Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Heurelho GOMES – Goalkeeper – Watford
Gomes made three vital saves and secured his team a point in Watford’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth. The 35-year-old proving valuable to his side as he kept out some tremendous chances with some excellent glove work. It was Gomes’ 10th clean sheet of the campaign and the draw takes his overall saves tally to 81. A special mention must go to Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski who made an incredible 12 saves, however, he conceded two goals in seven minutes to cost the Swans the lead and the three points.
Kyle WALKER – Right-back – Tottenham Hotspur
Kyle Walker proved the assist for Nacer Chadli’s equaliser that boosted Tottenham into gear in their come back win over Swansea. Walker was working hard up and down the right flank in attack and defence and had two shots himself as well as three shot assists including Chadli’s goal. The 25-year-old played 37 passes at 81% accuracy, provided seven crosses, won three duels, one tackle and one take-on in the victory that really sets the London club up for a title charge.
Simon FRANCIS – Centre-back – Bournemouth
Francis was a rock in defence for Bournemouth who’s 0-0 draw with Watford could have been more if the strikers had taken their chances. Francis however, was solely focused on keeping Watford out and his display left an impression. He played 36 passes at 78% accuracy winning eight duels, six of which were aerial, in the contest were Watford had 14 shots but only notched one on target. The 31-year-old won 100% of his attempted tackles and worked hard for the point that helps keep Bournemouth five points clear of the drop zone.
Branislav IVANOVIĆ – Centre-back – Chelsea
The 32-year-old Serbian powered home an 89th minute winner that gave Chelsea the edge over Southampton. The header was slammed home by the defender to secure all three points for Chelsea who have really turned their season around, and are undefeated under Guus Hiddink. Ivanović, who was playing as a central defender instead of on a flank, played 36 passes at 83% accuracy, won 10 duels (eight aerial), and a tackle in his impressive, match-winning display.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8d0HKZw3gM
Danny ROSE – Left-back – Tottenham Hotspur
The title challenge looked to be hitting a roadblock for Spurs after going behind early in the first half. It wasn’t until the 70th minute when Nacer Chadli equalised that the belief was restored and the victory was ultimately secured by Danny Rose who netted the winner in the 77th minute for Spurs to defeat Swansea 2-1. Rose was solid at the back as well as in attack, having three shots and three shot assists over the course of the match. The 25-year-old Englishman played 28 passes that included three crosses, won five duels and two tackles in what was his 15th appearance for the campaign. Tottenham are still right in the title chase, just two points behind league leaders Leicester City and with Arsenal falling to Manchester United it might be becoming a two horse race.
Craig GARDNER – Midfielder – West Bromwich Albion
Craig Gardner played a huge role in West Bromwich Albion’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, getting his side off to the perfect start, scoring in the 12th minute. The 29-year-old then turned provider, assisting Craig Dawson’s 20th minute header to double their lead from a set piece. Gardner had six shots to accompany his goal and goal assist, playing 37 passes at 76% accuracy. He was solid through the midfield, winning nine duels, all five tackles he attempted and one take-on in the victory that moves West Brom to 13th.
Cesc FÀBREGAS – Midfielder – Chelsea
The Spaniard played a key role in Chelsea’s come from behind win over Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, scoring the equaliser in the 75th minute. Fàbregas was the architect behind everything Chelsea did moving forward and was rewarded, albeit with some luck, when his cross drifted across the goal and nestled in the bottom right corner. The 28-year-old has played 26 games for the Blues this campaign and his return to form has been a key part of Chelsea’s climb back toward the top of the Premier League. The midfielder had two shots for his goal, played an astonishing 128 passes at 86% accuracy, won six duels and four tackles in a brilliant showing.
Michail ANTONIO – Midfielder – West Ham United
The Hammer’s forward scored the winner for West Ham in their 1-0 win over Sunderland at Boleyn Ground with a firing strike across the face of goal and into the bottom left corner. Antonio’s game consisted of 26 passes, as well as winning five duels, three tackles and one take-on in a victory that sees West Ham just four points adrift of Manchester City in fourth place, despite City having a game in hand. Antonio was delighted with his 30th minute strike, so much so that he decided to impress the already ecstatic fans with a memorable goal celebration.
I have a newfound love for Michail Antonio, solely for the Homer Simpson celebration. pic.twitter.com/PEF6d9KcZa
— Bradley Cates (@Bradley_Cates) February 27, 2016
It appears after a firing start, West Ham are settling back into the form that makes them look like a genuine top four contender with 11 games to play.
Marko ARNAUTOVIĆ – Attacking-midfielder – Stoke City
The 26-year-old Austrian scored an impressive brace to lead Stoke City to a 2-1 win over the struggling Aston Villa. Arnautović’s goals coming within five minutes of each other to really take charge of the contest at The Britannia Stadium and secure the three points. The attacking-midfielder had a total of four shots for his two goals, played five crosses, won three duels (two aerial) and completed 39 passes at 72% success. The win sees Stoke City jump Liverpool into eighth place despite having played an extra game.
Connor WICKHAM – Striker – Crystal Palace
The young striker had a day to remember despite the result not falling his team’s way, Crystal Palace going down to West Brom 3-2. Wickham scored in the 48th and 80th minutes to keep the Eagles alive, his second strike the most notable of the two, a fantastic volley from the top of the box. The 22-year-old managed four shots for his two goals, played 24 passes, won eight duels (five aerial) and a take-on in what was an excellent display in a losing side. It was Wickham’s 14th appearance of the campaign and with a performance like that you would imagine some more game time for the youngster as Palace battle to find their early season form.
Marcus RASHFORD – Striker – Manchester United
It was a memorable Premier League debut for Rashford, who only made his first team debut midweek in the Europa League. The 18-year-old Englishman made it look easy, scoring a magnificent brace in United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal. Rashford scored in the 29th minute, slamming home a rebound from the middle of the box and in the 32nd minute, where he headed home from a cross. Rashford then assisted Ander Herrera’s goal, providing the cutback pass to the top of the box. Rashford played 14 passes, won three duels and had one successful tackle before being replaced just 10 minutes from time.
Substitute of the week:
Leonardo ULLOA – Leicester City
The 29-year-old Argentine made his presence felt, scoring in the 89th minute to break the deadlock and ultimately earn Leicester three more valuable points in their quest to make history. Ulloa replaced Daniel Amartey in the 78th minute and proved to be the hero at King Power Stadium. Ulloa has been subbed on 15 times this season, but this surely is his most memorable and potentially his most important cameo.
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.
