Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best individual performances from the latest round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Kasper Schmeichel – Goalkeeper – Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel’s five saves significantly contributed to Leicester earning a point against Manchester City in their 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium. It was Schmeichel’s fourth clean sheet of the season thanks to some fantastic saves that denied Raheem Sterling on two occasions and Kevin De Bruyne once. Schmeichel now averages 2.68 saves per match.
Glenn Johnson – Right-back – Stoke City
Despite a goal-fest at Goodison Park, Johnson did little wrong in defence and indeed attack for Stoke City, who came out 4-3 winners. Johnson was excellent in a well rounded display of attacking intent, solid defending and composure.
Robert Huth – Centre-back – Leicester City
The 31-year-old German was significant in Leicester City’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City, throwing himself in front of numerous shots and ensuring a clean path to goal was tough to find. Huth was organised and his dominance in the air thwarted plenty of City attacks, frustrating the away team. Despite enjoying 61% possession, the Sky Blues could only manage five shots on target, while seven were blocked, the majority by Huth himself.
Gabriel – Centre-back – Arsenal
Arsenal fans are begging for Gabriel Paulista to replace Per Mertesacker in the starting lineup after a dominant display against Bournemouth. The 25-year-old Brazilian scored his first goal for the Gunners in the 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, a powerful header into the top right-hand corner of the goal following a corner.
Aleksandar Kolarov – Left-back – Manchester City
Kolarov played another impressive game for Manchester City, something everyone has come to expect. The 30-year-old was everywhere, supporting and creating in attacks as well as closing down and helping out in defence. The Serb supplied 10 crosses and won seven of eight duels.
Daley Blind – Defensive-midfielder – Manchester United
The Dutch midfielder slotted in at centre-back for Manchester United and held his own in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford. Blind made 78 passes at an incredible 97% accuracy and won all four tackles he attempted. It was a game in which the Red Devils dominated possession, but only managed two shots on target whereas struggling Chelsea managed three.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Midfielder – Stoke City
Shaqiri’s two goals provided the foundation for a thrilling 4-3 victory for Stoke City against Everton. The Swiss star surprised everyone by signing with Stoke City after stints at Bayern Munich and Inter Milan but is proving to be worth the club record £12 million fee. Shaqiri made 26 passes in the match and although his other statistics did not stand out above others, his goals were something to behold, most notably his second.
Mesut Ozil – Midfielder – Arsenal
Was it ever really in any doubt? Mesut Özil had another outstanding match as Arsenal disposed of Bournemouth 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The German was at his best, boasting a 95% pass completion rate, another assist and a fantastic goal of his own. Özil took a touch to the right-hand side of the goal then finished to the bottom left corner, sealing the points for Arsenal who now sit top of the Premier League.
Darren Fletcher – Midfielder – West Bromwich Albion
Darren Fletcher was the hero for West Bromwich Albion, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Hawthorns. Fletcher’s 78th-minute header was enough to steal the points, leaving West Brom 13th as the Premier League enters into the New Year. The former Manchester United man is captain of West Bromwich Albion, played a captain’s game and scored a captain’s goal to secure the win.
Ross Barkley – Attacking-midfielder – Everton
Ross Barkley has come of age this season and is now playing consistently good football week in, week out. Barkley made 70 passes at 96% accuracy and provided the assist for Everton’s third goal in amazing fashion. Everton could not do enough to avoid defeat, conceding a penalty and going behind in the 91st minute to lose 4-3 at home. At just 22 years of age, Barkley showed maturity as well as his incredible ability, his assist taking him to seven for the season, third in the Premier League.
Romelu Lukaku – Striker – Everton
Another master class from Romelu Lukaku brought his season goal tally to 15, equal with Leicester’s Jamie Vardy. It was unfortunate for Lukaku to be on the losing side in Everton’s 4-3 loss to Stoke City because his match had everything. Lukaku’s endless endeavour was faultless as the Belgian scored two goals from three shots and worked hard defensively.
Substitute of the Week
Son Heung-min – Midfielder – Tottenham
Son caused ecstasy for Tottenham fans, scoring an 89th-minute winner to give Spurs a 2-1 win over Watford. Son replaced Tom Carroll in the 68th minute and the move paid off when a cross found the South Korean charging toward the ball, his Gianfranco Zola-inspired flick from the near post found itself resting in the back of the net, giving Spurs a valuable three points and ending 2015 on a high note.
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