Despite little changing at the top and bottom of the Premier League, this weekend was full of impressive performances. But who makes our best XI?
Matthew Ryan
Goalkeeper: Brighton
Brighton’s goalkeeper was absolutely impeccable at Old Traffor. He made 4 saves against the high-powered Red Devils and was only beaten by an unreal deflection.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Centre-back: Chelsea
Chelsea’s Spanish stopper was supreme in their big clash against Liverpool, making 6 effective clearances, 2 interceptions and winning 6/7 tackles.
Ragnar Klavan
Centre-back: Liverpool
Liverpool’s much-maligned defender came good in the clash against Chelsea, making an incredible 11 effective clearances.
Shane Duffy
Centre-back: Brighton
Duffy was Brighton’s defensive pillar against Manchester United. The Irishman had 10 effective clearances, 1 interception and won 2/3 tackles at Old Trafford.
Raheem Sterling
Right-wing: Manchester City
Manchester City were losing 1-0 at half-time against Huddersfield. They needed a hero. Up stepped Raheem Sterling who won their equalising penalty then scored the late winner too. The Englishman is playing superbly this season so far.
James Ward-Prowse
Central midfield: Southampton
Southampton picked up a big win against Everton and James Ward-Prowse was key to that. He ran midfield, creating 5 chances, getting 1 assist and completing 4 crosses.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Central midfield: Watford
Doucoure remains the heart of Watford’s midfield unit; winning 3/4 tackles and making 2 interceptions to help the Hornets win 0-3 at St. James Park.
Ryan Bertrand
Left-wing: Southampton
Southampton’s big win was in part powered by Bertrand’s creative potency. Bertrand created Saints’ first two goals with a nice pass and a stupendous cross.
Eden Hazard
Attacking midfield: Chelsea
Chelsea’s main man was almost unplayable again as his side took on Liverpool. Hazard won 9/11 dribbles, completed 4/7 crosses and created 5 chances against the Reds.
Salomon Rondon
Striker: West Brom
Rondon scored just one, but the stunning nature of the goal is worthy of inclusion here. Sent through on goal, Rondon boyed off Davinson Sánchez, shoving him aside before wrong-footing Hugo Lloris with the finish. An enormous goal that won West Brom a wicked point.
Charlie Austin
Striker: Southampton
It was 1-1 at St. Mary’s when Charlie Austin struck twice in 7 minutes to put the match out of Everton’s reach. Two towering headers to heap more misery on David Unsworth.
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