SASoccermag selects the Premier League team of the week after round five which saw Chelsea lose at home to Liverpool and City continue their winning ways.
This week’s formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Heurelho Gomes (Watford)
Gomes was in inspired form against the Red Devils on Sunday as his agility between the posts helped to provide the platform for the Hornets unlikely victory. The shot-stopper’s best moment was a superb reflex save off a powerful Zlatan Ibrahimovic header with the scores level at 1-1.
Left Back: Christian Fuchs (Leicester City)
Like many of the Foxes’ players, Fuchs came alive since the side’s debut Champions League win in midweek. He continued his fine form against Burnley as he shrugged off the opposition attacking threat with ease and never looked troubled.
Centre Back: Dejan Lovren (Liverpool)
Replacing Lucas Leiva at the back, Lovren looks to have rediscovered some of his best form as he went toe-to-toe with Chelsea’s attackers and came out on top. The Croatian also grabbed a goal for his side as he fired home an excellent volley for the Reds win at Stamford Bridge.
Centre Back: Scott Dann (Crystal Palace)
A pillar of strength for Palace in a defensive sense, the tall defender was also a constant aerial threat when thrown into the attack. Having drilled home a header to put his side 2-0 up, Dann was only denied a second by a last-ditch goal line clearance as the Eagles moved into the top half of the table.
Right Back: Bacary Sagna (Manchester City)
Sagna made light work of his defensive responsibilities while he also helped pin the Cherries back within their own half with his attacking runs. Timing his marauding charges upfield to perfection, he helped create space for teammates while never failing to neglect his defensive duties in nullifying Bournemouth’s rare attacks.
Centre Midfield: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Henderson was outstanding for the Reds as he dictated the midfield, proved inventive in possession, as well as outmanoeuvring Chelsea with his work-rate. The England international also netted a superb goal as he curled the ball into the top corner from distance.
Centre Midfield: Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace)
Puncheon grew into the game as time wore on as he began to link the play together all the while remaining neat and tidy in his distribution. The midfielder’s delivery was also excellent as Palace profited with two goals off Puncheon’s assists.
Attacking Midfield: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
De Bruyne continued his sublime form as he powered City to another convincing win as the Belgian star grabbed a goal and an assist along the way. De Bruyne has proven to be the kingpin in City’s midfield as he connects play with his incisive passing while driving forward at the Bournemouth defence from deep. The Belgian’s budding partnership with Raheem Sterling and Kelechi Iheanacho has City fans dreaming of yet another title.
Left Wing: Adam Lallana (Liverpool)
Full of energy and running, Lallana was industrious in possession and created all sorts of problems for Chelsea with his ability to both feed and receive the ball in dangerous areas. The Englishman proved key to outgunning the Blues in the midfield battle as he continues to shine under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp.
Right Wing: Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion)
Chadli was superb for his new club as he looked to move into central areas to link up player whenever possible and as Baggies overran West Ham. Chadli enjoyed a fine afternoon contributing a goal and two assists in the 4-2 win.
Striker: Islam Slimani (Leicester City)
The Foxes striker shined on his debut as he netted two of his side’s three goals as the defending champions cruised to a 3-0 win over Burnley. Slimani’s movement and synergy with Jamie Vardy looks to have revitalised the side’s attacking threat as they look to recover from a slow start to their title defence.
