Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Jack Butland – Goalkeeper – Stoke City
Jack Butland was once again Stoke City’s hero, making nine saves to keep a clean sheet in a scrappy yet entertaining 0-0 draw with West Ham United. The clean sheet is the Englishman’s seventh for the season as the goalkeeper was in the thick of the action as West Ham had 24 attempts on goal, 10 of which were on target. Butland was in fact beaten once, however Mauro Zárate’s effort hit the right-post.
Allan Nyom – Right-back – Watford
Nyom provided the assist for Odion Ighalo who converted Watford’s only goal in a 1-0 away win over 19th-placed Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The left-back’s assist was accompanied by solidity in a defensive sense, with a 100% tackle success rate. The left-back, formerly of La Liga side Granada, has featured in every match of Watford’s Premier League campaign in which they sit seventh.
Laurent Koscielny – Centre-back – Arsenal
Despite not having a standout match as in previous weeks, Koscielny did his job in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa. The Frenchman has played a key role in Arsenal’s season and is a reliable man to have in front of goalkeeper Petr Čech (who in this match equalled David James’ record for most Premier League clean sheets, 169). Koscielny won six duels for the match as Villa managed 18 shots, only two of which were on target.
Philipp Wollscheid – Centre-back – Stoke City
The 26-year-old German put in a tireless defensive display for Stoke City who managed a clean sheet against West Ham United. In front of Butland, Wollscheid worked tirelessly to deal with attack after attack from West Ham for 90 minutes.
Alberto Moreno – Left-back – Liverpool
As a player that has progressed under Jürgen Klopp and improved dramatically in just a matter of weeks, it is no surprise that Alberto Moreno is named at left-back. Despite defensive issues and continued criticism, Moreno is becoming more accustomed to his defensive role since dropping back from wing-back. The ex-Sevilla man was a spark for Liverpool in their 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at Anfield and was unlucky not to get any assists as a return for his hard work up and down the left.
Tom Cleverley – Midfielder – Everton
The former Manchester United midfielder played a key role in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road. The 26-year-old completed 78 passes at 94% accuracy, an exemplary effort. The result was a disappointing one for the Toffees, but the former Manchester United man can hold his head high.
Aaron Ramsey – Midfielder – Arsenal
Ramsey makes it consecutive weeks in the Outside90 TOTW with another stellar performance in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Ramsey scored the Gunners’ second goal in the 38th minute after a swift counter-attack, a move which he started. Like the build-up to his goal, the Welshman was breaking down Villa attacks and turning them into opportunities.
Harry Arter – Midfielder – AFC Bournemouth
Harry Arter put an emotional week behind him by playing with his heart on his sleeve in his brilliant performance in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Manchester United. Arter payed tribute to those around him for their support after he and partner Rachel lost their baby daughter at birth.
“While people maybe grieve in their own way, I found it easier to come in and play and try and do everyone proud,” the 25-year-old told afcb.co.uk. The 25-year-old taught a deflated Manchester United on how to go about business as a footballer with passion, covering every corner of the pitch and showing amazing desire to repay those who supported him.
Mesut Ozil – Attacking-midfielder – Arsenal
Özil is getting better and better and with him firing alongside Ramsey and an injury-free Alexis Sánchez, Arsenal could prove to be the real deal this season. The German provided his 13th assist of the season (a Premier League high) and as per usual was the control room for Arsenal’s play in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa. The former Real Madrid man has staked his claim as one of the top players in the Premier League and appears to be enjoying his time at Arsenal on and off the pitch.
Riyad Mahrez – Attacking-midfielder – Leicester City
This man is magic. Leicester City bought Mahrez for a mere £400,000 in 2014 from Le Havre and since Leicester’s 2-1 win over champions Chelsea, pundits have valued him at a minimum of £20 million. Mahrez set up Jamie Vardy’s opener just after half and hour with a fantastic ball from the top right of the penalty box that was neatly finished by Vardy. Just after half time, Mahrez produced more brilliance. The 24-year-old received the ball in the box to the right of the goal, twisting and turning before striking a perfectly placed shot into the top-left corner.
Joshua King – Striker – Bournemouth
King scored in the 54th minute to prove the difference in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Manchester United. King took his goal well after a Matt Ritchie corner found him in the box. King ran the channels, making things very difficult for United’s defenders and it was the 23-year-old Norwegian that made them pay.
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.
