Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Costel PANTILIMON – Goalkeeper – Sunderland
The Premier League’s tallest player kept a clean sheet in Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. It was the Black Cats first league win of the season and first win in charge under manager Sam Allardyce – the man trusted to keep them in the top flight. The Romanian made eight saves as well as absorbing large periods of pressure from an undermanned Toon who had long periods of possession and were constantly attacking the Sunderland goal. The clean sheet was vital to the Sunderland revival and Pantilimon did whatever it took to guarantee the three points.
DeAndre YEDLIN– Right-back – Sunderland
The young American on loan from Tottenham did an exceptional job contributing to the clean sheet in Sunderland’s 3-0 win. After last week’s display, Yedlin had the task that most right-backs would quiver at, manning up on an in-form Georginio Wijnaldum. The 22-year-old did his job and got forward at every possible occasion, but most importantly defended with intent. No mean feat for the lad playing out of his usual position.
Laurent KOSCIELNY – Centre-back – Arsenal
As always Koscielny was a rock in defence, making sure Arsenal didn’t have any slip-ups at the back. The Frenchman got involved in both boxes, sweetly cracking a headed goal past Tim Howard to give Arsenal the lead in the 38th minute. Koscielny put in a dominate display that we have come to expect from him to secure Arsenal 2-1 win and the three points that saw them briefly sitting top of the league.
Nicolás OTAMENDI – Centre-back – Manchester City
Otamendi was arguably the reason scores remained 0-0 in the Manchester derby. The Argentine was the busiest of all the defenders, making several key interceptions that could have seen the local rivals Manchester United score. The 27-year-old was also the most consistent player on the pitch, putting in a well rounded 90 minute effort as well as avoiding a booking in a match that had the referee reaching to his pocket on a few occasions.
Aaron CRESSWELL – Left-back – West Ham United
Cresswell defended well, which isn’t always easy against the creativity of Chelsea, but more importantly attacked well, providing on outlet down the left flank. The 25-year-old Englishman whipped in some brilliant crosses including the assist to Andy Carroll’s 79th minute winner. West Ham are now third in the Premier League with the 2-1 home win.
Cheikhou KOUYATÉ – Midfielder – West Ham United
The Senegal international gave everything for West Ham to earn the three points over last year’s champions Chelsea. The midfield utility dominated everything he was involved in, including some very valuable tackles to retain possession for his team. Kouyaté was the silent hero for West Ham and although he may have gone under the radar and not performed as well as Dimitri Payet, the importance of his role is enough to earn him a place in our team of the week over his more recognisable teammate.
Gylfi SIGURDSSON – Attacking-midfielder – Swansea City
The often-criticised attacking midfielder proved to be ever so valuable to Swansea in their 2-1 away win over Aston Villa. No more than six minutes after Swansea went behind, Sigurdsson stepped up with one of his trademark free kicks, curling it over the wall and past the goalkeeper. The goal got his team back in the contest and they went on to win in the dying minutes thanks to André Ayew. There is no doubting Sigurdsson’s ability over the dead ball and it is an attribute that every opposing team is fearful of.
Mesut ÖZIL – Midfielder – Arsenal
The German once again showed off his attributes as one of the most talented players in the world. His passing was immaculate in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Everton, with every ball he produced putting the Toffees onto the back foot. Özil provided an excellent cross to assist the opening goal for Olivier Giroud, the ball was perfectly weighted from distance which allowed Giroud to get a touch and turn it past Tim Howard. Özil was unlucky not to have a goal of his own when his shot struck the post.
Olivier Giroud 1-0. That pass from Mesut Ozil is amazing. #Arsenal⚽🔥 pic.twitter.com/CCh0Yz7tH7
— Arsenal Related ⚽🔥 (@ArsenalsRelated) October 24, 2015
Moussa DEMBÉLÉ – Midfielder – Tottenham Hotspur
Dembélé was unlucky to miss selection in last week’s team of the week however his consistent performances over the previous month have showed Tottenham fans that they are a good side, playing a style of football that has been lacking of late. His passing is clever and his work rate off the ball both defensively and in attack is admirable. His goal was taken extremely well and despite being replaced in the 68th minute his job had been done and the three points secured for Spurs.
Jamie VARDY – Striker – Leicester City
That man again. Jamie Vardy has a habit of just popping up when you need him and this week was no exception. In a match between Leicester and Crystal Palace at King Power Stadium that was looking like a bit of a bore, Vardy stepped up in the 59th minute firing home to give Leicester the lead. His ability to produce something week in and week out is fantastic for Leicester and a nightmare for opposition as he would be haunting defenders and goalkeepers in their sleep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiYNLyD-nHg
Harry KANE – Striker – Tottenham Hotspur
Despite his hat-trick consisting of a penalty and two poaching goals Harry Kane was reminiscent of his form in the previous campaign. The England striker worked hard to be a constant threat to Bournemouth’s defence and was making himself available in all sections of the attacking third. That stroke of brilliance he has been lacking is not too far away and Spurs fans will be excited of things to come having seen his name on the score sheet three times. Tottenham’s 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth moved them to sixth place, with four wins, five draws and one loss.
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