February saw some brilliant clashes at the top of the table and an exciting scrap for survival at the bottom. Find out who made the team of the month for February.
As the busy month of January ended which saw relentless cup fixtures and the rigours of the transfer window, along came February. The run-in to the end of the season was in full swing as many of the Premier League just have the league to focus on. The top teams however had the League Cup final and the return of the Champions League to contend with.
There were three game weeks in February which featured some of the most highly anticipated of the season. Liverpool faced Spurs at Anfield which included two Harry Kane penalties, a rocket from Wanyama and two stoppage time goals. The North London derby on the other hand was a bit of a let-down although Manchester United brought plenty of excitement in their win over Chelsea.
Meanwhile there was plenty of action in the bottom half. The twists and turns of the relegation battle provided some brilliant tension-filled football. Excellent months for Brighton, Swansea and Huddersfield have seen them surge up the table whilst Crystal Palace, Stoke and West Brom trail miserably behind.
Manchester City once again topped the attacking charts as they finished top scorers in February with nine goals. Their striker Sergio Aguero was also equal top scorer with Mohamed Salah, managing four goals each. At the other end, Manchester City and Spurs had the best defences conceding just two goals however Spurs kept two clean sheets to City’s one.
So here is our combined Premier League team of the month for February;
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
With more clean sheets than any other ‘keeper in February, Lloris had an excellent month. The Frenchman earned an all-important clean sheet in the North London derby and another away at Crystal Palace to help his team keep up the chase for top four.
Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The young Liverpool fullback has regularly put in performances that defies his age. Whilst showing a very strong attacking intent which was rewarded with an assist against Southampton, he also helped defensively to only concede three goals in February.
Centre Back – Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
One of Manchester City’s first names on the team sheet has once again been a rock at the back for the Champions-in-waiting. Otamendi is a key reason why City are regularly one of the best defensive teams every month.
Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Having settled in to life at Liverpool, the Dutchman has shown what he can bring to the team. After a strong February where he conceded just three goals he also formed a strong partnership with the much improved Dejan Lovren.
Left Back – Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
A part of the best defence in February, Davies had an excellent month. The Welshman kept two clean sheets and even managed to assist the winner in the North London derby.
Right Wing – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah once again takes his regular spot in the team of the month after another strong showing. With a fantastic return of four goals and two assists he is a strong contender for player of the season.
Centre Midfield – Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Arguably the only man who can stop Mo Salah taking player of the year had another brilliant month. Kevin de Bruyne managed three assists in February all of which came against Leicester, however he has been very impressive throughout the month.
Centre Midfield – Ki Sung-Yueng (Swansea City)
Swansea have looked a different team in the second half of the season and that is partly down to Ki. The South Korean has been the driving force behind their improved form and was rewarded with a goal and an assist for his efforts.
Left Wing – Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Chelsea haven’t been enjoying the best time on the pitch but Eden Hazard has been a source of quality. With three goals and an assist he has done his part to provide Chelsea fans some joy.
Striker – Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Yet another excellent month from the Argentinian as he quietly goes about his business. As Manchester City march towards the title Aguero consistently puts in the effort and gets rewarded up front. His four goals against Leicester managed to get him equal top scorer with Salah.
Striker – Steve Mounié (Huddersfield Town)
Mounié missed the game against United but he was well and truly present for the games against Bournemouth and West Brom. Those two games were key in the Terrier’s quest for Premier League survival and he duly delivered. With two goals and two assists he is giving Huddersfield a chance of staying in the league which many doubted.
