Premier League: Team of the Week

Some of the biggest teams in England Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United lost this past weekend to Crystal Palace, West Ham and Swansea City respectively; theowners of the first threesurely looking at the possibility of getting fresh faces into the lineup before the end of the transfer-window.Elsewhere, there were victories for the other powerhouses, Arsenal and Manchester City, while slow-starters, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, finally claimed their first victories of the new Premier League season.There were goals, debatable red cards, saves as the Premier League continues to entertain and excite fans all across the globe.Who made it to this weeks Team of the Week?

#1 Goalkeeper

Tim Howard kept a clean sheet against Tottenham Hotspur

Tim Howard – Everton

The veteran American goalkeeper has come under criticism over the past couple of years with Everton fans having an opinion that manager Roberto Martinez should replace the shot-stopper with someone younger and more capable. But it was the experience of Howard that saved Everton from defeat this past week as he was called into action six times during the game against Tottenham.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper’s most notable saves were from a Harry Kane shot, when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, from Ryan Mason moments later, and another save from Nacer Chadli that was certainly headed straight for the back of the net.

This was the second clean sheet in four games for Howard, and if the quality of saves in the last game is any indication, it is unlikely to be his last.

#2 Defence

Bacary Sagna – Manchester City

When Sagna was at his former club Arsenal, such performances were expected from the French full-back week-in, week-out. After joining Manchester City, they have become a rarity because of injuries, being second-choice to Pablo Zabaleta and a general dip in form.

With Zabaleta still out for the near future, it is such performances - an assist and 95% passing accuracy - that will keep Sagna in the team at Manchester City and regularly making our team of the week.

Ashley Williams – Swansea City

For some, Williams’ impressive performance will be credited to the misfiring of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney who is out of form and confidence. However, it is his intelligence, bravery and never-say-die attitude of Williams that allowed him to make two last ditch tackles on Rooney in the box to prevent him from taking a shot on goal.

He also made a highly impressive 15 clearances.

Damien Delaney – Crystal Palace

It appears to be a week for the 30+ club as the 34-year-old Crystal Palace defender makes his first appearance in the team of the week. The Irish defender made an exceptional 16 clearances, blocked 3 shots and won 5 aerial challenges during the course of the game.

However, for the central defender, it will be the three points against champions Chelsea and not individual achievements that will give the squad a boost going into the international break.

Aaron Cresswell – West Ham United

As the West Ham team outplayed and outclassed Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool this Sunday, it was the overall performance of Cresswell that stood out. A constant threat with his overlapping runs from left-back, Cresswell’s name on the assist sheet was well deserved.

Defensively, he was part of a unit that secured a clean sheet, completely shutting down Liverpool’s attack from the right flank.

#3 Midfield

Sadio Mane – Southampton

With speculation of a move to Manchester United and added pressure from the media, Mane put in one of his best performances for Southampton this past week. He ran through and around the Norwich defence that was a man short after losing Steven Whittaker to a red card early in the game. Mane may not have had a goal to his name, but he played a crucial role in all three Southampton goals.

Manuel Lanzini – West Ham United

A virtual unknown walking into Upton Park, Lanzini couldn’t have asked for a better debut. It was followed by the club’s fans giving him a rousing applause as he walked off the pitch at Anfield.

It was truly a fantastic display with him breaking the deadlock in the third minute after an opportunistic finish. Then, a second goal after his cross caused confusion in the box saw him complete a very successful debut for the Hammers.

Dusan Tadic – Southampton

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. With Southampton still looking for their first win of the season and completely off-colour, they really needed one of their star names to grab the game by the scruff of its neck and grab the victory.

Tadic’s silky feet and composure on the ball gave the rest of his Southampton players the confidence and allowed them to get into the game. His two goals will give him the confidence personally, scoring his first and second goal of the season.

Scott Sinclair – Aston Villa

After a career that went nowhere at Manchester City, his transfer from Swansea may have finally found Sinclair a home at Villa Park. After scoring his first goal from the penalty spot, Sinclair’s second – a run and finish – showed his quality with the ball at his feet.

This could be a key period for Sinclair as he tries to resurrect his career and get back into international reckoning.

#4 Attack

Bafetimbi Gomis – Swansea City

His weak finish for Swansea’s winner will be remembered for Sergio Romero’s terrible game, but there was more to Gomis’ inclusion in the team of the week than just his goal. He looked like he was up for this game from the very beginning, causing the defenders constant trouble with his diagonal runs.

He fired a warning shot in the first-half with his well-placed shot hitting the outside of Romero’s post while he almost set up Gylfi Sigurdsson for another from a set piece. Even as he got the winner, his positioning and reading of the game must be commended as he continues his rich vein of form, scoring in four consecutive games - the first player from Swansea to do so in the Premier League.

Andre Ayew – Swansea City

Swansea manager Garry Monk may have just found himself the bargain of the season. Ghanaian Ayew cost the Welsh club nothing but his returns have already been spectacular.

After Manchester United went a goal up, Ayew came up with the equalizing header and had a role to play in Gomis’ winner with a delightful cross from the outside of his favoured left boot. The two Swansea strikers, together, helped their manager secure a third victory in three games over Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

SUBSTITUTES: Boaz Myhill (Hull City), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Joel Ward (Crystal Palace), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Graziano Pelle (Southampton)

Edited by Staff Editor

Premier League: Team of the Week - Gameweek 4