EPL – Outside90’s Team of the Week – Matchday 32

EPL – Outside90’s Team of the Week – Matchday 32

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Rob Officer
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Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.

Team of the Week EPL32

  1. Ben FOSTER – Goalkeeper – West Bromwich Albion

Foster was once again in top form, keeping a clean sheet to hold onto a point in West Bromwich Albion’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland. The 33-year-old Englishman made six saves, including five from shots inside the penalty box. Foster’s clean sheet was his fourth for the campaign despite it only being his ninth start for the Baggies, proving his value to his side and their safety, currently sitting 11th and 13 points clear of the drop zone. Special mention must go to Hugo Lloris of Tottenham, who made seven saves against Liverpool, but conceded once.

  1. Héctor BELLERÍN – Right-back – Arsenal

The young right-back managed a goal in Arsenal’s 4-0 thumping of Watford at the Emirates. All the Spaniard’s hard work paid off after putting in another tireless performance, despite his left-footed strike taking a deflection. The 21-year-old played 74 passes at 91% accuracy from the back, also pushing forward to help the Gunners attacking movements. Bellerín played two crosses, won five duels and two tackles in the win that sees Arsenal keep their slim title aspirations alive, standing 11 points behind league leaders Leicester.

Special mention must go to Pablo Zabaleta who also put in an amazing display for Manchester City, playing 42 passes at 92% success and winning six from six tackles.

  1. Wes MORGAN – Centre-back – Leicester City

The two centre-backs had completely different games, but were both one of the most valuable players for their respective teams. Morgan had not scored since last May in a 3-0 win over Newcastle that was vital to Leicester’s survival, but his goal on matchday 32 moved the Foxes seven points clear at the top of the Premier League. In doubt to play after the International break because of a head cold, the Jamaican managed three shots, 16 passes, won four duels (three aerial) and a tackle as he captained his side to yet another victory. The 32-year-olds 38th minute header was the only goal in the 1-0 win over Southampton at King Power Stadium.

  1. John STONES – Centre-back – Everton

Despite a 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, Stones put in a solid performance but unfortunately could not change the result. The defender showed great character and proved he has the ability to play out a hard fought match that is not overly pretty, but very convincing. The young Englishman made 73 passes at 85% accuracy, won 13 duels (four aerial), three tackles and two take-ons in the loss. His team could have fallen further behind if not for Stones, who showed his maturity to execute a perfect slide challenge at the last to deny Anthony Martial a second goal.

  1. Christian FUCHS – Left-back – Leicester City

The 29-year-old Austrian defender was the provider for his club captain Morgan, who headed Leicester City even closer to their unlikely dream of winning the Premier League. Fuchs put in another impressive display that could help earn himself a Premier League medal and it will be definitely be warranted. He had one shot, provided the assist for the only goal, played 36 passes at 78% accuracy, as well as winning four duels (two aerial) and one take-on. Fuchs also contributed to Leicesters clean sheet, helping his team absorb multiple periods of relentless Southampton pressure to secure the 1-0 win.

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  1. Mousa DEMBÉLÉ – Defensive-midfielder – Tottenham Hotspur

Dembélé was arguably best on field in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield. The 28-year-old Belgian midfielder turned out some amazing statistics, playing 68 passes at 90% accuracy, winning 17 of 23 duels (four of which were aerial) and eight take-ons in a dominant display. The Belgian has made 25 appearances this campaign and has a passing success rate of 90% so far in a year that could potentially end in Premier League glory for Spurs, if they can chase down the seven-point gap between themselves and Leicester in the remaining six matches.

  1. PEDRO – Midfielder – Chelsea

Pedro was the star for Chelsea as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over the depleted Aston Villa. From three shots, the Spaniard scored his two goals with clever ‘sure’ finishes from inside the penalty area. The 28-year-old played 32 passes at 92% accuracy, also winning five duels and four take-ons. Pedro’s form has been very comparable to Chelsea’s rise up the table after a shocking start found them battling relegation.

Special mention must go to Jonny Howson of Norwich City, who provided two assists in his sides 3-2 win.

  1. Alexis SÁNCHEZ – Midfielder – Arsenal

Despite being accused of inconsistency, Sánchez once again stood up for Arsenal in their 4-0 win over Watford. The Chilean got his team off to a wonderful start, scoring in just the fourth minute and then turned provider for youngster Alex Iwobi, assisting his 38th minute strike by picking him out at the top of the box. The 27-year-old from  had four shots of his own including his goal, and created four other chances for teammates on top of his assist. Sánchez played 61 passes at 84% success rate, won two duels, a tackle and a take-on in the victory.

Philippe Coutinho, who had five shots and five shot assists as well as the opening goal in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham, just misses out.

  1. Ruben LOFTUS-CHEEK – Attacking-midfielder – Chelsea

Chelsea young gun Loftus-Cheek is enjoying regular game time in the Premier League and is beginning to come into his own, taking massive strides forward since the beginning of the season. The 20-year-old scored his first Premier League goal for the Londoners in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa, in just his eighth senior start for the campaign. The  Englishman had a day to remember, his two shots rewarding him a goal, one of his 56 passes at an incredible 95% success rate resulted in a shot assist and the youngster won eight duels and three take-ons, in a performance that is bound to see him gaining more attention and more minutes in Chelsea’s remaining seven matches.

  1. Dimitri PAYET – Attacking-midfielder – West Ham United

The 29-year-old Frenchman was fresh from scoring on his birthday for his country and it was no different in West Ham United’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, when he executed yet another perfect free-kick to add to his collection. Playing his 24th match for the campaign, Payet had three shots, including his amazing 41st minute strike, provided four shot assists, played 37 passes, won six duels and two take-ons in another dominant display. Payet has made a significant contribution to the Hammers season and helped them be in Champions League contention, sitting sixth and just three points adrift of Manchester City in fourth.

  1. Dieumerci MBOKANI – Striker – Norwich City

The 30-year-old from Congo DR is determined to be the spearhead behind Norwich City’s survival battle and showed good signs of the possibilities in Norwich City’s dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle. Mbokani put Norwich ahead in the 74th minute, before Aleksandar Mitrovic’s second levelled the scores in the 86th. Martin Olsson provided the final twist in the 93rd minute, scoring the winner to end the game 3-2 in favour of the Canaries. Mbokani was a standout up front, taking three shots, providing four shot assists and playing 31 passes in he victory that earned Norwich a valuable three points and pushed them four clear of the drop. He won an incredible 15 duels (eight aerial), as well as one tackle and take-on in the match.

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