TFGSoccerClub selects the Premier League team of the week as Arsenal playmaker Alexis Sanchez and a pair of Swansea stars shone in a 9-goal thriller, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Team of the week formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius (Liverpool)
Liverpool kept another clean sheet as Karius pulled off a string of saves to keep out Sunderland’s in-form strikers. Karius has fought off competition from Simon Mignolet for his spot in the team and Jurgen Klopp’s faith in him paid off as he was quick off his line on a number of occasions to snuff out any danger.
Centre back: Gareth McAuley (West Brom)
McAuley continued his fine form this season with another impressive display, this time against Hull City. The defender scored his third goal of the season as he rose highest from a corner to nod home. McAuley delivered an assured performance at the back as his team were only undone by a late equaliser.
Centre back: Michael Dawson (Hull City)
Premier league stalwart Dawson put in an impressive display against West Brom. He played a vital role in marshalling his defence after conceding mid-way through the first half. Dawson then popped up at the other end to tap home a scrappy goal following a corner to earn his team a vital point.
Centre back: Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)
Van Dijk put in another quality performance as his team kept a second consecutive clean sheet. The Saints defender showed great anticipation and reading of the game to make more interceptions than any other defender to keep Everton dangerman Romelu Lukaku at bay.
Right midfield: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
The former Manchester United wing was in tremendous form as he played a big role in the game of the weekend against Swansea. The English flyer was a constant threat going forward as Swansea struggled to contain his pace and power. Zaha scored one goal after a brilliant turn and finish, and then forced another through a deflected shot. It was, however, not enough to get his team the three points.
Centre midfield: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea)
Swansea’s star man was in imperious form this past weekend as he helped his team to a much-needed win. Sigurdsson opened their account with a delightful free kick which left Wayne Hennessey stranded in the Palace goal. The midfield maestro is renowned for his set-piece delivery and he did not disappoint as he played in a number of dangerous set pieces, three of which resulted in goals. Sigurdsson also chipped in with an assist, this time from open play, as his shot was deflected in by Fernando Llorente.
Centre midfield: Leroy Fer (Swansea)
Fer has proved his goal-scoring ability this season and he was at it again this weekend as he popped up not once but twice to tap home after a goalmouth scramble. In a game filled with high emotions, Fer managed to keep his cool and deliver an assured performance in the midfield, showing tremendous drive and energy as he covered every blade of grass.
Left midfield: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s Chilean star again proved to be the difference for his team as his two goals led them to a 3-1 victory. Sanchez scored an early goal capitalising on a defensive error as he intercepted a back pass and calmly slotted home. He remained a constant threat and almost scored again as he struck the bar in first-half stoppage. Bournemouth struggled to contain Sanchez as he showed great pace and energy throughout. The game was then wrapped up by this week’s number one player as he tapped home from a Olivier Giroud cross in stoppage time to make the score 3-1.
Right forward: Fernando Llorente (Swansea)
The Spanish striker has found life difficult after moving to England, but put in a display which can turn around his and his team’s season. Llorente was on the scoresheet twice as his late goals helped turn around a 4-3 deficit for the Swans. His first goal was on 90 minutes as he was able to steer in a Sigurdsson shot. The Liberty Stadium then erupted on 93 minutes as Llorente was again in the right place at the right time to tap home the winner in a thrilling encounter.
Centre forward: Alvaro Negredo (Middlesbrough)
Negredo was on a goal drought having not scored since the opening day of the season, but this all changed as he led his team to a 2-2 draw with defending champions Leicester. Negredo opened the scoring on 12 minutes as he found the top corner with a first-time shot after a Gaston Ramirez cross. Negredo then scored his second on 70 minutes as a long ball over the top found him through on goal and he didn’t disappoint with a brilliant finish from a tight angle to regain the lead for his side. Middlesbrough were unable to hold on for the win, but Negredo’s two goals helped them earn a vital point.
Left forward: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Aguero was again in impressive form as he helped his team grind out a victory against Burnley. The Argentinian showed his strikers instinct on 36 minutes as he found himself in the right place to tap home after a corner that was not cleared. City were finding it hard to create chances, but again poor defending saw the ball played into Aguero who had an easy finish into an empty net. Aguero ended with his ninth and tenth goal of the season as he earned City a 2-1 victory.
