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Premier League team of the week – Gameweek 15

There goes yet another epic weekend of footballing action, which means it’s time for Adam Smith to pick his Premier League team of the week. Let’s see who made the cut …

 

David De Gea – Rating: 9 (Arsenal 1-3 Man Utd)

The score line flattered United slightly, with Arsenal having 75% possession and 21 shots on goal, and if it hadn’t of been for David De Gea, they may have lost this game. To highlight the impact that the Spaniard had in goals for The Reds, he made 14 saves which is the joint-most in a Premier League game over the last 14 years; with some of them being world class. United rolled back the years with a devastating counter-attacking display, but a couple of defensive errors cost Arsenal the game.

 

 

Joel Ward – Rating: 8 (West Brom 0-0 Crystal Palace)

Up until a couple of weeks ago, Crystal Palace were scoring goals but not keeping clean sheets, now they have gone full circle. They have kept two clean sheets in their last two games, but have failed to get on the score sheet in both. Joel Ward impressed in both these games, keeping Anthony Knockaert quiet last Wednesday, and Jay Rodriguez quiet on Saturday. Ward also made two match saving blocks near the end of the game which denied West Brom all three points, which they will probably feel they deserved.

 

Ryan Shawcross – Rating: 8 (Stoke 2-1 Swansea)

Big win for Stoke at the Britannia on Saturday, which pushes them six points clear of safety. Stoke and Manager Mark Hughes always seem to find a win when needed. However, it was a difficult afternoon for the Potters, and Swansea will feel that they should of came away with at least a point. Shawcross put in a captain’s performance in defence to earn his side a crucial three points; putting his body on the line and making 12 clearances in total.

 

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Ashley Williams – Rating: 8 (Everton 2-0 Huddersfield)

A week is a long time in football. Everton have gone from being in a crisis, to finding themselves in the top half of the table, after back to back wins against West Ham and Huddersfield.  The Everton defender made 13 clearances as the Toffees maintained a second consecutive clean sheet. With Big Sam taking charge now we should see Everton keep many more clean sheets, and bringing in a striker in January should see them move further up the table.

 

Victor Moses – Rating: 8 (Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle)

Chelsea looked like they had a better shape and balance to their team with the return of Moses. The Nigerian was influential to Chelsea’s title success last season, and provided the cross for Morata’s goal, then won the penalty for Chelsea’s third. Moses has been sent out on loan by past Managers, but Conte seems to see him as an important member of his squad.

 

Philippe Countinho – Rating: 9 (Brighton 1-5 Liverpool)

The Brazilian scored one and assisted three, and has now had a hand in 12 goals in his last 10 Premier League games; seven goals and five assists. The pace and movement from Liverpool was just too much for Brighton to handle, especially as it was their third game in a week. Brighton will be looking forward to a few days rest.

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David Silva – Rating: 8 (Man City 2-1 West Ham)

Man City have now won 2-1 for the fourth time this season, scoring after the 80th minute in all of them. David Silva rewarded City for his one year contract extension, with a captain’s performance, and got the winning goal that keeps them eight points clear of United heading into the Manchester Derby next week. It Doesn’t get any easier for West Ham though, with Chelsea and Arsenal visiting the London Stadium in their next two games.

 

 

Eden Hazard – Rating: 8 (Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle)

Two goals for Hazard on Saturday, and he has now had a hand in 11 goals in his past 10 games for Chelsea; eight goals and three assists. Chelsea ran out as comfortable winners in the end, and continue their pursuit of catching the Manchester clubs above them. Newcastle are conceding too many and not scoring enough to stay in the division.

 

Jesse Lingard – Rating: 8 (Arsenal 1-3 Man Utd)

Most people thought Mourinho was going to park the bus, including myself. However, his high press tactics caught the Arsenal defence off gaurd twice in the first half, and United punished both mistakes. Everytime Arsenal were close to equalizing, Lingard hit the Gunners with a sucker-punch, with two brilliant counter attack goals. Three goals in two games now for the English International, the same amount in his previous 51 games.

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Roberto Firmino – Rating: 9 (Brighton 1-5 Liverpool)

Two goals for the Brazilian on Saturday, and he has now netted 26 Premier League goals since joining Liverpool in 2015, more than any other Liverpool player. The Merseysiders are spoilt for choice up front with the likes of Sadio Mane not getting into the starting line up.

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Rating: 9 (Everton 2-0 Huddersfield)

Two assists against West Ham last Wednesday, and a goal and an assist on Saturday, makes it a good few days for the youngster. He has deserved a goal for his displays over the past few weeks, and Sam Allardyce should improve him as a player and get the best out of him in the coming weeks.

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