Premier League team of matchweek 15: Flying Foxes feature
Holly Thackeray | December 6, 2015
Coral’s PL team of matchweek 14
Shocks, surprises and hat-trick heroics made up another enthralling matchweek of fixtures in the Premier League, with the scramble to be top of the tree at Christmas gaining more momentum.
With plenty of top-draw performers to pick from, Coral present our team of the week. Agree or disagree with our choices? Be sure to let us know on Twitter!
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Artur Boruc (Bournemouth)
Keeping a clean sheet on his return to the starting XI, Pole between the posts Boruc’s brilliant reflexes notably denied Oscar, as buoyant Bournemouth beat Chelsea in a magical match for the Cherries at Stamford Bridge.
Right back:Glen Johnson (Stoke City)
Johnson competently assisted the Potters in shutting out Manchester City, as keeping former Liverpool clubmate Raheem Sterling quiet down the right was key to their shock victory without conceding.
Centre back: Winston Reid (West Ham United)
Denying Manchester United may be nothing to shout about these days, but Reid led his rearguard by example at Old Trafford, helping the Hammers to a hard-fought point. Up against Anthony Martial, the centre back made crucial blocks and refused to be bullied, while he also came within inches of a goal himself.
Centre back: Simon Francis (Bournemouth)
The Cherries owe much to sturdy centre half Francis, who batted away every Blues chance he could in a tenacious defensive display versus the Premier League champions.
Left back: Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
Spaniard Monreal really helped to stretch Sunderland down the flanks, which was a crucial component as the Gunners (12/5 to win the Premier League) initially struggled to get into the game.
Central midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham)
Another game, another great goal for exciting youngster Alli, who just can’t seem to stop scoring. A perfectly timed volley here from the Englishman, who skillfully diverted Toby Alderweireld’s exquisite pass, ensured Spurs a point.
Central midfield: N’Golo Kante (Leicester City)
Summer signing Kante is somewhat of an unsung hero for the Foxes, but showed what he was all about with an eye-catching display that was vital in sinking Swansea City. The all-action engine room man bossed the pitch, driving forward to assist Leicester’s second goal and contribute to the third, while also mopping up at the back.
Attacking midfield: Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United)
This deadly Dutch finisher could just help the Magpies to keep their heads above water this campaign, as he keeps contributing in the final third.
In a vital victory versus Liverpool, Martin Skrtel may have been credited with an own goal for Newcastle’s deflected opener, but it was all due to Wijnaldum’s menace, while the second saw the adaptable attacker delicately and deftly pop the ball over Simon Mignolet.
Forward: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
Magician Mahrez (25/1 to be Premier League top scorer) more than earns his place in this XI, with his hat-trick heroics having fired the Foxes to the top of the Premier League, which they are priced at 33/1 to win.
The electric Algeria international’s first may have been scrappy, but the second and third were lovely low finishes into the left hand corner, strikes worthy of propelling his side to the summit.
Forward: Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City)
Not usually deployed as an out and out striker, former Inter Milan wideman Arnautovic showed the precise finishing of a poacher, as he latched onto some lovely passes in Manchester City’s box and dispatched a deadly double to bring the Potters victory.
Forward: Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City)
If Arnautovic proved the match winner it was teammate Shaqiri who changed the game. The Switzerland international ran City ragged, though he did begin on the right wing, but threatened all across the pitch. Two perfectly pinpoint assists mean he has to make this side.
Related
Check out our previous teams of the week, or dig into our Premier League archive.