EPL – Outside90's Team of the Week – Matchday 13

EPL – Outside90's Team of the Week – Matchday 13 [VIDEO]

By
Rob Officer
-
0
SHARE

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

With muliple one-sided affairs and a few surprises this edition of the Team of the Week might surprise some people.

Team-of-the-Week-EPL13-compressor

David DE GEA – Goalkeeper (Manchester United)

There was very little David de Gea could have done about the Watford penalty in his side’s 2-1 last gasp win at Vicarage Road. Unfortunately for de Gea, the spot kick from Troy Deeney was too good in the 87th minute and levelled the scores at 1-1. Luckily for United though, Deeney scored just three minutes later at the wrong end, gifting the Red Devils the win. The Spanish goalkeeper had much to do in the match, making a number of fine denials against Deeney in open play, as well as a world class save to tip a deflected shot from Almen Abdi away from danger. If not for the 25-year-old the lucky escape for United could have been a disaster.

Séamus COLEMAN – Right-back (Everton)

Séamus Coleman combined well with his teammates for the length of the match and was always an option on the right when Everton were going forward. He won all of his tackles and had 30 passes throughout the 4-0 win over Aston Villa. The Irishman provided the assist for Belgian Romelu Lukaku in the 28th minute, with his short lofted cross finding the striker at the near post to head across goal into the bottom-left. Defensively Coleman was solid, despite Aston Villa only recording three shots on target and 40% possession.

Martin ŠKRTEL – Centre-back (Liverpool)

Despite his 81st minute rocket to seal the 4-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, the Liverpool defender was solid in dealing with some of the world’s best. Martin Škrtel won all his tackles, all his duels and all his aerial duels in the emphatic victory. The Reds defender also made a number of last minute challenges and interceptions that would have left goalkeeper Simon Mignolet exposed. The Slovakian was partially to blame for the City goal, his clearance from the defensive line perhaps could have been better directed, and instead fell to a city player on halfway, but there was not much else anyone could do to stop Sergio Agüero after he received the ball. The result was fantastic for Liverpool and a quality display from the established defender more than helped their cause.

John STONES – Centre-back  (Everton)

It was not the young Englishman’s toughest challenge but a solid defensive display nonetheless. The 21-year-old is showing traits you would expect from an experienced defender and a clean sheet against Aston Villa is a sound reward. He has been linked to Chelsea and Barcelona within the last year and a recent poll among fans of the Spanish giants had a staggering 75% saying they want Stones as their club’s next signing. John Stones accumulated 77 successful passes at a total of 93% accuracy as he owned the Everton defensive line, also winning four out of five duels. There is no denying that he has talent and it will be very difficult for Everton to maintain his services, especially with big clubs circling not just in the Premier League, but Europe as well.

Erik PIETERS – Left-back (Stoke City)

Erik Pieters played an inspiring match on the left for Stoke City, helping them to a 1-0 away win against now eighth place Southampton. Pieters made 30 passes at 91% accuracy, including the important assist for the only goal of the contest. He received the ball just outside the top left of the box, whipping in toward the near post where it was turning in by Bojan Krkić. The Dutchman won all his tackles and had three crosses throughout the match at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Philippe COUTINHO – Midfielder (Liverpool)

Another fantastic performance from the young Brazilian, who played his part in the first three goals and was the artist behind continuous chances for the Reds. Philippe Coutinho assisted Roberto Firmino’s goal, forced pressure on Eliaquim Mangala (who scored Liverpool’s first with an own goal), and recorded one for himself, making scoring a habit against Manchester City. Jordon Ibe replaced the 23-year-old in the 68th minute though, after he appeared to sustain a hamstring injury. Liverpool looked the goods in the 4-1 win with Coutinho playing a major role, it would be unfortunate for him to succumb to injury as he is a key player for a club looking to regain their top four position.

Ross BARKLEY – Midfielder (Everton)

A dominant game from the English midfielder saw him make 43 passes at 88% accuracy, which included an assist for Romelu Lukaku’s second goal. Barkley managed to score two for himself, working into the right place at the right time on both occasions. Admittedly it was not his best performance of the year, but a reminder that his consistency is something that has helped Everton disobey preseason predictions and has them sitting seventh in the Premier League after 13 matchdays. His two goals and assist asserted Everton’s superiority in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa and he remains a key man in the Toffee’s success.

Roberto FIRMINO – Midfielder (Liverpool)

Firmino capped-off a fantastic night for Liverpool with his first goal for the club in their 4-1 win at Manchester City. The Brazilian could have scored at least three if not for opposition goalkeeper Joe Hart, who made some fine saves to deny the 24-year-old. Firmino was linking well, most notably with fellow Brazilian and O90 Team of the Week teammate Philippe Coutinho, playing his part in Liverpool’s first three goals. His pressure (along with others) forced the first, he providing the perfect ball to assist Coutinho for the second and then he scoring the third himself, all this in the space of 33 minutes. His performance was undoubtedly his best since arriving at the club at the beginning of the campaign and he is a player expected to succeed under Jürgen Klopp.

[interaction id=”5653e4f542f2dd112b3efd38″]

Harry KANE – Striker (Tottenham)

Harry Kane’s double has boosted his return for the year after a slow start that had critics wondering if he was a ‘one year wonder’. He missed some wonderful opportunities to add to his tally, however, his brace in Tottenham’s 4-1 win over West Ham United at White Hart Lane is the Englishman’s seventh goal in his last four Premier League matches.

Jamie VARDY – Striker (Leicester City)

Well…it is 10 consecutive Premier League games with a goal for Jamie Vardy and the fairy-tale continues. Just five years ago the 28-year-old was a non-league player and now he has his name in the history books next to one of the best. As Vardy looks to break the record he has just equalled with Ruud van Nistelrooy, it is no surprise he is once again named in Outside90’s Team of the Week and we dare say he will be a mainstay until this impressive streak comes to an end. Vardy will now attempt to break the record for scoring in consecutive matches against Manchester United, van Nistelrooy’s former club, at Old Trafford this weekend. He has come a long way since his centre-forward days at Stocksbridge Park Steels, who currently sit 11th in the EvoStik League Division 1 – South. What a rise, what a story.

Romelu LUKAKU – Striker (Everton)

Lukaku smashed home a delightful double in Everton’s 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa at Goodison Park. The Belgian’s 28th and 59th minute goals where extremely well taken, a glancing header and a composed finish from the left of the penalty spot. The 22-year-old is making a significant mark this season and now has nine goals from his 13 games for the Merseyside club. With the brace in matchday 13, Lukaku became the fifth person to score 50 Premier League goals before the age of 23 (fourth youngest to do so) and joins an impressive list of players who have achieved the same feat – Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.

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.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR