Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Simon MIGNOLET – Goalkeeper – Liverpool
Mignolet was Liverpool’s saviour on more than one occasion, managing a clean sheet contributing to Jürgen Klopp’s first point as Liverpool manager. The Belgian was superb in the 0-0 draw at White Heart Lane with his two highlights being fantastic saves from Spur’s striker Harry Kane and midfielder Clinton Njié. The 27-year-old has been under scrutiny at times during his career with the Reds but has found a new belief since his recall midway through last year’s campaign.
Héctor BELLERÍN – Right-back – Arsenal
The 20-year-old Spaniard showed excellent composure in just his 28th appearance for Arsenal, causing Chelsea loanee Nathan Aké all sorts of problems. Bellerín, who was on loan at Watford in the 2013-2014 season assisted Aaron Ramsey’s 74th minute goal that sealed the 3-0 win for the Gunners at Vicarage Road. Bellerín is a speedster and his pace at right-back helps in get into attacking positions, putting in six crosses for the match, but also being able to get back and defend on the counter-attack.
Chris SMALLING – Centre-back – Manchester United
Chris Smalling has come a long way since his arrival at Manchester United and is now considered a senior defender. Never known for his ability and always with a few question marks over his head, Smalling did his job in his classic battling ways to contain an in form Romelu Lukaku and contribute to a clean sheet for the Red Devils in their 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. The 25-year-old answered some of his critics with his display that included an assist for United’s first goal scored by Morgan Schneiderlin
Mamadou SAKHO – Centre-back – Liverpool
Sakho showed on the weekened that he has the potential to improve immensely under Klopp with the Frenchman doing everything right in his role in the centre of defence. Liverpool fans would prefer Sakho to Lovren and he showed why with his man of the match display in the 0-0 draw with Spurs at White Heart Lane. His performance was made all the more important with fellow defender Martin Škrtel not performing to the standard expected of him. Mamadou Sakho has had the perfect start to life under Klopp and showed potential to become a top class defender.
Danny ROSE – Left-back – Tottenham
Danny Rose was excellent for Tottenham at left-back throughout Spurs 0-0 draw with Liverpool. Rose won the ball well and managed to keep it, winning 15 duels. Rose provided four crosses and made five very important tackles to help his side maintain a clean sheet. Rose was much busier in the first half than he was in the second defensively but found space to help out on the attack.
Emre CAN – Centre-defensive-midfield – Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers purchased Emre Can as a suitable replacement for Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and despite showing glimpses of ability, he was very underwhelming for the faithful Reds fans. This week in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham, Jürgen Klopp played Can in a position that is natural to him and he put in his best performance to date. Can saved his team their blushes with a number of excellent covering sliding challenges as well as showing plenty of attacking intent. His second half was stronger than his first, displaying fine touch but most notable was the 21-year-old German’s work rate, which would have impressed his new manager. Perhaps a surprise inclusion this week but the chance to finally play in his preferred position had fans impressed.
Raheem STERLING – Midfielder – Manchester City
The question has been circulating about whether or not Liverpool’s new boss Jürgen Klopp would prefer to still have Sterling or the £49m they received from his transfer. On this week’s form it would be a difficult choice! The young Englishman scored a hat-trick, as well as having plenty of shots, providing crosses and was always making speculative runs forward. Not only was he outstanding in attack, his defensive performance was amongst his best. He provided a number of blocks stopping Bournemouth from getting back in the contest. Sterling seemed to be apart of everything City did in the 5-1 win at Etihad Stadium.
Ander HERRERA – Midfielder – Manchester United
Ander Herrera played a match that is sure to get him back in the good books with Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal after struggling to be a regular under the Dutchman. The Spanish midfielder scored in the 22nd minute and provided the assist for Wayne Rooney in the 62nd to secure the 3-0 win against Everton. Herrera passed at 92% accuracy and has put his hand up for consistent selection.
Georginio WIJNALDUM – Midfielder – Newcastle United
A close to perfect performance from the Dutch midfielder provided the spark for Newcastle in their moral boosting victory over Norwich. Wijnaldum was the man of the moment scoring four goals in the 6-2 win, Newcastle’s first of the campaign. His movement in the final third and ability to bypass the Norwich back four with ease showed off talents that have been lacking from his sides line-up. His fourth goal did take a deflection but Wijnaldum deserves all the credit for an outstanding match and a wonderful result for the Toon.
Jamie Vardy – Striker – Leicester City
Vardy was modest as ever after his double secured a point for Leicester City in their come back 2-2 draw with Southampton after trailing 2-0 at half time. Vardy scored in the 66th minute and clinched a point with his second goal coming in the first minute of stoppage time. Vardy had a total of 10 shots on goal however didn’t take the credit for himself. “It’s nothing to do with me really. It is a team game,” he said following the match. Vardy heaped praise on half time substitutes Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Dyer for getting Leicester out of the losing position.
Wilfred BONY – Striker – Manchester City
Wilfred Bony was the other goal scorer in Manchester City’s 5-1 defeat of Bournemouth scoring a brace. His goals came in the 11th and 89th minutes and were both very well taken. The Ivorian faced the daunting task of replacing the injured Sergio Agüero and managed with ease, stepping up for his double and working extremely hard for his teammates. It’s not easy replacing a world-class player such as Agüero but Bony showed his credentials after some criticism, following his £28m move from Swansea City in January 2015.
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