Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Rob ELLIOT – Goalkeeper – Newcastle United
Rob Elliot had the match of his life to secure the clean sheet for Newcastle after a bombardment on their goal by Bournemouth. Newcastle’s third choice goalkeeper overcame a thigh injury pre-match and took his spot ahead of the injured number one and number two Tim Krul and Karl Darlow. Elliot made five key saves as well as numerous punches to keep the ball clear, cross after cross. Elliot’s excellent performance got the praise from his manager: “he got us three points, without a shadow of a doubt” said Steve McClaren to the press post-match.
Bacary SAGNA– Right-back – Manchester City
Sagna played a well-balanced game of defence and attack in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park. Sagna passed and crossed well, providing good delivery to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jesús Navas. Sagna was superb in defence as is expected from the Frenchman, having a significant contribution to the clean-sheet, despite Villa not having a large amount of opportunities.
Winston REID – Centre-back – West Ham United
After missing the previous three games, the Kiwi defender was recalled to replace the suspended James Collins and put his stamp on the game immediately. Reid came close to scoring in the 73rd minute to break the 1-1 deadlock but his header was just too high, spraying over the crossbar. Reid was solid in defence and despite the Hammers conceding once, it was Reid that made sure it wasn’t more.
Scott DANN – Centre-back – Crystal Palace
The 28-year-old from Liverpool rose to the occasion, scoring the late winner for Crystal Palace at Anfield, a ground which Dann used to be a season ticket holder at. His defensive game was strong and remained that way for the entire 90 minutes, his attack proving the difference in the end. Simon Mignolet saved his first attempt but Dann had the awareness to follow up and head the rebound calmly into the top right corner. Palace finished 2-1 winners, ending Liverpool’s 12 game unbeaten run at the famous ground.
Scott Dann's 83' goal. 2-1 #LIVCRY https://t.co/XZ1uxuUmIX
— World Class Boot Boy (@BrotherMooseLFC) November 8, 2015
Jordan AMAVI – Left-back – Aston Villa
As one of the toughest positions to fill in a real team, let alone a Team of the Week, Jordan Amavi is the one. Despite not having an absolutely amazing game, Amavi managed to win all his take-ons, make 36 passes and provide two crosses. Not amazing, but in a match where your team only had 41% of possession and you were facing the likes of Raheem Sterling, Yaya Tourĕ and basically the entire Manchester City tea, he did pretty well for a 21-year-old. A clean-sheet against the league leaders in a 0-0 draw I believe is worthy of a place. Kieran Gibbs was unlucky to miss although he came on and scored, he was substituted for a midfielder.
Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER – Midfielder – Manchester United
Bastian Schweinsteiger has proved his worth to United after some speculation he may have been past his prime shadowed his move prior to the beginning of the season. The 31-year-old German wound back the clock, controlling the play, moving the ball and being involved with almost everything that Manchester United attempted. His brute strength, wise mind and experience over all else held him good stead to play from a deep position. Schweinsteiger’s performance was close to, if not, man-of-the-match quality.
Jesse LINGARD– Midfielder – Manchester United
Lingard scored his first Manchester United goal in a competition by netting with his right foot from outside the top of the box. His shot, from a similar place as Manuel Lanzini, was perfectly placed into the bottom right. The young Englishman was a class act for the Red Devils and appears to be someone who believes in Louis van Gaal’s style and could flourish. At 22, Lingard looks to be the making of something special and his place in the United team is well deserved. Positive and confident in possession and always dangerous even off the ball, Jesse Lingard is expected to become a star if he can find the consistency that is required in the Premier League.
Manuel LANZINI – Midfielder – West Ham United
The Argentine scored a stunning goal from the top of the box, just lifting it over the defenders and dropping it behind Tim Howard with amazing dip and curl. The right-footed extremely well-taken shot gave West Ham the lead but a Romelu Lukaku equaliser ensured the match at Boleyn Ground ended 1-1. Lanzini had four shots, provided four crosses and passed at 94% accuracy. Not only was his attacking a sure-fire way to excite the fans, his tackling and drive to not give up on the ball is something people love about the 22-year-old.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWgynj0Q4tc
Wilfried ZAHA – Midfielder – Crystal Palace
Zaha had a tremendous afternoon in Palace’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at a very wet Anfield. Zaha made it obvious why he was such a high priced target for Manchester United only a few years ago, showing class and skill which all contributed to a very impressive display in the win. Zaha ran at the Liverpool defence and really put the challenge forward, forcing defenders to back off. Zaha provided an assist and was a key contributor to yet another Eagles win, this time over the Reds.
Jamie VARDY – Striker – Leicester City
It is becoming a weekly thing. Jamie Vardy has now scored in nine consecutive games and helped his side to third place on the Premier League table. Vardy’s 65th minute goal gave Leicester a 2-0 lead at the King Power Stadium only to have Watford strike back via Troy Deeney. However, it was too little too late and once again Vardy was the man that was the difference in the 2-1 win. This man is getting better and better and now has 12 goals this season – leading the golden boot.
Romelu LUKAKU – Striker – Everton
The Belgian just keeps on scoring! Romelu Lukaku came to Everton’s rescue, scoring in the 43rd minute to cancel out Manuel Lanzini’s 30th-minute wonder strike. Despite the 1-1 draw with West Ham United, Lukaku has been a class above and now sits equal second in the Premier League golden boot, five goals behind his Outside90 TOTW strike partner. The former Chelsea man is loving his time at Everton and manager Roberto Martinez told the press in his post match interview that Lukaku, “after today, (he is worth) £55 million”.
Deulofeu’s ridiculous through ball to Lukaku last night. totally emasculated four defenders. #WHUEVE https://t.co/bvzfZ3RIX8
— Dale Roots (@dale_roots) November 8, 2015
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter@Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
