Players from Reading, Manchester United, Wigan Athletic, Swansea City, Everton, Liverpool, and Norwich City all feature in our team of the weekend.
Well what a boring weekend of Premier League football following the events of midweeks action in the Carling Cup! Just sixteen goals across ten games proved that in many cases it was a good days work for defenders and as a result selection for the defensive spots proved hardest to decide.
Despite the lack of goals, the Premier League retained its excitement levels with shock results as Chelsea and Man City both failed to register wins against Swansea and West Ham respectively, whilst Wigan upset the odds to slay Spurs at White Hart Lane. Wigan represent well in this weekends team as do Manchester United who comfortably beat Arsenal to strengthen their total hopes.
Anyway enough of the talking, here’s my team of the weekend…
GK: Alex McCarthy – Whilst Readings first choice of last year, Adam Federici, has been dreadful so far this season, young McCarthy has taken the bull by the horns with a series of impressive displays including against QPR yesterday afternoon. In particular his fantastic stop to halt Adel Taarabt proved vital in guaranteeing the Royals another point to add to their league tally.
Unlucky to miss out: John Ruddy
RB: Rafael da Silva – So far arguably the most improved player of the season, the Brazilian makes his third appearance in the HITC team of the week, though it could’ve been more. Never been any doubts as to his attacking abilities, which were highlighted with the fortunate cross for Van Persie’s first goal against visitors Arsenal, but he seems to be improving his basic defending abilities too. Encouraging for United fans.
Unlucky to miss out: Vernon Anita
CB: Ivan Ramis – After a shaky start to his Premier League career, Wigan’s summer signing has begun to firmly find his feet at this level with another excellent defensive display against Spurs. A member of Wigan’s solid back three, Ramis shone particularly with a strong display of dominance against Tottenham lone striker Jermain Defoe, to fully justify his selection in this weeks side.
Unlucky to miss out: James Collins
CB: Ashley Williams – On paper the task of handling the attacking trio of Hazard, Oscar and Torres looked like one that Williams was unlikely to come out on top of, but the Welshman led his defence admirably to earn a deserved draw against the Champions League holders. Cool and calm on the ball whilst solid defensively, if Williams could produce such performances every week he’d be up there with the leagues best.
Unlucky to miss out: Ron Vlaar
LB: Patrice Evra – Much criticism was fired at Evra at the start of this season following claims that the Frenchman was over the hill but Evra rolled back the years against Arsenal to help United to a key three points with what turned out to be the winning goal. Despite his attacking success, the left back also defended solidly, ensuring his place in the side for at least a few more games.
Unlucky to miss out: Javier Garrido
WG: Shaun Maloney – The main fulcrum of Wigan’s attacking play, Maloney features on the team of the week for a second time in a row after a strong display against Spurs. A menace on the ball, Maloney moved inside time and time again to form a great understanding with Wigan’s front two, Di Santo and Kone, setting up plenty of opportunities for the pair to put the game beyond doubt.
Unlucky to miss out: Adel Taarabt
CM: Marouane Fellaini – The Belgian hasn’t made the team for a while after a sensational start to the season but returned to form against Fulham on Saturday with a bang. With Fellaini in your team you always know there’s the chance of a goal from nothing and two more were added to his tally for the season against The Cottagers to place Everton firmly in command; Though they couldn’t hold on for the win, Fellaini was devoid of fault.
Unlucky to miss out: Jay Tabb
CM: Leon Britton – Having been held in such high esteem last season for his displays for the Swans, Britton seems to have slipped under the radar this season with a series of forgettable performances. However tasked with shielding the Swansea defence, Britton marshalled the attacking threat of Chelsea effectively to assist Williams & co in conceding just the one goal.
Unlucky to miss out: Michael Carrick
WG: Wes Hoolahan – The Norwich man has always had the talent to play at the top level but his inconsistency has often proved problematic. Nevertheless against Stoke the attacker was near his mercurial finest, pulling the strings as he drifted effortlessly across from once side of the pitch to the other, a nightmare to pick up. Norwich will need more performances like this if they are to stay p this season.
Unlucky to miss out: Kevin Mirallas
SS: Luis Suarez – The Uruguayan let his ability do all the talking this weekend with an excellent display of attacking brilliance against Newcastle, digging Liverpool out of a perilous position with a brilliant equaliser full of craft and skill. At times the striker appeared untouchable and sure enough it was Suarez who fooled Coloccini into a lunge late on that would get the Argentinian sent off. This is the Suarez we all want to see.
Unlucky to miss out: Victor Moses
ST: Robin Van Persie – With much focus placed on Van Persie’s reunion with his old side, it wouldn’t have surprised many should the Dutchman have been overwhelmed by the occasion, but as always Van Persie produced the goods. A goal in the third minute set a platform for United to build upon, and his constant attacking intent caused Arsenal endless issues defensively with clever movement.
Unlucky to miss out: Djibril Cisse
image: © nicksarebi
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