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
The 35-year-old Brazilian was the hero for Watford, saving two penalties to keep out West Bromwich Albion in the Hornets’ 1-0 win. Gomes made four saves, three from inside the box and one from outside, taking his total number of saves for the year to 110. It was Gomes’ 11th clean sheet this campaign and the veteran has been pivotal to their success. Watford sit 12th in the Premier League.
Antonio Valencia – Right-back – Manchester United
In his first start for five months following a spell on the sidelines with injury, Valencia certainly did not look out of place. The 30-year-old played a significant role in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, providing the pass to set up young gun Marcus Rashford. Valencia played 68 passes at 88% and was solid in both defence and attack.
Nicolás Otamendi – Centre-back – Manchester City
The Argentine played a similar role to compatriot Sergio Agüero, but plying his own trade at the opposite end of the pitch. Otamendi helped achieve the clean sheet for City, winning nine duels (four aerial) and three tackles at the back. Otamendi has played a significant role throughout for Manchester City, playing in 26 matches for the campaign, missing only one minute of all those matches after being substituted once at the death of the match.
Jan Vertonghen – Centre-back – Tottenham Hotspur
Another clean sheet for Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen as Spurs saw off Stoke City with ease. As Tottenham push for the league title, it will be their defence that needs to stand up, and Vertonghen is a key man in their success.
Brad Smith – Left-back – Liverpool
Brad Smith had a lot to prove in his first Premier League start for Liverpool and was impressive in his side’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Smith played 36 passes at 81% accuracy for the Reds, providing six crosses and winning two take-ons in attack. Smith’s no-nonsense defending saved Liverpool – the young Aussie came to the rescue on multiple occasions, clearing the area of danger when Danny Ward’s goal was under threat.
Fabio Borini – Midfielder – Sunderland
Fabio Borini played a key role for Sunderland in their 3-0 win over Norwich City, heating up the battle to stay in England’s top flight. The former Liverpool flop scored in the 41st minute via the spot, the Italian finding the corner in style before providing Jermain Defoe with the perfect cross after the break. The 25-year-old had three shots and two shot assists to go with his goal assist.
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N’Golo Kante – Midfielder – Leicester City
N’Golo Kanté has been inspiring for Leicester and despite their slight slip-up, they still believe they have what it takes to win the league. Kanté assisted Jamie Vardy’s opener in the 18th minute with a nice ball following a fast break, and aside from that, covered just abut every blade of grass on the pitch – again.
Andros Townsend – Midfielder – Newcastle United
As Newcastle battle for survival, the intensity in every match gets greater and greater. Andros Townsend put in a brilliant performance for the Toon in their 3-0 win over Swansea City at St James’ Park, providing a goal and an assist. His corner found the head of Jamaal Lascelles in the 40th minute and put the icing on the cake in the 89th, cutting into the box as his deflected shot found the back of the net.
Dele Alli – Attacking-midfielder – Tottenham Hotspur
The Tottenham wonder kid was proving himself yet again, turning in another excellent performance against Stoke City. Alli had eight shots for his two goals and provided three shot assists. The 20-year-old’s goals came in the 67th and 82nd minutes, with Christian Eriksen providing the assist for both.
Harry Kane – Striker – Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane extended his lead over Jamie Vardy in the quest for the Golden Boot despite nearby Sergio Agüero’s hat-trick. The Englishman moves to 24 goals for the season after another impressive doube for Tottenham in their 4-0 win over Stoke City. Kane had five shots for his two goals, the most notable his first in the ninth minute, a fantastic curling shot from the top left of the area.
Sergio Aguero – Striker – Manchester City
Hardly a surprise, the Argentine ace netted a hat-trick in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over champions Chelsea. Agüero had four shots for his three goals, coming in the 33rd, 54th and 80th minutes. Agüero also provided four shot assists, but fortunately for Chelse,a the scoreline did not get any uglier.
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