Outisde90’s Adam Pallotta selects the standout performers from the last round of English Premier League action for our Team of the Week.
GK: Jack Butland (Stoke City)
Promising Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland maintained his impressive start to the 2014-2015 Premier League campaign with a dominant display against a rampant Arsenal side at the Emirates Stadium. Despite conceding two well-worked goals, the 22-year-old held his own between the sticks. Amassing 10 saves, his singular resistance helped the Potters stay in the match. Butland showed maturity beyond his years behind a defensive line that at times lacked organisation and discipline.
RB: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
An exciting prospect for Arsene Wenger, Hector Bellerin caused many headaches for the Stoke defence. He was composed and agile at the back, also making good decisions when going forward. The pacey right-back created four chances in the match, and was lively all afternoon for the Gunners. His form should see him remain the first choice for the competitive right-back position.
CB: John Stones (Everton)
The young centre-back showed poise and confidence in a dominant win over reigning champions Chelsea. Everton boss Roberto Martinez was duly rewarded for his decision to start John Stones, despite the recent transfer saga surrounding his big money move to Chelsea. The highly-touted defender made a crucial block to deny Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and looked comfortable in the heart of the Toffees defence.
CB: Virgil van Dijk (Southampton)
Making his debut for Southampton following a summer switch from Scottish giants Celtic, van Dijk put on a solid defensive performance and showcased his incisive passing ability from the back. His partnership with Saints captain Jose Fonte in the centre of defence looks promising – they combined well to ensure former teammate Rickie Lambert had little impact in attack. Van Dijk’s contributions helped restrict the Baggies to just one shot on target in 90 minutes.
LB: Daley Blind (Manchester United)
The unsung hero of the match, Daley Blind did it all for Manchester United over the weekend against rivals Liverpool. Delivered an impressive strike from a well-worked free kick to open the scoring, and twice saved his side at the other end with frantic goal-line clearances to deny Ings and Firmino. Led well from the back in a neat and tidy fashion, making light work of a lacklustre Merseyside outfit.
LM: Dusan Tadic (Southampton)
After scoring a brace in his last outing, Dusan Tadic failed to get on the scoresheet at the Hawthorns – but still provided the zip and energy that he is known for. He delivered 10+ crosses and four key passes in the goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion and is establishing himself as the most dangerous creator for the Southampton attack. Notably, an accurate cross from the right to find Jay Rodriguez, and a promising counter-attack pass to James Ward-Prowse should have been buried in the net.
CM: Ryan Mason (Tottenham)
Ryan Mason was the only shining light for Tottenham in what was a dull contest against Sunderland. The England international accrued a great deal of possession since being restored to a deeper role in midfield and made intelligent runs forward into dangerous space. He received and released the ball confidently and following a string of 15 passes, scored the decisive goal late in the match. Mason’s individual intervention saved Tottenham further blushes, and helped them to their first win of the season.
CM: Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City)
Wes Hoolahan was the most influential player in the Canaries’ 3-1 weekend win over Bournemouth. He proved dangerous all over the pitch, with great vision and defence-splitting passes. The 33-year-old was a main contributor in a dominant second-half for the hosts, an outstanding run and low pass to the advantage of Cameron Jerome opened the scoring after 35 minutes. An amicable work rate was then duly rewarded when he capitalised on poor defending to find space and scored with a terrific low drive. Hoolahan ran the show for much of the afternoon and his creativity in the No.10 role was instrumental, allowing the Canaries to notch their first home win this season.
RM: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
After a quiet first-half, Riyad Mahrez was switched into the centre of the park and sparked a thrilling come-from-behind win for Leicester, overrunning the drained Aston Villa. Mahrez continued his sensational start to the season and bamboozled the Villans team with quick feet and sharp passing. Although not adding to his personal tally, he managed four shots and was the creator of two goals for the Foxes.
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ST: Steven Naismith (Everton)
The best performer of the round, Steven Naismith shined for Everton after coming-off the bench and scoring a perfect hat-trick to consign Chelsea to their worst start to the season. Entering the match after nine minutes following an injury to Muhamed Besic, the tireless Scot delivered an inspired performance starting with a quick one-two play with Scott Galloway, ending in a forceful header for his first goal. He added a second five minutes later, with a left-footed strike across a scrambling Begovic that hit the bottom right-hand corner from long-range. The 29-year-old scored his third following a well-timed run into the penalty box and cool finish from a tough angle to claim the match ball. The introduction of Naismith was pivotal to the win and for his career, with Everton almost selling him to Norwich on deadline day of the recently closed transfer window.
ST: Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
France international Dimitri Payet’s dazzling display, typified by a goal in each half, ensured an emphatic victory over a lethargic Newcastle. The playmaker maintained his impressive start to the 2015-16 season, showcasing his balance of flair, strength, and blistering pace. His first goal, a side-footed curler, was expertly taken into the top right-hand corner from long-range, completing a brace when his cool-headedness allowed for a follow up from Victor Moses’ strike. His partnership with Moses proved a nuisance for the Geordies’ defence, and should excite the Hammer’s faithful.
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