Coral’s team of the weekend
Published:
Our top 11 from the Premier and FA Cup
We put together a joint team of the weekend from the Premier League and FA Cup this time out, as we saw some fantastic individual performances in both competitions on Saturday and Sunday. Chelsea were, by far, the most-impressive side, especially in that classy second-half at Wembley.
Attacking players seemed to shine brightest here, meaning there was real competition for places. Do you agree with who we have gone with? Post your thoughts in the comments sections below. Who have we missed, or who didn’t do enough to merit a place in your opinion? We set-up in the familiar 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper: Eldin Jakupovic (Hull City)
Played a blinder to earn Hull a much-needed three points. With Niasse sent off on 25-minutes, Jakupovic was always going to be in for a tough day, but he stuck to his task brilliantly, pulling off a couple of point-blank saves.
Defender: Victor Moses (Chelsea)
You really could have most of the Chelsea side in your team of the weekend, but Moses impressed us, and gets the nod here. He worked tirelessly, getting up and down the flanks, making a nuisance of himself at both ends. Won a penalty too.
Defender: James Collins (West Ham)
The Hammers put in a dogged defensive showing against Everton. We all know the capabilities of The Toffees going forward, especially with Lukaku in the side, but Collins did a shift to keep them quiet in Stratford, helping his side pick-up a great point at home.
Defender: Alfie Mawson (Swansea)
Goes in on the character he showed to turn around his form. Has been a consistent performer for The Swans this season, but had a couple of forgettable moments recently. Assured at the back this time and a valuable part of a defence which kept a clean-sheet.
Defender: Rob Holding (Arsenal)
The 21-year-old was thrown into the deep end by Arsene Wenger, in what was a brave call. It seemed to pay-off though, with Holding doing his bit in a three-man defence. He didn’t look out of place at this level, and can be trusted again.
Midfielder: Nemnja Matic (Chelsea)
Not only did he score that wonderful goal, the best you will probably see in this season’s FA Cup, he was also the most useful with the ball at his feet, picking out some passes of real quality to turn defence into attack for Chelsea.
Midfielder: Tom Carroll (Swansea)
Swansea need warriors in the closing part of this season, and certainly appear to have one in Tom Carroll. He was behind everything good about the Welsh side, driving forward from the midfield to set-up attacks, while stopping Stoke’s advances.
Midfielder: Sam Clucas (Hull City)
A lion-hearted performance for The Tigers. He scored the second of the game on 71-minutes to cap a cracking day. Covered more ground than any other player on the park, and was brave in tackles, putting his body on the line.
Forward: Anthony Martial (Man Utd)
Scored the opener for United to calm nerves on the day and send The Red Devils on their way to a useful three points. As well as breaking the deadlock, he also set-up Wayne Rooney for the second, and Jose couldn’t have asked for any more.
Forward: Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace)
When he’s good, he’s really good. Benteke got each of Palace’s two goals at Anfield on Sunday, keeping his cool to level just before the break and then fire his side towards an unexpected victory. Best man on the park, by a good bit.
Forward: Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (Arsenal)
Stood up to be counted on a massive day. He always wanted the ball for Arsenal, creating a number of opportunities for his side, including an assist for the equaliser. Wenger and his boys now have a shot at winning a trophy.
