Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best performers from the fourth round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Tim HOWARD – Everton
Howard put on a clinic to secure Everton a point in their 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Heart Lane. The American managed some fine saves, his best denying Ryan Mason with a spectacular reflex save in a one-on-one situation, diving to his bottom-right from point blank range. Howard made a total of six saves and was man of the match.
Joel WARD – Crystal Palace
Joel Ward was never beaten down his right-flank and did a superb job keeping Chelsea ace Eden Hazard quiet for the majority of the match. Ward’s performance in his side’s 2-1 win over the defending champions certainly will not be forgotten, with the defender heading the Eagles into the lead in the 81st minute at Stamford Bridge. The goal proved the winner and earned a valuable three away points for Crystal Palace, who move to outright second in the Premier League.
Winston REID – West Ham United
The 27-year-old Kiwi did an excellent job leading West Ham’s defence in their 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. The Hammers had not won at Anfield since 1963, but with Reid stopping any sort of attack from Christian Benteke and Philippe Coutinho, he played a major role in the curse being broken some 52 years later. Reid always looked comfortable and played with a confidence that contributed to the clean sheet, Liverpool only having one shot on target in the match.
Damien DELANEY – Crystal Palace
The Irishman gave striker Diego Costa headaches throughout the weekend’s match and produced significant tackles when his side required it and also making a number of blocks to stop Chelsea’s world-class forwards from finding the back of the net. It was a great day for Palace, announcing their intent this season and showing their likeliness of finishing in the top half of the table.
Aaron CRESSWELL – West Ham United
After what was a below average performance against Leicester a week prior, Cresswell was up to the task, defending well and proving a handful when in attack. The 25-year-old was born in Liverpool and he felt right at home at Anfield, providing the assist for Manuel Lanzini’s opening goal in West Ham’s 3-0 win.
FERNANDINHO – Manchester City
Fernandinho scored an absolute stunner in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Watford at Etihad Stadium. The Brazilian proved his worth, showing-off his fancy footwork and team orientated style of play. He will play a major role in Manchester City’s title aspirations, also generating three shot assists and completing 96% of his passes.
Glenn WHELAN – Stoke City
Despite a 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion at the Britannia Stadium, Whelan was impressive both defensively and in attack. It was a well-rounded performance from the 31-year-old, who shut down in form midfielders James Morrison and Darren Fletcher. The Irishman passed well into Stokes attacking third, creating two shot assists and passing at 88% accuracy. Whelan was not beaten in any tackle (3), duel (8), take-ons (3), or aerial duels (2) throughout the 90 minutes, a brilliant performance in a losing side.
Jeremain LENS – Sunderland
The Dutchman found the net with a very well taken shot in the 52nd minute to equalise for Sunderland in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Despite a slow start to the season and being favourites for relegation, the Black Cats have improved dramatically in the last two weeks, largely because of Jeremain Lens. He was a huge threat in the second-half and will be a key player this season if Dick Advocaat’s squad are to survive. Lens makes it two weeks in a row in the Outside90 Team of the Week.
Bakary SAKO – Crystal Palace
With a goal and the assist for Ward to his name, Bakary Sako proved valuable for the Eagles in their triumph over Chelsea. The Malian was causing major concerns for Jose Mourinho’s defence, who do not look up to the standard required to defend their title with any conviction. Sako’s finish was extremely well taken and gave Palace the belief they can get the impossible done.
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Raheem STERLING – Manchester City
Sterling has been subject to a lot of criticism over the offseason after his very public transfer saga from Liverpool to Manchester City. Having scored very early on debut during the ICC tournament in Australia, he has being lethal on the left for the Sky Blues and his pure determination to score for the league leaders paid-off. He seems to be playing with the passion he lacked during his last campaign at Anfield and is relishing the opportunity to play with Manchester City’s superstar team with less weight on his shoulders.
Bafétimbi GOMIS – Swansea
Gomis has made it four goals in four games this year for Swansea City and despite a goalkeeping error, his strike was enough to secure three home points for Swansea against the might of Manchester United. The Frenchman was unlucky not to score in the first-half when he hit the bar, but bounced back to hit the target with the 66th minute winner. Gomis has to be the in form striker of the competition, having scored in every game and looking dangerous whenever he is on the ball.
Two consecutive weeks in the Outside90 Team of the Week, however, he just barely gets the nod ahead of Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson, who scored a stunning overhead bicycle kick goal against Leicester.
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