Premier League team of matchweek 26: High-scoring Chelsea and Liverpool recognised
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | February 14, 2016
Team of the week
A dramatic Super Sunday of action saw all of the Premier League’s top four in action and wins for both Arsenal and Tottenham.
How many of them made Coral’s latest team of the week? Find out below…
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Ben Foster (West Brom)
Fellow England understudy Fraser Forster also kept a clean sheet this weekend, but West Bromwich Albion stopper Foster kept out a rampant Everton attack, with the Baggies pulling off a smash and grab 1-0 win up at Goodison Park.
Right back: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)
Defenders from Anfield seldom get any recognition these days, but Reds full back Clyne capped a classy display against relegation-threatened Aston Villa by scoring the fifth of six goals from the visitors without reply.
Centre back: Jose Fonte (Southampton)
Portugal centre half Fonte is back to his best, and that stands both club Saints and country in good stead ahead of Euro 2016. His defensive discipline ensured a clean sheet for Ronald Koeman’s side away at Swansea City.
Centre back: Jonas Olsson (West Brom)
Sweden defender Olsson put in a man of the match display for Albion on Merseyside, helping Tony Pulis’ team to shackle Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley. Zlatan Ibrahimovic apart, Olsson is going to be a key part of the Swedish spine at Euro 2016 this summer.
Left back: Danny Rose (Spurs)
Although Tottenham anchorman Eric Dier officially received the man of the match award at the Etihad, the exploits of attacking full back Rose are also a huge part of Mauricio Pochettino’s high-pressing game which paid dividends when beating Manchester City.
Defensive midfield: Giannelli Imbula (Stoke)
From a deep-lying berth, Stoke City’s winter window signing Imbula held things together superbly against Bournemouth, getting the Potters on the front foot throughout after breaking up play. He also broke his Premier League duck here.
Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante is unlucky to miss out on selection, but we’ve gone with a winner like Imbula to operate in the engine room.
Attacking midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
What a creative force Brazil international Coutinho is. Two assists and winning the free-kick which James Milner fired home as Villa were hit for six means the Samba star was involved in half of the Reds’ goals. Influential indeed.
Attacking midfield: Willian (Chelsea)
Shortly behind Liverpool’s demolition of Villa came Coutinho’s compatriot Willian with a goal and assist as the Blues put five past Newcastle United. If he isn’t nailed on to win Chelsea player of the season, then we’ll wear a Willian wig!
Forward: Dimitri Payet (West Ham)
Hammers attacker Payet has already delivered after signing a new contract with a goal and assist to turn a 2-0 deficit into a draw at Norwich City. Will his form for West Ham United help him force his way back into the France national squad ahead of them hosting the Euros?
Forward: Troy Deeney (Watford)
Most of this season’s plaudits at Vicarage Road have gone to strike partner Odion Ighalo, but Hornets skipper Deeney bagged a winning brace at Crystal Palace. Looks like he can cut in the Premier League after proving himself lower down.
Forward: Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea)
Spain striker Pedro put in a timely reminder of what he’s capable of with a double against Newcastle. He pips fellow La Roja international and clubmate Diego Costa, plus penalty converters Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy to a spot in our all-star attack.
