TFGSoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Hazard puts City to the sword and Hernandez takes Hull out of the relegation zone.
Formation: 3-5-2
GK: Casper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
The Danish stopper has been Leicester’s stand-out performer this season. Even through their rough patch, Schmeichel could always be counted on. The keeper put in yet another top-class display this week as he managed to shut out a struggling Sunderland side, leading his team to a clean sheet and yet another three points under Craig Shakespeare.
Centre back: Michael Keane (Burnley)
The former Manchester United defender’s performances this season has created talks of a big summer move for the young Englishman. Keane was at his best this week as he helped Burnley continue their great home form with yet another clean sheet at Turf Moor, which ensured that his team grabbed the three points and eased their relegation worries.
Centre back: Phil Jagielka (Everton)
The Everton veteran has found himself in and out of Ronald Koeman’s starting eleven this season, with talks in the last transfer window about a possible move. He, however, stayed at Goodison Park and is proving his worth. Jagielka was in fine form as his side conceded a late penalty to draw 1-1 against Manchester United. Jagielka opened the scoring when the ball fell to him after a corner, and the defender smartly manufactured a finish with a bicycle kick. The defender worked tirelessly to shut out the United attack and was only undone by the late penalty.
Centre back: Maya Yoshida (Southampton)
Japanese International Yoshida was a star performer for Southampton in their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The defender performed valiantly at the back to help keep the Palace attack relatively quiet after they scored the opening goal. Yoshida then got forward and scored the goal which turned the game around, as on 84 minutes he ghosted in at the back post to score the goal. This put Southampton in the lead, ensuring they gained a valuable three points.
Right Midfield: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s star man Hazard helped put last weekend’s disappointing home loss to Crystal Palace behind them with a scintillating performance to lead his team to a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. The Belgian international opened the scoring for the Blues with a clinical finish, before a mistake by the Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois allowed City back into the game. Chelsea then received a penalty just before the break, which Hazard stood up to take. Although the goalkeeper pulled off a great save, he could do nothing about the rebound which Hazard fired home to ensure his team picked up another three points as they march towards the title.
Centre Midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspurs)
The young midfielder is proving every week just why he is considered one of England’s biggest up and coming talents. The midfielder helped Spurs complete a late comeback at Swansea to ensure they kept the pressure on league leaders Chelsea. Spurs trailed for most of the game until Dele Alli scored an 88th-minute equaliser. Heung-Min Son then managed to get Spurs’ second, before Alli slipped through Christian Eriksen, who sealed the game with his 94th-minute goal.
Centre Midfield: Joshua King (Bournemouth)
Joshua King has been one of the star performers in the Premier league over the past couple of weeks. The midfielder was at it again as he helped his side snatch a late point against Liverpool. Bournemouth took the lead, and then two Liverpool goals looked as though they would consign the Cherries to another defeat. Up stepped King, whose 87-minute equaliser ensured his team didn’t walk away empty-handed.
Centre Midfield: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Arsenal have endured a torrid run of form and Ozil has been one of the players who have come under harsh criticism. The German international responded in the best possible fashion as his opening goal and assist for Theo Walcott’s goal gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead, before Olivier Giroud’s goal sealed the contest. Arsenal gained a vital three points in their quest for Champions League football.
Left Midfield: Marc Albrighton (Leicester City)
The English midfielder put in a stellar performance this week to guide his team to a 2-0 win over Sunderland. Albrighton was a constant threat for the Foxes as his pace and work rate proved to be too much to handle for the Sunderland defence. The winger provided the assists for both of Leicester’s goals, first with a delightful cross which Islam Slimani headed home, and then he provided Jamie Vardy with the chance to secure the points, which he did.
Striker: Abel Hernandez (Hull City)
The Uruguayan International was in fine form as he helped Hull secure a vital three points, which lifted them out of the relegation zone. With the score at 1-1 following a frantic start to the game, Hernandez slipped through Oumar Niasse, who put Hull in the lead. Hernandez then put Hull further ahead when he scored on 33 minutes. Although Middlesbrough fought back, it was not enough, as Hull eventually ran out 4-2 victors.
Striker: M’Baye Niang (Watford)
The Frenchmen who’s on loan from AC Milan put in a top-class performance to lead Watford to a 2-0 victory over West Brom. The striker put Watford ahead with a screamer as he curled it past Ben Foster from distance. Niang then provided the assist as he slid through a pass to Troy Deeney who slotted home to secure the points.
