Premier League team of matchweek 22: Magpies soar to victory
Published:
Holly Thackeray | January 18, 2016
Team of the week
Another Premier League matchweek means another round of protagonists, super stoppers and surprise results. As the winter freeze began in earnest, there was plenty of tasty top-flight action to warm up the weekend, and an abundance of impressive performers. Here is the XI that caught our eye…
Formation: 4-5-1
Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)
Right back: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
City romped to victory against Crystal Palace, with Zabaleta a key figure in stretching the defence, as he proved a dangerous combination with Kevin De Bruyne. The Argentine may not have assisted like Daryl Janmmat, but he did keep a clean sheet and his defence locked down, and therein lies the difference.
Centre back: Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
Centre back: Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)
This was a crucial shut-out for Southampton, who look to have regained confidence at both ends of the pitch. Defender Van Dijk was central to this, and looks a vital part of an increasingly solid spine to build upon.
Left back: Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth)
Right wing: Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United)
If the Magpies are to escape their relegation wrangle, this Dutch dangerman will undoubtedly be the hero of the hour. Once again decisive at St James’ Park, Wijnaldum timed his run perfectly to meet Janmaat’s cross to tuck away what would prove to be the winner, and also slid Ayoze Perez in for the opener.
Central midfield: James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Central midfield: Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United)
Debuts don’t come much more influential than this, as Shelvey slotted into Newcastle’s midfield as if he had been orchestrating at St James’ Park all season. A range of the Englishman’s most potent passing was on display, conducting to help set up the first, before a spectacular pitch-long ping found roving Janmaat to create the second. Swansea City fans will have been tearing their hair out.
Central midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
Left wing: Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
It’s no secret the Belgian has found game time hard to come by recently, but the wideman proved just why he should be central to Roberto Martinez’s plans against Chelsea. Magician Mirallas had the Blues defence on the backfoot, and should have bagged a brace himself, though his lovely lashed in effort was still a fine return.
Striker: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Related
Check out our previous team of the week articles.
