Premier League 2018/19, Gameweek 16: Team of the Week

Chelsea ended Manchester City's unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea ended Manchester City's unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea ended Manchester City's unbeaten start to the season by defeating them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, in what was the headline result of the weekend in the Premier League.

Courtesy of that, Liverpool moved to the top of the league after their 4-0 trouncing of Bournemouth. Mohamed Salah scored a hattrick in that game, as the Reds claimed an easy three points.

London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham also claimed wins, as they defeated Huddersfield and Leicester City respectively. Manchester United gave their home fans something to cheer about when the defeated Fulham 4-1. The result meant that Claudio Ranieri's side is rooted to the bottom.

Burnley claimed a vital 1-0 win over Brighton which lifted them out of the relegation zone. Cardiff won their third consecutive home game, as they beat Southampton 1-0. Saints' new manager Ralph Hassenhuttl is not off to the best of starts.

Wolves won dramatically at Newcastle with a late winner, and Everton rounded off the matches by claiming a gasp 2-2 draw with Watford at Goodison Park on Monday night.

The fixtures saw a host of great individual performances as well. On that note, here is the team of the week from game week 16 of the Premier League.

Goalkeeper: Ben Foster

Foster was like a brick wall for Watford
Foster was like a brick wall for Watford

Goalkeepers can rarely claim that they won points on their own for the team, but Foster did just that for Watford. The Hornets had just taken the lead, and Everton were granted a penalty. Up stepped Gylfi Sigurdsson, and Foster pulled off a great save with his legs to deny him.

He made three saves throughout the game, but his penalty save was the most important contribution. Foster was not really at fault for Everton's last-minute equaliser, but he clinched a point for Watford nonetheless.

Defenders

Azpilicueta pulls off a heroic block
Azpilicueta pulls off a heroic block

Left-back: Andrew Robertson

Robertson has been a consistent performer for Jurgen Klopp this season, and he put in another solid performance at the Vitality Stadium.

The Scottish skipper made 4 tackles, 3 clearances, and 4 blocks. He also provided the cross which resulted in an own goal by Steve Cook, which essentially settled the game for Liverpool. He had 97 touches in the game, which were more than any other player on the pitch.

Centre-back: David Luiz

Luiz has not impressed in all the games for Chelsea, but he was at his best against Manchester City.

He was solid defensively and made a great tackle on Leroy Sane when he was through in the first half. Overall he made 2 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 blocks, and won 5 aerial duels. Luiz played a brilliant long ball to Pedro to start the move for Chelsea's first goal, and he scored the second from a corner. A game to remember for the Brazilian.

Centre-back: James Tarkowski

Tarkowski, like Burnley, in general, has failed to maintain the high standards from last season. Saturday's home win against Brighton was a promising one for the Clarets, and Tarkowski played a starring role.

He scored the solitary goal of the game, which came off his chest after Jack Cork's shot arrived into his path. Tarkowski also made 1 tackle, 5 clearances, and won 8 aerial duels. A solid display from the England international.

Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spaniard is not a modern full-back, and he does not offer attacking output which Marcos Alonso offers on the other flank for Chelsea. But in games like the one against Manchester City, his importance is especially highlighted.

Azpilicueta had to deal with Leroy Sane in the first half, and Raheem Sterling in the second. He managed it impressively, effecting a staggering 13 tackles in the game. His heroic block on Sane's shot in the first half prevented a clear goal, and his defensive performance was a strong one throughout.

Midfielders

Mata scored a sublime goal and set up another
Mata scored a sublime goal and set up another

Center midfield: Lucas Torreira

The Uruguayan is certainly becoming a fan favourite at the Emirates. He was impressive against Huddersfield as well and earned the points for his side with the winning goal.

The game seemed to be headed for a stalemate before Torreira popped in the box late on and finished with a sensational bicycle kick. He made 2 tackles and 2 key passes and maintained control in midfield alongside Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi.

Attacking midfield: Juan Mata

Mata has been far from a guaranteed starter this season, but the Spaniard still possess the magic, and he showed that against Fulham.

He scored the second goal for United after a flowing move and then set up Romelu Lukaku to score by a tap in to essentially wrap up the game before half-time. Mata completed 1 dribble and 3 key passes and kept the game ticking over for Jose Mourinho.

Center midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure

Doucoure had a stellar season last time, and he has continued that run. The Frenchman was brilliant against Everton, as Watford claimed a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

He rose high to head Roberto Pereyra cross past Jordan Pickford, and the goal won the game for the visitors. Doucoure made 3 tackles, 2 clearances, and he kept the control in midfield as Watford battled back from a deficit.

Forwards

Salah was brilliant against Bournemouth
Salah was brilliant against Bournemouth

Right winger: Son Heung-min

The South Korean has been a slow starter this season, partly due to the Asian Games and partly due to Lucas Moura's form. But he looks to be back to his best, and his performance at the King Power Stadium was another sign of the same.

He opened the scoring with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box, and then he crossed for Dele Alli to score the second. In the absence of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, Son took the leader's role. He is sure to play a crucial part in Tuesday's vital match against Barcelona.

Striker: Mohamed Salah

Do you still think he's not doing it this season? Salah exploded on Saturday against Bournemouth, as the Egyptian scored a hattrick to send Liverpool to the top of the table courtesy of Manchester City's loss to Chelsea.

He opened the scoring after slotting in the rebound, and then double the lead after a low finish at the end of a slaloming run. Salah completed his hattrick in style, going past Steve Cook and Asmir Begovic before producing a cool finish. He is the joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals, as he will hope to regain his Golden Boot.

Left winger: Felipe Anderson

Marko Arnautovic's injury meant that West Ham needed a new talisman, and Anderson stepped up to the plate against Crystal Palace.

Javier Hernandez gave the Hammers the lead when he slotted in after Anderson's free-kick rebounded to him. Then Anderson scored himself, a sensational curling effort which turned out to be the eventual game-winner. He attempted 6 dribbles, made 2 tackles, and provided the spark going forward for the Hammers

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Edited by Vikshith R
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