversial antics will take some of the attention away from another strong individual performance from the Uruguayan. Chipping in with a goal and an assist for Baines’ own goal, as well as unfortunately being denied a legitimate winner was evidence alone of how important he is to Liverpool’s attack. Pool would be battling relegation without him.
Unlucky to miss out: Arouna Kone
ST: Robin Van Persie – Guess who’s back, back again. The Dutchman hasn’t appeared on as many teams of the week as last year, but has been slowly improving game by game for United. That progression continued with a responsible and mature performance leading the line for the Red Devils against Chelsea. Like Suarez, a goal and an assist mean Van Persie will have been happy with his days work.
Unlucky to miss out: Mario Balotelli
image: © Viking-
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