There were plenty of standout performances during a crucial weekend of Premier League action.
The Premier League was at its best at the weekend. There were moments of brilliance, stunning goals and controversial decisions as we approach a crucial point in the campaign.
There were some outstanding individual performances over the last couple of days and here is our team of the week:
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Very few ‘keepers can say that they faced Manchester City and only conceded one goal. Pope faced seven shots and was able to keep City at bay. He earned a bit of luck when Raheem Sterling put the ball wide from two yards out but Pope’s display was solid.
CB: Jack Stephens
Jack Stephens has added a new dimension to his game in recent weeks. His goal at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday was his third in as many games. His partnership with Wesley Hoedt is also growing stronger the more they play together.
CB: Ben Mee
Ben Mee put in a disciplined and battling display against the league leaders to help his side earn a point. As he always does, he his body on the line for the cause and made some crucial challenges.
CB: Danilo
Manchester City rarely allow teams too many opportunities on their goal but Danilo makes the XI more for his attacking performance. He scored a beautiful goal and could have scored another as well. The Brazilian has proved to be a useful back-up player for City this season.
LW: Jose Izquierdo
Jose Izquierdo was a constant threat for Brighton and Hove Albion against West Ham United with his pace and trickery. He scored arguably the goal of the weekend with a sensational 30-yard curler, similar to one he scored in the reverse fixture back in October.
CM: Victor Wanyama
Victory Wanyama rivalled Izquierdo for goal of the week with an absolute pile-driver against Liverpool at Anfield just a minute after coming on. The Kenyan certainly made a difference to Spurs after his introduction.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
It is rare to see a central midfielder bag a hat-trick, so Aaron Ramsey deserves huge credit for taking home the match-ball against Everton with three lovely goals. He produced a complete midfield performance against a hapless Toffees side.
CM: Mario Lemina
Mario Lemina had his best game in a Southampton shirt against West Brom. His 25-yard rocket got the Saints back in the game. Everything went through the 24-year-old at The Hawthorns as he made Southampton tick in the West Midlands.
RW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan made the perfect start to life at the Emirates. He certainly looked back to his best, creating three of Arsenal’s five goals and in unstoppable form.
ST: Mohamed Salah
Mo Salah’s brace was ultimately what got Liverpool a point against Tottenham. He pounced on Eric Dier’s poor backpass for the opener, before a dazzling run saw him skip pass four Spurs defenders to fire past Hugo Lloris. The Egyptian has now scored 21 league goals; a remarkable achievement considering it is only the start of February.
ST: Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez got off the mark for Manchester United, scoring the rebound from his penalty which was saved by Jonas Lossl. His goal was not the standout part of his performance on his Old Trafford debut though. He ran his socks off, was a constant threat and was involved in everything United created against Huddersfield Town. The Old Trafford crowd appear to already be in love with him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
