Premier League team of matchweek 9: Four star Wijnaldum thrills
Holly Thackeray | October 19th
Coral’s magnificent Premier League team of matchweek nine
It was back to business in style for the Premier League, following a frenetic international break. In a majestic matchweek featuring several thrilling scorelines and superb solo efforts, there were plenty of fantastic performers to pick from. So, who made our excellent XI? Read on to find out..
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
There are few better ways to impress a new boss than by keeping a clean sheet on his dugout debut, and Mignolet did that brilliantly, saving Jurgen Klopp’s blushes on his Liverpool bow. The Belgian denied several Tottenham chances which could have changed the game.
Right back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
Arsenal assist machine Bellerin was once again instrumental from right back, his romps down the right flank causing Watford endless issues, as the Spaniard also set up the third and final Gunners goal.
Centre back: Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
It seems Smalling is a regular feature nowadays, but the centre half just keeps on putting in superb shifts for United (6/1 with Coral to win the Premier League). Imperious again against an in-form Everton and lethal Romelu Lukaku, the Englishman shut up shop tremendously against the Toffees.
Centre back: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The resilient Frenchman was passed fit for the fray with Watford, and Gunners fans will be thrilled to see that their star centre half slotted seamlessly back into the rearguard, with no signs of rustiness at all.
Left back: Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
Another returning hero, Rojo was robust at left back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and put in a cracking and opportunistic cross to set-up the Red Devils’ crucial second goal at Goodison Park.
Central midfield: Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United)
Quite simply, the Magpies’ midfield dynamo was a menace to Norwich City, with his pitch-long sprints terrifying the Canaries defence. Stats of three assists and a hand in five of Newcastle’s six superb goals, including creating one after winning the ball near his own box, do not do the determined Frenchman’s influence justice.
Central midfield: Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
When efficient Herrera gets a chance he seizes it with both hands. Finally handed a start in a big game by Louis van Gaal, the Basque schemer contributed a perfectly timed headed goal and also an assist. Yet it was once again Herrera’s energy, endeavour and crisp passing which set him apart and re-energised the Red Devils.
Right wing: Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United)
Wijnaldum wowed St James’ Park with his will to win, as the deadly Dutchman dispatched four goals to help dismantle Norwich. Once again leading the attack, the potent string-puller popped up everywhere, with his final solo strike the highlight from a catalogue of top-quality finishes.
Left wing: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Sterling continues to justify City’s big summer outlay on him. With usual attacking architects Sergio Aguero and David Silva absent, Sterling took over the mantle emphatically for the Mancunians (now 10/11 to win the Premier League), by striking his first ever career hat-trick in Sky Blue against Bournemouth.
Centre forward: Wilfried Bony (Manchester City)
Bony was also brilliant after being given a chance to shine, by bagging a brace to compound the Cherries’ troubles and also chipping in with an assist, in an all-round centre forward’s performance.
Centre forward: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
In his usual roaming role, Vardy was yet again the catalyst for a fantastic Foxes scoreline. A draw away at Southampton is nothing to be sniffed at, and the Englishman was yet again electric, hitting both Leicester goals.
Related
So, we’ve made our player picks, but who made this matchweek’s Heroes and Villains? Read our verdict
Previous teams of the week are available to view in our Premier League archive