Coral’s team of the weekend
Published:
The best XI from English football’s top-flight
Admit it, who had Palace backed to beat Chelsea? Not many, we’re sure, and it’s certain The Blues let down plenty of accumulators when falling to their London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Eagles have just made things interesting, whilst giving their chances of survival a major boost.
It’s Monday, and we have a busy midweek of Premier League fixtures ahead, but before jumping headfirst into that, let’s take our usual look through the star names of the weekend. Who performed well enough to make the grade in Coral’s team of the weekend? New Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha ruffled a few feathers by playing one defender in a 1-1 draw with Motherwell. I don’t see 1-5-4 catching on, so we’ll stick with 4-3-3…..
Goalkeeper: Artur Boruc (Bournemouth)
As usual, you never know what you’re going to get with Boruc, we’ve seen him make some howlers this season, then put in a few stunning performances. It must be interesting for Cherries fans. On Saturday he was excellent in keeping Southampton out.
Defender: Eric Dier (Tottenham)
The Spurs star gives real versatility across the back, and scored an important goal in a hard-fought 2-0 win over Burnley. Didn’t put a foot wrong, and his strike gave Tottenham a bit of breathing space. Pulling his weight at both ends of the park.
Defender: Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough)
Makes his debut in our team of the week, but the young defender caught the eye on Sunday, doing his job to fend off Swansea in a 0-0 draw. Led by example, and was as reliable as you’ll find at the back.
Defender: Mamadou Sakho (Crystal Palace)
I don’t get a bonus for picking Sakho, honest, he’s just always in the team because he’s always solid at the back. Never misses a tackle, strong as an ox, reliable when it gets tough, I can think of a side in the top-four who could do with him. A shrewd signing from big Sam.
Defender: Andrew Robertson (Hull)
Another who was invaluable at both ends, and the Scotsman is full of running. Got up and down the flank and claimed his first Premier League goal, which was nothing less than he deserved. It’s obvious from his efforts he plays for the badge.
Midfielder: David Silva (Man City)
Another regular in our team of the week, and we make no apologies for that. The attacking midfielder was a standout at the Emirates, forcing a good save from the keeper before laying it on a plate for Aguero. Instinctively knew where his striker was with an inch-perfect pass.
Midfielder: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
One of many who impressed for Liverpool in that massive win over Everton at Anfield. Got a crucial goal shortly after Everton equalised to put his side back in charge, and could’ve got one or two more. Also set-up Origi for the third.
Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
Pulled the strings against Arsenal, setting up Sane for the opener after just five-minutes. The Belgian also saw a shot come back off the post. He has now assisted more goals than any other player in the league, on 11. Gives a goal scoring threat from the middle too.
Forward: M’Baye Niang (Watford)
Didn’t score in that win over Sunderland, but more than did his bit. Could’ve got one or two, with a bit more luck, but was a constant thorn in the side of The Black Cats, and always looked like doing something with the ball at his feet. Exciting player to watch.
Forward: Leroy Sane (Man City)
Got his side off to a flyer, keeping cool to score inside five-minutes at Arsenal. He’s a real threat going forward, that goal his fifth in eight games. It takes confidence to open the scoring so early, but he has it in abundance, and was always wanting the ball.
Forward: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Gets an A* for that goal to silence the Chelsea support, and blow the game wide-open. If he fluffed his lines there the Monday headlines would’ve been very different. No chance of Zaha choking, and with that behind him he went straight back in and set-up the winner. Could’ve scored another too, but we won’t push it.
